KAOKOLAND AND THE WILD NORTHWEST

Kaokoland lures lovers of remote and wild places. Extending south from the Kunene River across a sparsely populated and harsh environment down to the Hoanib River, the area is home to the semi-nomadic Himba people. The rugged terrain tempts drivers who come to put their four-wheel-drive vehicles to the test as they negotiate challenging routes such as Van Zyl's pass. Other travellers hope to see the desert-adapted elephants, visit the impressive Epupa Falls, go to off-the-beatentrack destinations such as the expansive Marienfluss and Hartmann valleys, experience the wild and beautiful Khowarib Schlucht, and visit historic Witbooisdrift, site of a Dorslandtrekker monument.

Henri Slabbert

FEATURES

• The region hosts one of the largest waterfalls in Africa

• It is the stamping ground of the world-famous desert-adapted elephant

• The semi-nomadic Himba call this arid land home

• The area is a geological wonderland

• It has off-the-beaten-track destinations aplenty

Desert-adapted elephant

Gerhard Thirion

Namibia is home to the largest free-roaming population of black rhino in the world

Anja Denker

Activities & adventures

• Track desert-adapted elephant and rhino with a qualified guide

• Visit a Himba settlement

• Take a dramatic sunset photo at Epupa Falls

• Camp on the banks of the Kunene River

• Take your 4×4 and tackle a proper off-road challenge

• Enjoy the abundance of bird-watching opportunities

• See if you can spot one of the mysterious Lone Men rock sculptures hidden throughout the region

Elzanne McCulloch