- The name Kaokoland refers to a remote region in northwestern Namibia, traditionally inhabited by the Himba and other pastoral peoples.
- In the period 1980–1989, Kaokoland was designated as a homeland (a “Bantustan”) under apartheid-era administration.
- That political-administrative status ended in 1989 as Namibia moved towards independence, and now Kaokoland is part of what is called the Kunene Region.
- Before colonial contact, nomadic herders lived in the area, grazing cattle, sheep, goats, and hunting or gathering where water and vegetation allowed.
- The region remains sparsely populated — roughly one person per 2 km² — highlighting how wild and undisturbed much of the land still is.
- Kaokoland stretches from the Hoanib River in the south up to the Kunene River at the border with Angola in the north.
- The landscape is mostly mountainous and desert. Major mountain ranges include the northern Baynes Mountains (peaks over 2,000 m), the Otjihipa Mountains, and the Hartmann Mountains.
- Between mountains and the Atlantic lies a narrow coastal desert belt, part of the wider desert‑ecoregions that include arid plains and fog‑cooled coastline.
- Much of Kaokoland is remote. Few roads, limited infrastructure. Access often needs a 4×4 or charter flight. Main settlement is Opuwo.
- The best time to visit is during the dry season — from roughly May to October. Weather is milder, roads are more passable, and wildlife tends to gather at water sources — easier to see.
- Summer (November to April) is the wet season. Rain is sporadic, roads can be difficult or impassable, especially for remote tracks.
- If you visit during or shortly after rain you might see some greenery, and migratory birds appear — a bonus for bird‑watchers.
- For a mix of comfort, access and wildlife chances, May to September seems the sweet spot for travellers.
- Visit local villages of the Himba people. You can learn about their traditional way of life, hear their stories, see their distinctive dress and daily routines.
- Explore rocky desert terrain, valleys and riverbeds. 4×4 excursions give you access to remote areas like the Hoanib Valley or the broader desert interior.
- Visit waterfalls and rivers. One highlight is Epupa Falls on the Kunene River — good for scenery, photography, maybe a canoe or river trip.
- Enjoy the unique desert‑mountain landscapes — granite mountains, rugged hills, desert plains and occasional green patches near rivers. Great for photography, quiet reflection, and feeling the scale of nature.
- Kaokoland hosts desert‑adapted animals. Among the most iconic are the so‑called desert elephants — unique in how they survive in dry conditions far from typical elephant habitat.
- Other mammals: springbok, oryx (gemsbok), giraffe, mountain zebra (Hartmann’s zebra), oryx, sometimes predators like lions or hyenas, though animal densities are low and sightings are not guaranteed.
- Along the Kunene River and other seasonal water areas you may find hippos or Nile crocodiles (though rare). Bird life is richer near water — kingfishers, fish eagles, herons, migratory species at certain times.
- Plant life is adapted to arid conditions. Succulents, dwarf trees, mopane, makalani palms, baobabs or ana trees in greener pockets near water.
- Some plants are rare or endemic — for example Euphorbia kaokoensis grows in rocky hillsides and is unique to the region.
Eco-friendly campsites, reliable 4x4s, 24/7 support
Budget-friendly Self-drive Camping Tours
