Kaokoveld

A Kaokoveld safari in Namibia offers an unparalleled journey into one of Southern Africa’s last great untouched wildernesses. Stretching north from Damaraland to the Kunene River border with Angola, this vast, rugged region of about 45,700 square kilometers is defined by its extreme climate, breathtakingly stark scenery of endless plains and towering rock formations (kopjes), and a profound sense of remote solitude. Unlike more traditional safari destinations, the experience here is less about dense concentrations of game and more about the raw, elemental beauty of the landscape and the remarkable adaptations of life within it.

The region is a sanctuary for unique desert-adapted wildlife. Skilled guides lead visitors on game drives through dry riverbeds and valleys in search of rare, free-roaming desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, and lions that have evolved to survive in this arid environment. Another cornerstone of the experience is a cultural encounter with the seminomadic Himba people. Known for their striking appearance, where women apply a mixture of red ochre and butterfat to their skin and hair, the Himba have maintained a pastoral way of life here for generations. These visits offer a genuine insight into a resilient culture, though they should be conducted respectfully, ideally with a knowledgeable guide.

Accessing and exploring the Kaokoveld is an adventure in itself. Due to its extreme remoteness and limited road access, the area is not suitable for standard self-drive tours. Visitors primarily choose between two types of safaris: fly-in adventures to remote, upscale lodges on the Kunene River or in private concessions, or more rugged guided mobile camping expeditions. Fly-in safaris provide comfort in the wilderness with activities like nature drives, boating on the Kunene, and scenic flights. Camping safaris, often starting from Sesfontein, offer a more immersive “back-to-basics” experience, moving between pristine wilderness campsites under vast night skies.

A Kaokoveld safari is typically combined with other iconic Namibian destinations to create a complete itinerary. It pairs seamlessly with the shipwreck-strewn Skeleton Coast to the west, the wildlife-rich Etosha National Park to the east, and the giant red dunes of Sossusvlei to the south. The best time to visit is during the cooler, dry winter months from May to September, when daytime temperatures are pleasant, though nights can be very cold. This season also offers excellent wildlife viewing as animals congregate around permanent water sources like the Kunene River.