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Kaokoland - Kunene - North West Namibia

Located in the far north-west, Kaokoland (also called Kaokoveld) is one of the relatively untouched regions in Namibia.

The north east section of Namibia is generally known as the Kaokoveld which is roughly divided in two to form Kaokoland immediately south of the Kunene River and north of the Hoanib river, and Damaraland to the south of the Hoanib River. The area is most well known for the Himba people with their red ochre covered skin who still live their traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle herding cattle and goats, and for the massive Kunene River, one of only five rivers which run all year in Namibia.

While part of the attraction of Kaokoland lies in its isolation and rugged landscapes, this isolation coupled with the lack of roads mean that travelling through this region should only be done in the company of an experienced guide and in off-road vehicles.

Routes in Kaokoland are hardly signposted, corrugated and extremely stony or sandy. There are no service facilities and very little accommodation in Kaokoland, even less accommodation the further north you travel.

Kaokoland Highlights:

• Himba People
• Kunene River
• Ruacana Falls
• Epupa Falls
• Endless plains
• Rocky mountains
• Desert Wildlife
• Rare birds
• Off-road adventure
• Wild and rugged landscapes
• Sub-tropical riverine habitats
• Rustic camps and luxurious lodges

The Himba people who inhabit the Kaokoland area of Namibia are descendants of a group of Herero herders who fled into the remote north-west after being displaced by the Nama people. The Himba are pastoralists, breeding cattle and gloats, and are traditionally nomadic.

The Himba have managed to cling to their traditions largely due to their seclusion from outside influences by living in the remote and inaccessible desert area. The Himba women are noted for their use of red ochre rubbed on their body to protect against the sun, the intricate hairstyles which indicate their age and social status and their traditional jewellery made from iron or shell.

The perennial Kunene river starts in the Angolan highlands and forms part of the border between Angola and Namibia.

Along one of the most rugged tracks in Namibia you will find Ruacana Falls, one of the largest waterfalls in Africa at approximately 120 meters (390 ft) high and 700 meters (2,300 ft) wide in full flood, although the hydro-electric dam upstream means that these falls are often reduced to a series of sluices so the falls are best visited between December and June when there is sufficient rain to keep the falls in flowing.

Further downstream and to the west you will find Epupa Falls, "Epupa" meaning foam. At this point the Kunene River is 0.5 km wide and drops in a series of waterfalls and rapids spread over 1.5 km.