The Okavango River, which forms a border 400km long, between Namibia and Angola, is the lifeline of the Kavango people.
The plains on either side of the river are fertile, providing a living for the Kavangos by fishing, tending cattle and cultivating their staple diet of maize, millet and sorghum.
Many youngsters work as contract labourers on farms, in mines, in the timber industry and urban centres.
The Kavangos originate from the Wambo tribe who came from the large lakes of East Africa, first settling near the Kwando River in Angola.

Between 1750 and 1800 they moved south of the Okavango River.
Of the four different dialects spoken, Kwangali is the most common.
The Kavango are renowned wood carvers and local crafts include bowls, masks, ornaments and furniture.

Now running a challenge 18 to 22 Nov 2011

The Route