Kaokoland - Kunene - OvaHimba Adventure

Safari Synopsis:

Depart from Swakopmund travelling 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. Enjoy a picnic lunch and cold refreshments then to the old deserted Toscanini Diamond Mine and also an abandoned oilrig. 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 at Palmwag Lodge, a rustic but refined bush lodge. After enjoying a drink and a delicious supper, guests can let the day’s impressions sink in.

After a hearty breakfast, the journey continues through central Damaraland and the Khowarib Gorge and the Sesfontein Pass to Opuwo. Continue via Okongwati. Visit to an Ovahimba village and learn about the ancient customs and way of life of this fascinating tribe and explore the village with its traditional huts. We continue our journey to the Epupa Falls – fascinating scenery, the mighty Kunene River, the densely vegetated riverbanks and the magical falls.

Open camping under some shady palm trees along the bank of the Kunene River.

Today we explore the vicinity of the Epupa Falls. On today's excursion, we drive along the Kunene, into the beautiful landscapes around the Falls and visit an Ovahimba village. The rest of the day is at your own leisure. You can relax and enjoy the magic of Epupa.

Camping overnight at the Kunene.

After a hearty breakfast we set off. The next two and a half days take 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.

In the afternoon of the fifth or the morning of the sixth 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. Here man can only feel dwarfed and helpless by comparison.

A short rest, then into the Hartmann Valley. Extensive grass plains and abundant trees together with game such as oryx, springbok, ostrich and zebra form part of the environment.

At the Kunene River we come to the Camp Serra Cafema, our home for the next nights. Fully furnished tents en suite, with hot and cold water, a swimming pool, small bar – all this in a relaxing atmosphere under lovely shady anatrees (Faidherbia albida) on the banks of the mighty Kunene River.

Once again camping in the open with perhaps occasional visits from curious Ovahimba.

During the next days the guests are indulged with guided 4 x 4 sightseeing tours, hikes in the gorges and valleys of the Hartmann's Valley a boat trip on the river, and a visit to an Ovahimba settlement, in the vicinity of the camp. The Hartmann's Valley is unique and offers the guest the opportunity to enjoy nature at it's purest.

Overnight in Serra Cafema.

Today we leave Camp Serra Cafema and embark on our return journey to Palmwag. The drive progresses along the border of the Skeleton Coast Park, via Orupembe, an Ovahimba settlement, into the Khumib River. We traverse almost deserted contrasting landscapes, ranging from desert to the Kaoko highland.

Camping in the open in the Khumib River.

After breakfast the journey continues in a southerly direction through the beautiful Hoarusib River Valley with its Ovahimba settlements and palm trees. With a bit of luck the desert elephant can be sighted.

Camping in one of the many branches of the Hoanib River. Small elephant herds often stroll past the camp unhindered.

Break up camp, we then go on a game drive in search of the desert elephant. We continue in the Hoanib Riverbed towards Sesfontein. Encounter with game species such as zebra, oryx, giraffe, springbok and ostrich along the way.

After a short sojourn at Sesfontein, a one-time Schutztruppen outpost with six water springs situated above the settlement, our journey takes us back to Palmwag Lodge.

Overnight in bungalows at Palmwag Lodge

Early departure to Twyfelfontein to visit the rock engravings. We continue via the “Burnt Mountain” to Uis, a small mining town. As we 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.

valid until October 2007:

• 2 People N$ 27 840
  
• 3 - 5 People N$ 22 475
  
• 5+ People N$ 21 095