Mpacha

Mpacha Airport is not merely a functional transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the "green heart" of Namibia. Unlike the familiar arid landscapes of the rest of the country, here travellers are welcomed by full-flowing rivers and the lush vegetation of the Zambezi region. This compact and cosy aviation hub serves as an ideal launchpad for those wishing to save travel time and find themselves in the centre of the wilderness as quickly as possible, enjoying safari tours and river cruises.

Features and Advantages

The main advantage of Mpacha Airport is its unique geographical location. It is situated at the junction of four national borders, providing convenient access to the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA). From here, it is easy to reach not only Namibian national parks but also the natural attractions of neighbouring Botswana, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, making it a strategically important point for complex itineraries across Southern Africa.

Following recent modernisation, the airport offers passengers modern and efficient service. Despite the modest size of the terminal, comfortable conditions have been created for waiting for flights: simple navigation and the absence of long queues make the departure and arrival process as quick as possible. Check-in and baggage claim procedures are significantly faster here than in major capital hubs, allowing tourists not to waste precious holiday time on formalities.

Below is the essential contact information for Mpacha Airport (MPA). Please note that the airport is managed by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), so many contacts lead to the general services of the management company.

• Official Website: Detailed information about the airport can be found on the Mpacha Airport page on the official Namibia Airports Company (NAC) website.
• Information Desk Phone: +264 66 251 075 or +264 81 129 1113.
• Airport Address: Mpacha Airport, approximately 18 km southwest of the city of Katima Mulilo, Namibia.
• Email: For general enquiries, you may use the NAC management company email: info@airports.com.na.
• Social Media: The airport does not have its own social media pages. It is recommended to follow current news and updates on the official Namibia Airports Company social media pages.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, you should primarily contact your airline's representative at the airport.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For general support and enquiries, the main airport phone number can be used: +264 66 251 075.

Mpacha Airport is located approximately 18 km southwest of the city of Katima Mulilo, making the journey there quick and straightforward. There are several ways to reach this aerial haven, which serves as the gateway to the Zambezi region in Namibia. For tourists, the most popular and reliable options are taxis, pre-booked transfers, and car rentals.

Taxi and Transfer — this is the easiest and most convenient way to get to the airport. The trip from the city centre usually takes about 20-30 minutes. The cost of a taxi ride is approximately 200-300 Namibian Dollars (NAD). It is strongly recommended to agree on the price in advance to avoid misunderstandings. Most hotels and lodges in Katima Mulilo can arrange a transfer for you; often this service is already included in the accommodation cost, which is the most reliable option, especially for early departures or late arrivals.

Car Rental — an ideal choice for those planning to explore the unique nature of the region on their own. Many rental companies offer the option to pick up or drop off the car directly at Mpacha Airport. This gives maximum freedom of movement and allows you to travel at your own pace. It is recommended to book a car well in advance, especially during the high tourist season.

Regarding public transport, it is worth noting that there are no standard city buses or trains running to the airport on a schedule. Locals sometimes use shared taxis (minibuses), but for tourists with luggage, this option can be unpredictable and inconvenient. Therefore, for a comfortable and timely journey, it is better to choose a taxi, transfer, or rental car.

For travellers arriving at the airport in a private or rented car, parking is provided. This is an open-air lot where you can leave your vehicle while waiting for a flight.

When planning a route through this region of Africa, it is also useful to know about other nearby airports. Depending on your itinerary, convenient alternatives might be Kasane Airport (BBK) or the larger Maun Airport (MUB) in Botswana. In Zambia, there are Livingstone Airport (LVI) and Kalabo Airport (KLB), and in Zimbabwe — the popular Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), serving the famous waterfall.

Mpacha Airport (MPA), serving the city of Katima Mulilo and the Zambezi region, is a small and compact aviation hub. Its layout is extremely simple, making navigation intuitive even for those visiting for the first time.

The airport operates a single terminal, which handles both domestic and the few international (regional) flights. The terminal building is divided into two main zones: departures and arrivals. Thanks to its modest size, you won't have to worry about transferring between terminals — everything is in one place, within walking distance.

The airport layout is very straightforward. Upon entering the building, you will immediately see the check-in counters. After receiving a boarding pass and checking in luggage, passengers pass through the security checkpoint and enter a small waiting area before the boarding gate. The arrivals zone is equally compact and includes a luggage belt and border control counters for those arriving from other countries. Navigation is facilitated by clear signs, but getting lost here is practically impossible.

Due to the low passenger volume, completing all pre-flight formalities, such as check-in and screening, usually takes minimal time. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport as standard, approximately 1.5–2 hours before your flight departure, to avoid any unforeseen delays. Simply follow the signs and ask airport staff if questions arise — they are always ready to assist.

The history of Mpacha Airport, serving the city of Katima Mulilo, is inextricably linked with the history of the entire region. Its origins lie not in civil but in military aviation. The airport was founded in the 1970s as a forward air force base for the South African Defence Force (SAAF) under the name AFB Mpacha. During that period, it played a key strategic role in the Border War in Southern Africa, serving as an important logistical and operational centre in the Caprivi Strip.

With Namibia gaining independence in 1990, a new chapter began in the airport's history. The military facility was transferred to the government's administration and gradually converted into a civilian airport. This transition was a key step for integrating the Zambezi region (formerly Caprivi) into the economic and tourism life of the young nation. From that moment, the airport's main task became ensuring passenger and cargo transportation.

