Camp Syncro
Kaokoland - Namibia
Camp Syncro is situated right on the banks of the Kunene River, at the end of the Marienfluss Valley, west Kaokoland. It can only be reached by a 4x4 vehicle and is within a day's drive of Opuwo and Sesfontein and is a popular stop-over for self-drive tourists. This is a unique but basic safari camp, and the only one in that region. If it's peace and solitude you're after, then this is the place for you. It is best suited for a group of 4 persons, although they can take a maximum of 8. Unless prior arrangements have been made, you will meet no other guests during your stay, emphasizing the privacy and seclusion.
The thatched houses are built from river stones, and stand under big Ana trees. All meals are served in the dining area. The Camp Syncro atmosphere is created by the faint background flow of the river, passing cattle and goat herds, interspersed by the morning sounds of the local birdlife.
The camp is mainly powered by solar energy. Accommodation is in 4 huts, comfortable and functional, and are equipped with a wash basin, (water fountain) and 2 beds. There are 2 separate showers and 2 toilets.
Koos Verwey has been living in the Marienfluss Valley for the past 8 years and has intimate and extensive knowledge of the area and its inhabitants. His in-depth experience when meeting with the Ovahimba, driving or walking through the valleys, or taking a bath in a natural whirlpool next to the rapids is invaluable.
Activities revolve around drives and walks to Himba villages. Here guests can learn about the daily lives of the Himba. They mainly breed cattle and goats, and the responsibility for milking the cows, and caring for the children, carrying water to the village and building homes, lies with the women. Women take care of the children, and one woman will take care of another woman's children. Men do the real hard work though, of handling the political tasks and legal trials.
The Himba wear little clothing, and the women are renowned for covering themselves with a mixture of butter fat, ochre, and herbs to protect themselves from the sun, as well as to cleanse and perfume themselves. The mixture gives their skins a reddish tinge. Women braid each other's hair, and cover it in their ochre mixture (called otjize).
Modern clothes are scarce, but generally go to the men when available. Traditionally both men and women go topless and wear skirts or loincloths made of animals skins in various colours. Adult women wear beaded anklets to protect their legs from poisonous animal bites.
Camp Syncro. Peace and solitude assured!
- Explore the Area
- Head out in your 4x4 vehicle, with a guide, and learn about the fauna, flora and people who populate the area
Directions:
Camp Syncro is situated at the northern end of the Marienfluss on the banks of the Kunene River.
Epupa Falls Lodge A luxury camp on the banks of the Kunene River close to Epupa Falls and Himba settlements
Fort Sesfontein
On the border between Kaokoland and Damaraland this fort was built at the same time as the fort of Namutoni in Etosha
Kunene River Lodge
An excellent lodge in a remote location on the banks of the Kunene River, for those interesting in river rafting this lodge is an absolute must
Ohakane Lodge
One of the oldest lodges in the Kaokoland area, from here guest can visit Himba villages and other areas of interest in Kaokoland
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Near the tiny settlement of Puros, this luxury lodge offers you the ability to search for the desert adapted elephants
Okahirongo River Camp
On a hillside overlooking the Kunene River this small intimate camp offers accommodation for a maximum of 14 people.
Opuwo Country Lodge
This is one of the newer lodges in Opuwo - it has beautiful views pver Kaokoland -a real desert oasis
