| Kaokoland | |
 | |
| State | Namibia |
|---|---|
| Inhabitants | 16.000 |
Kaokoland is a region of the Northern Namibia.
To know
The reason why tourists come here is dictated by the desire to be photographed together with a representative of the Himba tribe but also to admire the splendid mountain landscapes. These are however forbidden to those who do not have a 4X4 and the skills required to drive it through the difficult mountain passes of the region.
After the Himba, in the ladder of desires of the aspiring visitor, there are close encounters with black rhinos and desert elephants that roam the valleys that lead to the Coast of Skeletons.
Geographical notes
Extending to the borders with Angola, Kaokoland is a mountainous region, sparsely populated and with few roads.
Territories and tourist destinations
Urban centers
- Epembe
- Etanga
- Opuwo - Capital of the administrative region of Kunene, Opuwo is the base for excursions to the surrounding Himba villages. It is also the last place to buy supplies. At the market you will hardly find fresh vegetables and fruit.
- Orupembe - Orupembe is only a poor mud hut which has the pretension of serving as a place for refreshment. It is the closest point to the Khumib River Valley where you are most likely to spot desert elephants and even lion specimens.
- Otavi
- Otjijanjasemo
- Otjitanda
- Palmwag - Located in Damaraland.
- Purros (Puros) - An oasis among extraordinary landscapes with a campsite managed by NACOBTA. Desert elephants have been sighted in the Hoarusib valley that leads to the Skeleton Coast.
- Sesfontein
- Warmquelle
Other destinations
- Epupas waterfalls - North of Opuwo.
How to get
By car
The shortest and longest way comfortable from capital consists in leaving the B1 Road at Otjiwarongo (250 km) to take the C38 in the direction of Outjo (70 km), the center near the southern entrance of the Etosha National Park.
From Outjo continue in the direction of Kamanjab (155 km) where you enter the C35 which borders the western flank of park. After 210 km you will reach a crossroads. Opuwo it is on the left at a distance of 28 km. In all, 710 km can also be traveled by a common sedan.
How to get around
By car
A sturdy 4x4 with a powerful engine and high enough off the ground is more than ever necessary to travel the slopes of the Kaokoeveld but you must also be equipped with the necessary expertise to drive it. Organizational skills are also needed since the area is devoid of everything and there will also be difficulties in provisioning. A Global Positioning System (GPS) is also required.
Those who do not have these skills and still have the desire to get to know the region in its most hidden places can turn to specialized Tour Operators ready to satisfy their whim. In return they will empty the wallet.
What see
Events and parties
What to do
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
Where stay
Moderate prices
- [link not working]Omarunga Camp (Epupa waterfalls).
- [link not working]Ongongo campsite (6 Km from the village of Warmquelle), ☎ 264 81 314 0216.
- Camp Syncro (At the mouth of the Marienfluss Valley on the Cunene River).
Average prices
- Fort Sesfontein Lodge and Safaris, Sesfontein.
- [link not working]Ohakane Lodge, Opuwo main street, ☎ 264 65 273031.
High prices
- Opuwo Country Hotel (Opuwo). The most expensive of Opuwo's hotels.
Safety
The risk of malaria is highest in areas along the Kunene River which marks the border with theAngola and in the valley floors.
How to keep in touch
Around
- Epupas waterfalls- The falls are 180 km north of Opuwo on the C43. Possible stop is at the camp of Okangwati
Itineraries
On the route of the C43
The C43 can also be traveled by 2X4 vehicles during the dry season, only the travel times are exhausting (10 km / h on average). South of Opuwo you will find: Sesfontein, Warmquelle is Palmwag located in Damaraland at the intersection of the C40 with the C43.
On the route of the D3703
The D3703 is a mountain track where it is easy to lose orientation and therefore not inadvisable compared to other roads. The directions are provided by old bins (drums) in different colors. Its route is not recommended even for those in possession of a 4X4. The itinerary described below is outlined in an approximate and summary way: From Epembe can be reached Otjijanjasemo and then a crossroads to Otjitanda. From this location a mule track begins which after about forty km leads to the Van Zyl's Pass. Starting from Opuwo early in the morning you can hope to get to the mountain pass before sunset, which is why you will be forced to pitch your tents nearby made of bare rock and some shrubs. Once you have crossed the pass you cannot go back and you will have to continue through the valley called "Marienfluss", much appreciated for its landscapes. The direction for the valley is indicated by a red bin, the "red drum". Walking along Marienfluss you will arrive at the campsite on the banks of the Kunene River which marks the border with theAngola. Also in this case it is not possible to retrace the outward itinerary backwards and you will be forced to go up the river Cunene up to the Epupa waterfalls. The other valley accessible from Van Zyl's Pass is Hartmann's Valley. Finally Etanga.
On the route of the D3707
The D3707 is another not particularly recommended route that passes through: Otavi, Orupembe is Purros. Purros can also be reached from Sesfontein, on the C43; about 100 km separate the two locations.
