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Namibia

Kaokoland

PLAN MY TRIP

Kaokoland is still considered some of the most remote terrain in a country known for desolate spaces and renowned for two of its more famous inhabitants: the desert-adapted elephants of the Namib and the nomadic Ovahimba tribe.

Kaokoland occupies the vast wilderness between the Hoanib River to the Kunene River. The area is largely mountainous and includes the Baynes Moutains, Otjihipa Mountains, and Hartmann Mountains. The landscape is mainly rocky and barren. Yet there are swathes of green in the Marienfluss and Hartmann Valleys. As the only permeant water source in the region, the Kunene River and its verdant banks cuts a winding band of green through the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. The Ovahimba people, a descendant of the Herero people, still retain much of their nomadic and pastoral life-style and account for a third of the population of Kaokoland.

Because of its arid conditions, there are fewer animals found here. Yet, the region is famous for its desert-adapted elephants. These hearty pachyderms only drink every three or four days and travel around thirty-seven miles per day in search of water and food. They are commonly fund roaming the dry riverbeds where they feed on the nutrient rich mopane bark, tamarisk, reeds, and the pods, bark, and leaves of the ana tree. When water is truly scarce, these resourceful animals will dig holes in the dry riverbeds bringing up water for themselves and other animals.

Other animals in the region include small herds of gemsbok, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. The Kunene River even has a large population of Nile crocodiles. For bird lovers, Burchell’s courser and Benguela long-billed lark are some of the bird species to be found here. The black rhino was recently reintroduced to the area.

There are plenty of thrilling activities to be had in Kaokoland, with most centering on exploring the contrasting topography. Within the same day, one can cruise on the river observing the behavior of crocodiles and then traverse the sand dunes on a guided quad bike excursion. Informative nature drives in open Land Rovers explore the vast dunes of the Namib Desert. For a closer look, there are also nature walks with a knowledgeable guide. For a cultural tour, a visit to the local Ovahimba settlement is also a must. Instead of the traditional game drive, most excursions focus on tracking the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Kicking up the fun a notch, white water rafting and canoeing trips are available on the Kunene River.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys
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Namibia

Kaokoland

PLAN MY TRIP

Kaokoland is still considered some of the most remote terrain in a country known for desolate spaces and renowned for two of its more famous inhabitants: the desert-adapted elephants of the Namib and the nomadic Ovahimba tribe.

Kaokoland occupies the vast wilderness between the Hoanib River to the Kunene River. The area is largely mountainous and includes the Baynes Moutains, Otjihipa Mountains, and Hartmann Mountains. The landscape is mainly rocky and barren. Yet there are swathes of green in the Marienfluss and Hartmann Valleys. As the only permeant water source in the region, the Kunene River and its verdant banks cuts a winding band of green through the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. The Ovahimba people, a descendant of the Herero people, still retain much of their nomadic and pastoral life-style and account for a third of the population of Kaokoland.

Because of its arid conditions, there are fewer animals found here. Yet, the region is famous for its desert-adapted elephants. These hearty pachyderms only drink every three or four days and travel around thirty-seven miles per day in search of water and food. They are commonly fund roaming the dry riverbeds where they feed on the nutrient rich mopane bark, tamarisk, reeds, and the pods, bark, and leaves of the ana tree. When water is truly scarce, these resourceful animals will dig holes in the dry riverbeds bringing up water for themselves and other animals.

Other animals in the region include small herds of gemsbok, springbok, and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. The Kunene River even has a large population of Nile crocodiles. For bird lovers, Burchell’s courser and Benguela long-billed lark are some of the bird species to be found here. The black rhino was recently reintroduced to the area.

There are plenty of thrilling activities to be had in Kaokoland, with most centering on exploring the contrasting topography. Within the same day, one can cruise on the river observing the behavior of crocodiles and then traverse the sand dunes on a guided quad bike excursion. Informative nature drives in open Land Rovers explore the vast dunes of the Namib Desert. For a closer look, there are also nature walks with a knowledgeable guide. For a cultural tour, a visit to the local Ovahimba settlement is also a must. Instead of the traditional game drive, most excursions focus on tracking the elusive desert-adapted elephants. Kicking up the fun a notch, white water rafting and canoeing trips are available on the Kunene River.

Safari Camps
Points of Interest
Hotels & Resorts
Journeys