Nkurenkuru is a common point of reference for two different ways of exploring Kavango: the town is the regional capital of Kavango West and is also associated with several historic sites. Two routes are also linked to Nkurenkuru. Administrative context, route itineraries and local history thus come together as different perspectives on Kavango. If you would like to get to know the region through specific places and routes, Nkurenkuru offers a clear starting point for doing so.
Routes with different points of reference
The Kavango Open Africa Route is about 383 kilometres long and runs from Nkurenkuru in the west to Mohembo in the east. It focuses on the Kavango’s river landscapes, its people, birds and wildlife. The Four River Route leads from Nkurenkuru in the northeast through the Zambezi Region, the former Caprivi Strip.
These differences help clarify their themes: the first route has an approximate distance and west-to-east endpoints, as well as a connection to Kavango’s river landscapes and wildlife. For the Four River Route, the northeastern direction and the Zambezi Region provide the geographical context. The phrase “former Caprivi Strip” links the regional name Zambezi to an earlier name. The comparison therefore highlights length, endpoints and landscape themes on the one hand, and direction and the region traversed on the other.
Nkurenkuru and its historic points of reference
The Royal Graveyard of Kings and Queens near Mayara is in Nkurenkuru. The town’s historic sites also include a cemetery for German soldiers and police officers, and a cemetery for Finnish missionaries. The first building, a school and a church are also historic points of reference in the town. The sites thus range from burial places for different groups to buildings of historical significance. For a thematic overview, memorial sites and buildings can be considered as two different perspectives on local history.
Further contrasts in the wider destination of Namibia
The wider destination of Namibia offers further landscape and experience profiles. Bogenfels in Tsau //Khaeb National Park is 55 metres high; in Waterberg Plateau Park, dinosaur tracks and rock engravings are among its features. Namib-Naukluft Park has hiking trails and 4x4 routes; activities there include photography, birdwatching, stargazing and fishing. The Okaukuejo waterhole is floodlit at night, and Camp Halali has nature trails.
Nkasa-Rupara National Park consists mostly of reed-bed channels, lagoons and termite-mound islands. 4x4 vehicles with recovery equipment are required there; as there are no facilities, visitors must be self-sufficient. Two designated campsites are located on the banks of the Kwando River: Mparamura, also known as Nzalu, and Lyadura. Check current access and facility conditions in Nkasa-Rupara National Park with the park administration. You should also confirm operating details for activities and facilities, as well as camping arrangements, before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Mahango, Ndiyona, Rundu, Divundu, Bagani, Oshikoto, Zambezi Region, Karas.
Back to the wider travel overview: Namibia.
