Rundu: Gateway to the Kavango Wilderness

• HelloMoro
  [Moh-roh]
• GoodbyeTseke
  [Tseh-keh]
• YesEe
  [Eh]
• NoAowa
  [Ah-oh-wah]
• Please/You're welcomeNawa
  [Nah-wah]
• Thank youNdapandula
  [N-dah-pan-doo-lah]
• Excuse me/SorryTate
  [Tah-teh]
• How are you?Ondi paka?
  [Ohn-dee pah-kah]
• Fine. And you?Muhona. Iwe?
  [Moo-hoh-nah. Ee-weh]
• Do you speak English?Oi ta tjiVambo va Englesa?
  [Oy tah tchee-vam-boh vah Eng-leh-sah]
• I don't understandAha ndi kEla
  [Ah-hah n-dee keh-lah]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNda kulula menu, nawa
  [N-dah koo-loo-lah meh-noo, nah-wah]
• I don't eat meatAha ndi la kOma okukuma
  [Ah-hah n-dee lah koh-mah oh-koo-koo-mah]
• Cheers!Teya!
  [Teh-yah]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNda kEla ongolola, nawa
  [N-dah keh-lah ohn-go-loh-lah, nah-wah]

• Help!Tulonga!
  [Too-lon-gah]
• Go away!Tateka!
  [Tah-teh-kah]
• Call the Police!Taya oshili omutwa
  [Tah-yah oh-shee-lee oh-moot-wah]
• Call a doctor!Taya oshili omukondo
  [Tah-yah oh-shee-lee oh-moo-kohn-doh]
• I'm lostNda kEla onga tula
  [N-dah keh-lah ohn-gah too-lah]
• I'm illNda kEla onga shi
  [N-dah keh-lah ohn-gah shee]

• I'd like to buy...Nda kEla ongEma...
  [N-dah keh-lah ohn-geh-mah]
• I'm just lookingNda kEla olyo
  [N-dah keh-lah oh-lyoh]
• How much is it?Aya tate na?
  [Ah-yah tah-teh nah]
• That's too expensiveOka kongelela
  [Oh-kah kong-geh-leh-lah]
• Can you lower the price?Oka Ete konkatula
  [Oh-kah eh-teh kohn-kah-too-lah]

• What time is it?Nawa oshitutu shi?
  [Nah-wah oh-shee-too-too shee]
• It's one o'clockShilongo sha kandu
  [Shee-lohng-goh shah kahn-doo]
• Half past (10)Efo olya (10)
  [Eh-foh ohl-yah (10)]
• MorningUulondo
  [Ooh-lohn-doh]
• AfternoonTeteni
  [Teh-teh-nee]
• EveningOmandje
  [Oh-mahn-jeh]
• YesterdayOndjuu
  [Ohn-joo]
• TodayOndje
  [Ohn-jeh]
• TomorrowOkalongo
  [Oh-kah-lohng-goh]
• 1Mo
  [Moh]
• 2Evi
  [Eh-vee]
• 3Eta
  [Eh-tah]
• 4Nye
  [N-yeh]
• 5Tano
  [Tah-noh]
• 6Noma
  [Noh-mah]
• 7Kanana
  [Kah-nah-nah]
• 8Tatana
  [Tah-tah-nah]
• 9Tatoma
  [Tah-toh-mah]
• 10Tatono
  [Tah-toh-noh]

• Where's a/the...?Konge?
  [Kong-geh]
• What's the address?Okuti konge?
  [Oh-koo-tee kong-geh]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Oka Ete konge (omutanga)?
  [Oh-kah eh-teh kong-geh (oh-moo-tahn-gah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Ngoka oya ongwa (omutoto)?
  [N-goh-kah oh-yah ohn-gwah (oh-moo-toh-toh)]
• A ticket (to ....)Omutoto (etala ....)
  [Oh-moo-toh-toh (eh-tah-lah)]

Rundu, located on the banks of the Kavango River, has been a place of settlement for the Kavango people for centuries. The river provided a natural resource for fishing, agriculture, and transportation, fostering the growth of small communities in the region. The Kavango people have a rich cultural heritage that includes traditional crafts, music, and dance, which remain integral to the community's identity even today.

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Namibia was colonized by Germany. Although the focus of German colonization was primarily in the central and southern parts of Namibia, the Kavango region, including Rundu, experienced the impact of colonial rule. The establishment of trading posts and missionary stations brought about significant changes to the local way of life. German missionaries played a crucial role in introducing Western education and Christianity to the area.

After World War I, Namibia came under South African administration under the League of Nations mandate. The Kavango region, including Rundu, saw further development during this period. Infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities were established, although predominantly to serve the colonial administration and settlers. The region also became a strategic location during the South African Border War, which had lasting effects on the local population.

Namibia gained independence from South Africa on March 21, 1990. Since then, Rundu has experienced significant growth and development. As the administrative capital of the Kavango East region, Rundu has become a hub for commerce, education, and healthcare. Efforts to improve infrastructure, such as the construction of the Rundu Airport and the expansion of the road network, have facilitated greater connectivity and economic opportunities.

Rundu is known for its vibrant cultural festivals that celebrate the heritage of the Kavango people. One of the most notable events is the annual Kavango Cultural Festival, which showcases traditional dances, music, crafts, and cuisine. These festivals not only preserve and promote the rich cultural traditions of the region but also attract visitors from across Namibia and beyond, contributing to the local economy.

Today, Rundu is a bustling town with a diverse population and a thriving economy. The town's strategic location near the Angolan border has made it a center for cross-border trade. Educational institutions, such as the University of Namibia's Rundu Campus, play a vital role in shaping the future of the region. Rundu continues to balance development with the preservation of its cultural heritage, making it a unique destination for travelers seeking both history and modernity.

Rundu is located in the northeastern part of Namibia, near the border with Angola. The nearest major airport is Hosea Kutako International Airport in Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. From Windhoek, you can take a domestic flight to Rundu Airport or opt for a bus or car rental to make the approximately 700-kilometer journey, which takes around 8 to 10 hours by road.

Once in Rundu, you can get around by local taxis, which are relatively affordable. Car rentals are also available and can be a convenient way to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace. There are no extensive public transport systems within Rundu, so taxis or private vehicles are the best options for getting around.

The official currency in Namibia is the Namibian Dollar (NAD), which is pegged to the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it is advisable to carry cash for smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available in Rundu, but be cautious and use machines located in well-lit and secure areas.

Rundu is generally safe for tourists, but it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas, and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. Specific areas with higher crime rates include the informal settlements on the outskirts of the town, where petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft are more common. Always stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 10111 for police assistance and 10177 for medical emergencies. The local hospital in Rundu provides basic medical care, but for more severe cases, you may need to be transferred to a larger city. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the town for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially in rural areas. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or revealing clothing. Religion: Do be respectful of local customs and traditions, particularly in religious sites. Public Transport: Do negotiate the fare with taxi drivers before starting your journey. Don't assume that all taxis have meters. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake and a smile. It's customary to address elders with respect. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and be open to new culinary experiences. Don't refuse food or drink offerings, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Rundu like a local, visit the vibrant open-air markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional crafts. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about their culture and daily life. Don't miss a visit to the Kavango River, where you can enjoy a boat ride or simply relax by the water. For a unique cultural experience, attend a traditional dance performance or community event.