Kaokoland was an administrative unit and a bantustan in northern South West Africa (now Namibia). Established during the apartheid era, it was intended to be a self-governing homeland of the OvaHimba, but an actual government was never established. Like other homelands in South West Africa, the Kaokoland bantustan was abolished in May 1989, at the beginning of the transition of Namibia towards independence. "Kaokoland" remains as an informal name for the geographic area, while the political unit of administration since 1990 is Kunene Region. The area is in the Kaokoveld ecoregion.
The area is one of the wildest and least populated areas in Namibia, with a population density of one pers...
Kaokoland was an administrative unit and a bantustan in northern South West Africa (now Namibia). Established during the apartheid era, it was intended to be a self-governing homeland of the OvaHimba, but an actual government was never established. Like other homelands in South West Africa, the Kaokoland bantustan was abolished in May 1989, at the beginning of the transition of Namibia towards independence. "Kaokoland" remains as an informal name for the geographic area, while the political unit of administration since 1990 is Kunene Region. The area is in the Kaokoveld ecoregion.
The area is one of the wildest and least populated areas in Namibia, with a population density of one person every 2 km² (1/4 of the national average). The most represented ethnic group is the Himba people, who account for about 5,000 of the overall 16,000 inhabitants of Kaokoland. The main settlement in Kaokoland was the city of Opuwo.
Last and only last because of its remote location, difficult access and the impossibly stiff competition before it, Kaokoland is like Damarland on full volume, on steroids, on a mission to become the least explored part of one of the least populated countries on Earth. Kaokoland is special. Here is where we Namibians "get away from it all" although quite what we're getting away from is a mystery to me.
Enormous, virtually impassable mountain ranges, all the desert-adapted wildlife of Damaraland to the south and mile upon square mile of uninhabited, scenic splendour. Kaokoland is where the fascinating Himba people live - off the land in harmony with nature.
Best suited to adventurous self-drive 4x4 camping adventures with more than one vehicle, Kaokoland is quite likely on everybody's second-visit bucket list. And a second visit you will want after skimming the surface of this ancient and beautiful country.
Known as the last true nomadic tribe of Namibia, the Himba has a unique and wonderful culture. The Himba, who currently number between 30,000 and 50,000 individuals, have been plagued ...
The Cunene (Portuguese spelling) or Kunene is a river in Southern Africa. It flows from the Angola highlands south to the border with Namibia. It then flows west along the ...
Epupa Falls (also known as Monte Negro Falls in Angola) is a series of large waterfalls created by the Cunene River on the border of Angola and Namibia, in the ...
Ruacana Falls are waterfalls located near Ruacana on the Kunene River in Northern Namibia. The waterfall is 120 meters (390 ft) high and 700 meters (2,300 ft) wide in full ...
Hartmann's Valley and Marienfluss are two vast wilderness areas in the west of Kaokoland. This is off-roading territory and the valleys support a fragile arid ecosystem. Marienfluss is the more ...
A series of waterfalls that stretch over 1.5km with the longest drop being 37m. The Kunene river is about 500m wide at this point. The name "Epupa" is a Herero ...
The drive today will take a fairly long time depending on the number of stops for wildlife and scenic areas like a group of strange-looking Baobab trees together a very ...
We will slowly make our way eastwards along the Kunene River until we reach the Ruacana Falls. The waterfall is 120 meters (390 ft) high and 700 meters (2,300 ft) ...
Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. Guests can truly disconnect, unwind and relax ...
Perched on a hill above the banks of the ephemeral Hoarusib River, the Okahirongo Elephant Lodge is possibly one of the most remote lodges in Namibia. If you make it ...
Okahirongo River Camp is an eco-friendly luxury tented lodge built on a sweeping ridge and opening up to breathtaking views of the Kunene River. The central area, constructed above the ...
Opuwo means “finished†or “up to here and no furtherâ€
Opuwo is the gateway to Koakoland, the small town of Opuwo is the administrative hub of the Kunene Region.
Opuwo Country Hotel ...
Visitors relaxing on the veranda enjoy a panoramic view of the gorge, cliffs and surrounding area.
The luxury, en-suite tents are a short walk from the lodge to the river bank ...
The first lodge on the left as you enter Epupa, Epupa Falls Lodge is a privately owned and run lodge offering a unique stay, with the best views over the ...
Epupa Camp offers you a relaxing yet exhilarating few days of personalised service and excellent meals in the seclusion of a lush riverine wilderness of ana trees, wild figs, makalani ...
Communal tourism is still in the fledgling stages. However, an increasing number of indigenous people are starting to take fate into their own hands by getting actively involved in the ...
One of the highlights of Kaokoland in the far northern reaches of Namibia, Epupa is a magical belt of makalani palm forest on the perennial Kunene River.
There’s something special about ...
Ask for a pitch by the river and watch that Hoanib flow. Well, it doesn’t always because it’s one of those ephemeral rivers but the animals know there’s water lurking ...
Epupa Camp offers you a relaxing yet exhilarating few days of personalised service and excellent meals in the seclusion of a lush riverine wilderness of ana trees, wild figs, makalani ...
The lodge is situated on the bank of the Kunene River which forms the north-western border between Angola and Namibia. A lush canopy of indigenous trees provides shade for chalets ...