Rundu combines urban discoveries with cultural experiences nearby. At the open-air markets, you can discover local products and sample regional food and drink; the Mbungura Woodcraft Co-operative offers products for sale. West of the town is the Living Museum of the Mbunza, which showcases and preserves Mbunza fishing and farming culture. A wetland trail environmental tourism project, which has been launched, adds another point of interest at the Rundu Wetlands near the town. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between a market visit, a cultural presentation and the wetland trail project underway: these highlights appeal to different interests.
Mbunza Culture Nearby
The Living Museum of the Mbunza is located at Lake Samsitu, about 14 kilometres west of Rundu. It is considered a traditional Kavango village, a traditional cultural school and a community enterprise for the Kavango people. The focus is on Mbunza fishing and farming culture, which the museum showcases and preserves. Its traditional presentation includes everyday life: traditional cooking, fire-making, basket and mat weaving, bush walks and fishing are featured alongside blacksmithing, pottery and drum-making. This brings everyday activities and several crafts together. The collection offers a broad cultural perspective and is of interest to travellers who want to explore ways of life and work alongside a variety of crafts.
Markets and Products in Rundu
The open-air markets in Rundu offer a different experience from the museum: there, you can discover local products and sample regional food and drink. The Mbungura Woodcraft Co-operative is also located in Rundu, where products are offered for sale. The two options in town differ in their focus: the markets combine discovering products with sampling regional fare, while the co-operative focuses on selling products. You can therefore consider culinary experiences and products on offer as distinct interests during your stay.
Rundu Wetlands: A Trail Project
In the Rundu area, KOAR, together with the Rundu Town Council and the Kavango Regional Council, has launched an environmental tourism project for a wetland trail. The trail is intended to give visitors and residents access to the Rundu Wetlands near the town. Information boards and markers on trees and shrubs are planned along the route. The trail is intended to provide access; the information boards and markers are part of the planned design. If you would like to include the wetlands in your plans, check before your visit whether the trail is accessible.
Locations to Help You Plan
The markets and co-operative are in Rundu, the Living Museum is at Lake Samsitu about 14 kilometres to the west, and the wetlands are near the town. This geographical distinction helps separate urban interests from attractions nearby. When choosing what to focus on, you can also distinguish between cultural presentations, regional tastings and the trail project underway.
Discover more destinations: Ndiyona, Mahango, Bagani, Divundu
Back to the main travel overview: Kavango.
