North West Adventurer
Embark on a six-day Kaokoland safari, starting and ending at Khowarib Lodge, located in the heart of Namibia’s remote Kunene Region. This tour offers a deep dive into Van Zyls Pass’s rugged wilderness and the Himba communities’ cultural richness. From mingling with Herero and Himba women in the bustling town of Opuwo to navigating the challenging tracks towards Otjitanda, this journey captures the essence of adventure. Marvel at the panoramic views from Van Zyls Pass over the Marienfluss Valley, one of Africa’s most stunning vistas, followed by a descent to camp along the serene Kunene River. Traverse the picturesque Hartmann Valley, encounter the “Red Drum,” and opt for a comfortable stay at Etambura Camp or continue camping by the Khumib River. Explore the traditional life in Purros, learn about the semi-nomadic Himba culture, and conclude your safari with a thrilling search for desert-adapted elephants in the Hoanib River. This Kaokoland tour combines cultural immersion with spectacular natural scenery, making it an ideal choice for adventurers seeking a comprehensive experience in one of Namibia’s most unique landscapes.
Safari Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Khowarib Lodge for luxury and comfort on your first evening.
Day 2
We leave Khowarib Lodge for the town of Opuwo where you can happily expect to be standing in a supermarket queue with Herero and Himba women. From Opuwo we drive north to Etanga and cut west on basic tracks into the wilderness and strike off to the tiny settlement of Otjitanda and then on towards the Van Zyls Pass where one of our crews will pitch camp and our guide will start cooking dinner for us.
Day 3
We take on the last part to reach the top of Van Zyls Pass. On a ridge overlooking the Marienfluss, we will enjoy what is possibly the finest view in Africa. We complete our descent of the pass in extreme driving conditions and have a traditional celebration at the foot of the pass. We will then explore the magnificent Marienfluss and camp on the banks of the Kunene River.
Day 4
Travel down the beautiful Hartmann valley and pass the famous “Red Drum” into the Khumib River, where we camp for the night. (This night can also be supplemented with lodging at Etambura Camp instead of camping, with an additional cost of N$800 per person.)
Day 5
Driving further south we enter the Hoarasib River and camp at the interesting traditional township of Purros. Depending on time we will visit a Himba village and experience their rich culture in the afternoon or early the next morning.
Day 6
The final day we will drive south through tributaries to the Hoanib River in search of desert adapted elephants and other wildlife before returning to Khowarib Lodge via Sesfontein. You could tehn travel back to Windhoek or join another Namibia Safari
Includes
Vehicle hire
Experienced guide(s)
Camp assistant(s)
Rental of camping equipment
Fuel
Food & soft drinks
Emergency medical evacuation is also available if required
2 nights at Khowarib Lodge
Excludes
Client flights
Personal expenses – laundry, telephone, drinks
Alcoholic beverages
Further Information
In case of emergencies, all Kunene safaris are equipped with satellite phone and full medical equipment. Medical evacuation can also be arranged (subject to clients having appropriate insurance)
All our safaris can be operated as a guided self drive (where you drive your own vehicle) OR as a guided safari (where your guide does the driving)
For those without their own transport we will be happy to help you with transport arrangements from Windhoek to the lodge or indeed your onward destinations.