Katima Mulilo sits at the eastern end of the Caprivi Strip on a bend of the Zambezi River, 90km from Victoria Falls. It is the regional capital; a working town with a hospital, government offices, a busy market, and the commercial infrastructure that serves the surrounding communities.
For visitors, it is primarily a logistics base: the fuel stop before the parks, the ATM before the cashless interior, the supermarket for self-catering provisions, and the departure point for the road to Victoria Falls.
Facilities
Fuel: Multiple fuel stations; fill before proceeding to the parks.
ATM: Available in the commercial centre; the last reliable ATM before some park areas. Withdraw sufficient cash for the full visit.
Supermarket: Choppies and other supermarkets in the commercial centre; provision here for self-catering park visits.
Hospital: The regional hospital is the main medical facility; limited but functional. Nearest specialist facilities are in Windhoek or in South Africa.
Accommodation in Katima Mulilo
Zambezi Lodge: The main mid-range option; on the Zambezi River; pool; restaurant; adequate for a one-night logistics stop.
Various guesthouses: Mid-range guesthouses throughout the residential areas; book ahead in peak season.
Katima Mulilo to Victoria Falls
The drive from Katima Mulilo to Victoria Falls covers 90km via the B8 east and the Kazungula Bridge (Botswana border crossing). The border is straightforward; allow 30 to 60 minutes for border formalities at the Kazungula crossing. Victoria Falls town (Zimbabwe) is 80km from the bridge.
Full guide: Zambezi to Victoria Falls