The Kavango People
an overview of Namibia's population
The Kavango River in north eastern Namibia forms part of the border between Namibia and Angola and also serves as the focal point of the Kavango people. The major center in this region is the town of Rundu. There are about 140 000 Kavango people in Namibia, and they can be broken into five groups, Mbukushu, Sambiyu, Kwangari, Mbunza and Geiriku.
The traditional home of the Kavango people is the Kavango Region in north eastern Namibia. Traditionally Kavangos make their living from fishing, cattle, and the farming of sorghum, millet and maize. The Kavangos are closely related to the Owambo people and both are thought to have originated in east Africa.
Each tribe is headed by a traditional chief, who is assisted by headmen. The chief has power over his entire tribe and is responsible for the allocation of land. Although the Kavango chiefs are always male, the system is mostly matrilineal.
The Kavango region is well known for its wood carvers, and the Kavango are responsible for the majority of wood carvings you will find in Namibia.
Ndhovu Lodge
Refreshingly, and surprisingly for the area, this lodge does not have the word 'River' as part of its name. Do not be misled it is situated on the banks of the river opposite the Caprivi Game Park (Bwabwata National Park)
