Wild Teak or Kiaat
Trees of Namibia
The kiaat or wild teak tree grows in a woodland habitat and therefore only in the riverine areas of the northern Namibian border with Angola, from the west coast and the Kunene River, stretching to the Caprivi Strip, Kavango and Chobe Rivers. It grows to a medium to large height of around 5-13m, but can reach up to 30m. It is a deciduous tree with a tall trunk and a sparse, spreading crown of drooping leaves.
This tree has a dark, rough, grey-brown bark and the leaves are compound and have 5-9 pairs of leaflets, 25-70 x 20-45mm, and a terminal one. The fragrant, yellow flowers hang in branched sprays and bloom from August – February. The large pods of the kiaat are very distinctive; up to 150mm in diameter, round and pale brown with a broad flat wing and long stiff bristles in the central part of the pod (Jan-Jun).
Kiaat is well-visited and in much demand. The leaves are browsed by game, including elephant and kudu and the flowers attract bees. Butterflies breed on the tree and the pods are eaten by baboons, monkeys and squirrels. The timber is used for building, is a well-known wood for carving and in the furniture making business. The red sap is used as a dye and the bark and root are used in traditional medicine.
Epupa Falls Lodge A tented 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
Kapika Waterfall Lodge
On a hill above the Kunene river, the lodge has tremendous views of the surrounding area and looks towards the Epupa Falls
Kunene River Lodge
An excellent lodge in a remote location on the banks of the Kunene River, for those interesting in birding, relaxing or 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 over Kaokoland -a real desert oasis
