The Kavango Region is dominated by the Kavango River and its broad flood plains, which makes the area considerably greener than the rest of Namibia. The river forms a natural border between Namibia and Angola for more than 400km and is the lifeline to the Kavango people. The people make a living from fishing, tending cattle and cultivating sorghum, millet and maize. The Kavango people originate from the large lakes of East Africa moving to Kavango between 1750 and 1800. Today the Kavango Region consists of five tribes each led by a traditional chief and assisted by a traditional headman.

The largest urban settlement is the regional capital of Rundu while the towns of Divundu and Nkurenkuru also have sizeable populations.

In the Kavango Region is the wild and undeveloped Khaudum Game Park. It covers 384,000 hectares and is home to animals such as antelope, elephants, zebras, wild dogs, lions, leopards as well as 320 bird species. However game numbers vary considerably as the park is un-fenced enabling animals to follow their natural migration routes. Because the roads can be so poor the best time to visit is during the dry winter months, June to October, but even then a four wheel drive vehicle is essential.

Bordering the Kavango River is Mahango Game Reserve. It covers 244km2 and is characterised by riverine forests, abroad floodplain, magnificent baobabs and large herds of elephant and red lechwe. The game park also harbours rare game species such as buffalo, sable, roan, bushbuck, reedbuck, tsessebe and sitatunga. It is also home to over 400 bird species and is one of the only game parks in Namibia where unguided walking is permitted.

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