Visit Kaokoland, Namibia

The Kaokoveld is unexplored and will appeal to the adventurer who likes to get off-the-beaten-track.

Big mountain ranges such as the Etendeka, Tonnesen, Hartmann and Baynes are found here. To the north you find the Kunene River which separates Angola from Namibia.

Getting around Kaokoveld

Rain in the area is much less than in the rest of the country, but when it rains, muddy roads are everywhere. Even dry riverbeds hide soft traps of deep sand, whilst the few which seem damp and hard may turn to quicksand within metres. This area is not recommended when you are without a guide.

Opuwo is the administrative capital of Kaokoland. It has shops, a bakery, several garages, a large school and even a short stretch of tarred road in the centre of town. It's found over a low hillside with no apparent centre. The outskirts fade into groups of round Himba huts and irrigated maize fields.

Epupa Falls

Epupa Falls is one of the highlights in this vast area. The river is surrounded by a thin band of makalani palm forest. Away from the river the vegetation dwindles into a land that is dry, harsh and seemingly inhospitable. If you look closely though there is desert adapted flora which supports highly nomadic groups of game. Desert-adapted elephant trudge across gravel plains to find water, giraffe nibble on acacias in dry river beds and gemsbok can be seen crossing the dunes.

Himba culture

A number of Himba communities are found in this region. A highly skilled tribe, they herd cattle and live in one of the world’s harshest environments. Distinctive for the ochre they put on their skin and traditional leather clothing, many people want to meet Himba communities. This is possible, but we recommend carefully selecting a responsible guide who respects their culture and customs.