Kaokoveld (Kaokoland and Damaraland) is a true wilderness area - rugged and seemingly inhospitable, those that venture into it might encounter desert-adapted elephant and rhino, or marvel at the beautiful Himba tribe.
- Cultural interaction
- Remote and wild region
- Desert-adapted fauna & flora
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| Kaokoveld travel info | Serra Cafema Camp |
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Kaokoveld travel info The Kaokoveld covers some 77 000km2 in the arid northwestern corner of Namibia. The landscape is characterised by rugged mountain scenery, expansive gravel plains, sweeping river valleys and uniquely adapted fauna and flora. Kaokoland reaches up to the Kunene River, which follows a path of rapids and waterfalls, forming the northern border with Angola. Often described as Africa's last great wilderness, the Kaokoveld requires determination to reach if you are driving yourself around Namibia, even in a 4x4. Mighty rivers have gouged ravines out of the upturned edge of the African massif leaving deep valleys with seasonal springs, a startling contrast of sheer cliffs and fertile flood tracks. Here, in the hidden valleys of the Huab, Hoanib and the Hoarusib are found the rare desert elephant and desert giraffe of the Kaokoveld, almost separate species from their plains relatives and specially adapted to life with minimal water. Stately oryx and delicate springbok abound. There are very few tourists' facilities. This is timeless Africa, without roads and fences.
This is also the home of the Himba who still follow a traditional lifestyle. The Himba are one of the main reasons people travel to this part of the country. They are one of the most self-sufficient peoples in Africa and remain independent despite of drought and war, following traditional lifestyles with very little outside influence. They still cover their skins and hair with ochre and rely on a subsistence economy. Ruacana Falls are the highest in Africa, while Epupa Fall are probably the remote and beautiful- a tranquil paradise in a harsh land.
Seasons
During summer, temperatures can reach 35°C; occasionally reaching 50°C in the valleys. Best time for travel are the winter months from May-Sep, as the climate is comfortable (average temperature is at around 26 degrees Celsius) and the roads better.
Wildlife
You may see: desert dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe, gemsbok, kudu, springbok, ostrich, mountain zebra, back to Kaokoveld top
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