In recent decades, Mpacha Airport has undergone several stages of modernisation aimed at increasing its capacity and meeting international standards. The most significant reconstruction was completed in 2018. The project included the construction of a modern passenger terminal, a new control tower, and an updated runway. These improvements allowed the airport to accommodate larger aircraft and significantly increase passenger flow, which became a powerful stimulus for tourism development in the region.

Today, Mpacha Airport is not just a transport hub, but a gateway to the unique natural world of north-eastern Namibia. Its strategic location near the borders with Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Botswana makes it an ideal starting point for journeys through the Kavango-Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area (KAZA), including trips to Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Thus, the former military base has successfully transformed into a vital facility for the peaceful development and prosperity of the region.

Mpacha Airport (MPA) is a small regional air station serving the city of Katima Mulilo and the north-eastern part of Namibia. Given its size and focus on domestic flights, the range of services here is basic but sufficient for waiting comfortably for a departure.

In the terminal building, you will find a small kiosk or café where you can buy light snacks, sandwiches, soft drinks, and coffee. There is also a small shop with souvenirs and essential items. The selection is limited, so for a full meal, it is better to eat in the city before arriving at the airport.

Passengers have access to basic waiting areas with seating. Specialised VIP lounges or business lounges are absent at the airport. Special stands and sockets are provided for charging electronic devices, although their number may be limited. Access to Wi-Fi is generally not provided or can be unstable, so it is recommended to use mobile data.

Banking services are represented by an ATM, but there are no full bank branches or currency exchange points within the terminal. It is strongly recommended to exchange money in the city in advance. For emergencies, the airport has a first aid station.

For passengers with children, mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available. Dedicated play areas are absent. Travellers with reduced mobility can count on staff assistance; for this, it is necessary to notify your airline in advance. The terminal is equipped with ramps for ease of movement. There are no hotels on the airport territory; the nearest accommodation options are located in the city of Katima Mulilo. Conference rooms and business centres are not provided at Mpacha Airport.

When planning a departure from Mpacha Airport (MPA), it is important to consider that this is a small regional airport serving the city of Katima Mulilo. Consequently, the choice of dining establishments here is quite limited and not comparable to major international hubs. Nevertheless, travellers can find basic options for a snack.

The main food outlet is usually located in the main hall of the terminal, before security control (landside). Most often, this is a small café or kiosk. Here you can purchase bottled water, carbonated drinks, coffee, tea, as well as packaged snacks like crisps, biscuits, and chocolate. For a more substantial snack, sandwiches, pies, or pastries may be found. Sometimes simple hot dishes are on the menu, but one should not expect a wide assortment. This is a good option to quickly refresh yourself before checking in for a flight.

After passing through screening and passport control, in the departure zone (airside), the choice is typically even more modest. There may be a small beverage counter or vending machine with drinks and snacks. Therefore, if you wish to have a full lunch or dinner, it is strongly recommended to do so at one of the restaurants in the city of Katima Mulilo before travelling to the airport.

Regarding special dietary needs, finding dishes for vegans, vegetarians, or people with gluten intolerance will be extremely difficult. The best solution is to bring suitable food with you. Please note that for Halal options, it is advisable to check ingredients carefully or dine in the city where more variety exists. The operating hours of the café at the airport depend directly on the flight schedule; they usually open a few hours before departure and close after the last flight leaves. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher than in the city.

Travelling through Mpacha Airport in the city of Katima Mulilo will be an easy and pleasant start or end to your adventure in Namibia if you know a few useful tips. This is a small regional airport, so everything proceeds more calmly here than in large international hubs, but preparation is never superfluous.

Arrival Time and Check-in. We recommend arriving at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before the departure of a domestic flight. This time will be sufficient to check in for the flight and pass security control without rushing. Although queues are rare here, it is better to have a time buffer. To save time, use online check-in if your airline provides such an option.

Seat Selection. If you want to enjoy picturesque views of the Zambezi River and the African savannah during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. If the ability to disembark first or stand up freely during the flight is more important to you, your choice is an aisle seat.

Hand Luggage Rules. Standards at Mpacha Airport correspond to international ones. Liquids can be carried in containers of no more than 100 ml, packed in a single transparent bag. Sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage. Always check the exact rules and weight allowances on your airline's website to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Customs Control and Transfers. Upon entering the country, you will need to fill out an immigration card and possibly a customs declaration. Honestly declare all goods subject to declaration. If you have a connecting flight, clarify immediately upon arrival whether you need to collect your luggage or if it will be automatically forwarded to the next flight, and also find out the number of your next boarding gate.

How to Save Money. To reduce expenses, book a transfer from the airport in advance. Prices for food and drinks at airports are usually higher, so bring a light snack with you. Regarding water, we advise bringing an empty reusable bottle. You can pass security control with it without problems, and then buy drinks in the "clean" zone or ask to fill the bottle at one of the local cafés, sometimes for a small fee.

If Your Flight is Delayed. In the event of a flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative for information and instructions. Remain calm and clarify what services (meals, drinks, hotel accommodation) you are entitled to depending on the length of the delay. If you have travel insurance, it may cover unforeseen expenses.