Katima Mulilo (short: Katima) is a small town with 46,500 people (2023) on the banks of the Zambezi River in the Zambezi (Caprivi) region of Namibia. Compared to many other parts of Namibia you will find people in small communities living in huts.

Understand

Katima Mulilo Bridge

The town sits amidst lush riverine vegetation with tropical birds and monkeys. The area around Katima Mulilo is inhabited by members of the Masubia and Mafwe tribes.

Katima was of military importance since colonial times due to its proximity to neighboring countries and the Zambezi as possible transport route. The Namibian Defence Force still has a strong presence here. Since the opening of the Katima Mulilo Bridge in 2004 that spans the Zambezi River and connects the Zambian Copperbelt with the Namibian deep sea harbour at Walvis Bay, Katima Mulilo has become a boom town that attracts significant investment. This development has, however, also fanned illegal business activities, and driven the establishment of shanty towns to an extent that endangers social stability.

Since being proclaimed a town in 1999, development has been steady but as of 2024, Katima Mulilo does not fully compare to more established towns and cities in Namibia. Few streets are tarred, and there is a lack of street lights and sewerage. Many residents use the bushes for lack of toilet facilities, and there have been many outbreaks of diseases such as diarrhea.

Get in

Katima Mulilo is on the national road B8. The nearest Namibian town to Katima Mulilo is Rundu, about 500 km away. About 40 km east of Katima Mulilo lies the village of Bukalo, where the road to Ngoma branches off that joins Namibia to Botswana.

There are flights from Windhoek a few times a week. There are usually no cabs at the airport (as of 2022) so make sure to have your transportation solved or be prepared to walk.

• Oasis Bus Services. bus every day at 3pm going to Windhoek via Rundu. 600 rand. (updated Aug 2023)

Get around

Katima Mulilo, like many other small towns in Namibia, has local taxis that charge N$13 or N$26 for a ride. Tourists always pay N$26.

Buy

• Shoprite supermarket. 08.00-19.00. lower cost supermarket. (updated Aug 2023)
• 1 Pick ' n Pay supermarket (In the Zambezi shopping centre). A bit more pricey but with a remarkable selection of goods that you won't find anywhere else in the Caprivi. Think of coffee, olive oil, vegetables other than onions and potatoes. (updated Jan 2025)
• FNB First National Bank, Hage Geingob Street. 24 hours atm.. mastercard visa card atm. no fee. (updated Aug 2023)

Eat

• 1 Green Basket Cafe, Plot 539, Transcaprivi, B8. Open 7-5, weekend 8-2. Lush garden cafe, curio shop, activity office to book day tours. Good food, WiFi, friendly staff. Try the local Zambezi Bream@150 N$. (updated Jan 2025)

Sleep

Budget

• Caprivi Travelers Backpackers Hostel, Sam Nujoma Dr. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 11am. dorm/single/double free wifi. 240. (updated Aug 2023)
• Katima Mulilo Town Council Guesthouse. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 11am. single/double rooms. 240. (updated Aug 2023)
• Kamunu Guesthouse, kamumu Village 5689 Sam Nujoma street. Check-in: 24 hours, check-out: 11am. single/double room with free wifi. (updated Aug 2023)

Stay safe

Keep in mind that taking pictures of military equipment and infrastructure is illegal in Namibia and can cost you your camera, in exchange for some days of free accommodation in holding cells. As the military is really everywhere in Katima, take a good look around before getting out your camera.