In the north, Kavango East borders the Cuando Cubango Province of Angola, and in the south and southeast the North-West District of Botswana.

Domestically, it borders the following regions: Because of its rather high rainfall compared to most other parts of Namibia and its location on the Kavango River after which it is named, this region has agricultural potential for the cultivation of a variety of crops, as well as for organised forestry and agro-forestry, which stimulate furniture making and related industries.

[3] The Fourth Delimitation Commission of Namibia, responsible for recommending on the country's administrative divisions suggested in August 2013 to split the Kavango Region into two.

[5] In the 2020 regional election SWAPO was still the strongest party but its support dropped to 62% of the popular vote, and it lost Rundu Rural to an independent candidate.

The poor condition of the roads and the long distances had a negative effect on tourism; this situation was improved by the completion of the Trans–Caprivi Highway.