12-day Discover Kaokoland

This guided safari offers the client a perfect opportunity to experience namibias infrastructureless north west. Encounter Namibias desert adapted elephants, the nomadic cultural Ovahimbas , the mighty Kunene river and its spectacular Epupa waterfalls and the beauty of the Hartmann valley in total isolation far from the normal tourist routes.  The tour ends with a final relaxing overnight at Palmwag Lodge (or similar) before returning back to Swakopmund via Twyfelfontein and its famous rock engravings.

Highlights: Palmwag, Tywfelfontien, Ovahimba, Kaokoland, Kunene River, Popa Falls, Hartmannvalley
Group Size: minimum 2 - maximum 10
Type of Safari: Non-participatory mobile camping safari
Vehicle: 4x4

2010 Price: From ZAR20845 pp sharing, depending on group size.

Includes:  Travelling costs as per itinerary; game drives, activities, entrance- and park fees; Accommodation in two-man tents / double rooms; Full board, refreshment drinks en route, house wine and beer at dinner whilst camping; Experienced guiding in English or German; VAT and Bed levy.

Excludes: Expenses of a personal nature, i.e. laundry, telephone, gratuities, souvenirs, etc;  Personal-, medical- and evacuation insurances; Additional activities, alcoholic beverages and drinks.

Day 1 - Swakopmund to Palmwag
Departure from Swakopmund along the Atlantic Coast towards the North. Visit the lichen fields near Wlotzka's Baken before continuing to Henties Bay, a small holiday resort. Onwards to the seal colony at Cape Cross. After visiting the seals, the journey continues via Ugabmund to the southern Skeleton Coast Park to inspect a shipwreck. We leave the Skeleton Coast Park in the early afternoon via Springbokwasser and guests can experience the harsh transition from the Namib Desert to the Damaraland highlands with its impressive landscape and ragged valleys. Here one can perhaps sight the first springbok, zebra and Oryx and, with some luck, the desert elephants. Overnight stay in bungalows at Palmwag Lodge, a rustic but refined bush lodge. After enjoying a drink and a delicious supper, guests can luxuriate in the Lodge's cosy atmosphere and let the day's impressions sink in.

Day 2 - Opuwo
After breakfast the journey continues through central Damaraland and the Khowarib Gorge en route to Opuwo. In this breathtaking landscape one may meet the first Ovahimba, nomads who live according to ancient traditions in the north-west of the country. Open-air camping in the vicinity of Opuwo. Enjoy an ice-cold drink while the guide prepares the meal on an open fire and revel in an intense experience of the Namibian bush.

Day 3 - Kunene River - Popa Falls
Drive on via Okangwati. Meet the first nomadic Ovahimbas and their herds of cattle and goat en route. Onwards to the Epupa Falls, past the village of Okangwati - a fascinating landscape, the mighty Kunene River, overgrown banks and magical waterfalls. Explore the waterfalls and enjoy an unforgettable sun downer on one of the viewing points on top of the Falls. Camping overnight.

Days 4 and 5 - Kaokoland
After a hearty breakfast we set off. The next two and a half days takes you through the fascinating landscape and valleys of central Kaokoland. Receive a friendly and warm welcome from the inhabitants of the Ovahimba settlement. Learn about the ancient customs and way of life of this fascinating tribe and explore the village with its traditional huts. Once again camping in the open with perhaps occasional visits from curious Ovahimba.

Days 6, 7 and 8 - Kunene River in the Hartmannvalley
On the morning of the 6th day we cross the notorious Van Zyl's Pass, a hand-hewn narrow trail which painstakingly winds its way through the largest mountains in this area. Thorough 4 x 4 driving skills and endurance are pre-requisites for the driver. At the end of the trail the valley opens into one of the most awe-inspiring and spectacular views this area has to offer - that across the Marienfluss riverbed. Here man can only feel dwarfed and helpless by comparison. A short rest, then on to the Marien River. Extensive grass plains and abundant trees together with game such as Oryx, springbok, ostrich and zebra form part of the environment. The track continues westward towards Hartmannstal. As we leave behind the mountainous areas of the previous days, the vegetation grows sparser until it blends into the expansive grass plains below. The solitude is awesome. Then suddenly a mountain range materialises out of the blue haze of a breathtaking, lunar landscape. Indescribable contrasts, mountains in different hues, the valleys half blanketed with red dune sand, deep gorges, not a human soul in sight - this is the Kunene Valley part of the Serra Cafema Mountain Range, the highest mountains in south-western Angola which also forms the border between Angola and Namibia. Our destination for the next two and a half days is the Kunene River in the Hartmannvalley. Camping on the banks of the river with day excursions exploring the scenic gorges, valleys and desert like dune fields of this isolated part of the North West.

Day 9 - Hoarusib River
Today we bid farewell to the Kunene River and embark on our return journey to Palmwag. The drive progresses along the border of the Skeleton Coast Park into the Hoarusib River. We traverse almost deserted contrasting landscapes, ranging from desert to the Kaokohighland. With a bit of luck the Desert Elephant can be sighted. Camping in the open in the Hoarusib River.

Day 10 - Hoanib River
Break up camp and game drive in search of elephants and proceed further south into the Hoanib River. The Hoanib River Valley at times seems frightening and often appears unnavigable. Once in the riverbed we drive in a westerly direction. Abundant tree growth offers the desert elephant a healthy diet and provides shade to a variety of game against the Namibia sun. Overnight camp is erected in one of the side arms of the Hoanib River. It is not unusual for the elephants to pass by the camp during the night.

Day 11 - Palmwag
Our last breakfast in the bush. We pack up camp and drive back to Palmwag Lodge via Sesfontein. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing at the pool and enjoy an awesome sunset in Namibia's wilderness. Overnight in bungalows. Fullboard.

Day 12 - Twyfeltontien - Swakopmund
Early departure to Twyfelfontein, to admire the rock engravings. Thereafter we continue via the "Burnt Mountain" to Uis, a deserted mining town. As you pass the highest mountain of Namibia, the ± 2800 meter high Brandberg, it appears almost surreal. Return to Swakopmund in the late afternoon.  End of Tour.