The Kaokoveld – Namibia’s Untamed Northwest
The Kaokoveld is a remote and rugged region in the far northwest of Namibia, forming part of the Kunene Region. It is bordered by the Kunene River in the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Damaraland in the south, and the Central North Region to the east. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, it features jagged mountain ranges, dry riverbeds, and vast open plains.
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This wild terrain is home to the Ovahimba people—semi-nomadic pastoralists who continue to live traditionally, moving with their herds in search of grazing and water. Their culture and customs remain deeply rooted in ancient traditions, offering a glimpse into a lifestyle largely untouched by modern life.
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Due to its isolation and difficult terrain, travel in the Kaokoveld requires a 4x4 vehicle. Even reaching popular spots like the Epupa Falls, one of the most scenic waterfalls in Namibia, demands a capable off-road car and some driving experience.
Climate of Kaokoveld
The climate in the Kaokoveld is extreme, with summer temperatures reaching up to 40°C. Rainfall is highly variable, almost non-existent in the west near the coast but increasing toward the east where it can reach up to 400 mm annually.
Flora and Fauna
Despite the harsh environment, the Kaokoveld hosts unique desert-adapted wildlife. Notable among them are the desert elephants and lions, often found along the seasonal riverbeds. Baobab trees are scattered throughout the landscape, and the Kunene River supports a richer ecosystem. However, swimming in the river is not advised due to the presence of crocodiles.
The Kaokoveld remains one of Namibia’s most untouched regions, ideal for adventurous travelers seeking solitude, natural beauty, and authentic cultural encounters.
Attraction in Kaokoveld
This is a quick look at what makes the Kaokoveld region special. The area is known for its wild, remote landscapes that offer a true sense of adventure. Key attractions include the stunning Epupa Falls, the Ovahimba Living Museum, and visits to traditional Himba villages. Exploring the Skeleton Coast and looking for desert-adapted elephants and lions are also memorable experiences.
Accommodation in Kaokoveld
Shipwreck Lodge
This unique lodge on the Skeleton Coast features 10 shipwreck-style cabins set in the dunes, with a central lounge and restaurant. It offers a creative and cozy stay with stunning ocean views.
Opuwo Country Lodge
Located in Opuwo, this lodge offers luxury and standard rooms, campsites, a pool, restaurant, bar, and curio shop. Guests can join a guided tour to a traditional Ovahimba village for a cultural experience.
Serra Cafema Camp
Located on the Kunene River in Namibia’s remote Hartmann Valley, Serra Cafema offers 8 luxury villas with en-suite bathrooms and river views. Guests can enjoy nature drives, quad biking, boat trips, and visits to a nearby Himba village.
Kunene River Lodge
Nestled on the Kunene River at Namibia’s northern border with Angola, Kunene River Lodge is a lush oasis in an otherwise dry region. It offers beautiful camping spots surrounded by abundant water and greenery.
Kapika Waterfall Lodge
Located near Epupa Falls in northern Namibia, Kapika Waterfall Camp features 10 spacious chalets with en-suite facilities, electricity, and mosquito nets. Guests can enjoy scenic drives, sundowner tours, nature walks, visits to Himba villages, bird watching with over 240 species, and rafting on the Kunene River.
Khowarib Lodge
Situated on the Hoanib River in northwestern Namibia, Khowarib Lodge offers 14 luxury tents with en-suite bathrooms and 8 campsites. Facilities include a lounge, bar, dining area, reception, and curio shop. The lodge is known for its desert elephant and rhino tracking safaris.
Omarunga Lodge
Located near Epupa Falls on Namibia’s northern border, Omarunga Lodge offers 14 comfortable en-suite chalets with beds, linen, and mosquito nets. There are also 10 spacious campsites with a thatched ablution facility for campers.
Okahirongo River Camp
Set on a ridge overlooking the Kunene River, this eco-friendly camp offers stunning views in Namibia’s remote Marienfluss region. Its isolated location and rugged roads make it perfect for adventurous travelers seeking wilderness and peace.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Located in the Purros Conservancy, about 55 km from Namibia’s Skeleton Coast, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge sits in the wild Kaokoveld region. This remote area is home to the nomadic Himba people and rare desert-adapted wildlife like elephants, lions, black rhinos, and giraffes.
Kaoko Mopane Lodge & Campsite
Just outside Opuwo, the heart of the Ovahimba region, Kaoko Mopane Lodge features 5 luxury rooms and 6 campsites. Each room includes a private terrace with views over a riverbed. The lodge also offers a swimming pool and a restaurant with a bar, making it a perfect stopover for travelers heading to Epupa Falls or further into the Kaokoveld.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Hoanib Valley Camp is a luxury tented camp in northwestern Namibia, featuring six elegant tents. Located in the remote Hoanib River area, the camp is a joint venture with local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, offering a unique experience in one of Namibia’s wildest environments.
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Located in the dry Hoanib River within the Palmwag Concession, this camp sits where rocky terrain meets the dunes of Skeleton Coast National Park. It features seven en-suite tents and one family unit, offering a comfortable base to explore this unique wilderness.
Fort Sesfontein Lodge
Set inside a carefully restored German fort from 1896, Sesfontein Lodge offers a unique historic atmosphere. It features 16 rooms, including double bedrooms and family units, all with private bathrooms and toilets.
Epupa Falls Lodge
Located on the banks of the Kunene River near the famous Epupa Falls, this lodge offers 5 cozy bungalows. Each bungalow boasts stunning views of the river, creating a peaceful and scenic stay.
Epupa Camp
Nestled along the Kunene River beneath shady palm trees, Epupa Camp is just a short walk from the famous Epupa Falls. The area is home to the nomadic Ovahimba people, known worldwide for their traditional way of life.
