The first 200 or so kilometres to Divundu are the hardest part. In April 2025 the regional governor counted more than 100 potholes on this stretch, and light rehabilitation had only reached about kilometre 70. Later in 2025 the Roads Authority appointed a contractor for the remaining 27 kilometres. Expect potholes and roadworks as far as Divundu, as of October 2026. Fill up in Rundu; the next fuel is at Divundu.
Popa Falls is not a waterfall at all. It is a series of rapids across the Okavango near Divundu, reached on a four-kilometre gravel track, and the state-run NWR has a camp there. After that the B8 crosses Bwabwata National Park, which stretches from the Okavango to the Kwando. Travellers in 2011 reported warning signs and an 80 km/h limit inside the park. Slow down through the villages.
Kongola has fuel again. This is also where the tarred C49 branches off to Mudumu and Nkasa Rupara national parks. In the Zambezi Region the B8 is narrow, and in November 2025 the regional council called for an upgrade because of accidents. Allow six and a half to seven and a half hours of actual driving for the 517 kilometres; the Namibia Tours & Safaris distance chart from 2010 gives eight hours including stops.
Our tipSplit the drive if you can: a night near Divundu and Popa Falls turns one long day into two easy ones. And take malaria seriously. By the end of March 2026 the Zambezi Region had recorded more than 10,000 cases and was a focus of the outbreak, so see a doctor before you go.
The route at a glance
- Roads
- B8
- Distance
- 517 km
- Surface
- tar all the way
- Driving time
- 6.5 to 7.5 hours
- Fuel on the way
- Rundu, Divundu, Kongola
Distances and times as of October 2026, driving time without stops or detours.
Routes that use this stage
Places to stay in Katima Mulilo and Zambezi
AdvertisementThe links lead to trivago. If you book through them we receive a commission; it does not influence the selection. Prices are examples for the night shown.
Zambezi Mubala Lodge
Off The D3508 Kalimbeza Road
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €104per night on 17 July 2027
Check prices on trivago
Caprivi Mutoya Lodge And Campsite
Kalimbeza Road
- Pool
- Spa
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
from €100per night on 18 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Caprivi Houseboat Safari Lodge
Hippo Road
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
- Wi-Fi
from €74per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivago
Protea Hotel by Marriott Zambezi River Lodge
Ngoma Road
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €80per night on 1 January 2027
Check prices on trivago
Thetu Campsite
thetucampsite@gmail.com Zambezi region, Kongola
- Kitchen
- Parking
from €16per night on 17 July 2027
Check prices on trivago
Kololo Guesthouse
Plot 567
- Restaurant
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Air conditioning
from €31per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoRundu to Katima Mulilo: frequently asked questions
How long is the drive from Rundu to Katima Mulilo?
Rundu to Katima Mulilo is 517 kilometres on the B8 via Divundu and Kongola. Allow six and a half to seven and a half hours of actual driving, because the section to Divundu has many potholes.
Where can I get fuel between Rundu and Katima Mulilo?
Between Rundu and Katima Mulilo you can refuel at Divundu and Kongola. Leave Rundu with a full tank.
Is the detour to Popa Falls worth it?
Popa Falls near Divundu is not a waterfall but a set of rapids on the Okavango, reached by a four-kilometre gravel track. With the NWR camp there it makes a good overnight stop to split the long stage to Katima Mulilo.
What is the B8 like between Rundu and Divundu?
The B8 between Rundu and Divundu is tarred but had more than 100 potholes in 2025 and is being rehabilitated in sections. Expect roadworks and slow going, as of October 2026.