Today it is a part of Erongo region. Each tribe is lead by a chief, assisted by a headmen. Like most other groups in northern Namibia, southern Angola and Zambia, the social organization of the Kavango is based on the matrilineal system. The economy in the Kavango is based on combination of horticulture and animal husbandry. Also originating from central East Africa, the Kavango first settled at Mashi on the Kwando river before moving further west at the end of nineteenth century.
Some clans take their names from nature and wildlife.
Especially in rural areas, the Kavango are a river people subsisting off agriculture, pastoralism, fishing and licensed hunting. They are famed for their uniquely expressive wood carvings . The Kavango have a rich and complex belief system and mythology. The sun and moon help him to guide and protect people. Nyambi is never directly petitioned and he is trusted to send enough rain.