Kunene River, Namibia

One of just five perennial rivers in arid Namibia, the Kunene River winds its way from Angola to the desolate Skeleton Coast, forming the natural border between Angola and Namibia. It is a precious resource for the people, plants and animals that live near it. For centuries the river has supported the semi-nomadic Himba people. Kaokoland, a vast area of rugged mountains, is bordered on the north by the Kunene.

Along the Kunene River are the spectacular Epupa Falls formed by a series of cascades that drop a total of 60m over a distance of about 1.5km. For a bit of adventure you can try white water rafting or canoeing on the river. Our recommended accommodation options, Serra Cafema Camp, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge and Uris Safari Lodge, all offer various activities that make the most of what this area has to offer.

contact us to plan your visit to this extremly remote region.

Uris Safari Lodge is flanked by the ancient Lake Otjikoto and the Etosha National Park. It is a perfect stop en route to the Kunene River and Kaokoland. If you have an interest in gemstones, it borders historic German and Artesian mines. The beautiful Serra Cafema Camp, situated inland on the Kunene River, is one of the most remote camps in southern Africa. Okahirongo Elephant Lodge, in the Kaokoland, is often described as one of the last truly wild areas in Namibia.

We recommend you make the most of your time and plan your holiday carefully when traveling the vast distances. If you're going to the Kunene River, why not include the Skeleton Coast with Skeleton Coast Safaris. The northern region of this coast is only accessible by fly-in safari, while the southern region is accessible by vehicle. The Schoemans will share their passion and knowledge of the Skeleton Coast on a private safaris. Accommodation is in 3 equipped tented desert camps.

A word from the local Herero people, 'Epupa' means spray created by falling water. Formed by a series of cascades, the falls are 500m wide at one point. Swim in the pools, but be careful of the crocodiles! Coloured rock walls and wild fig, baobabs and waving makalali palm trees surround the falls area. The sunsets are spectacular. Bird watching around these perennially flowing waters is rewarding. Look out for the rare Rufous-tailed palm thrush, bee eaters, the African fish eagle and kingfishers.

The rugged, mountainous area of the Kaokoland is a refuge for the rare desert elephant and black rhino, and home of the Himba people. The elephants have adapted to their extremely harsh environment. The only other place where elephants live in such conditions is in Mali on the edge of the Sahara Desert. The intense midday heat in Kaokoland offers little respite, yet the rocky landscape is beautiful during the early morning and late afternoon, when it is transformed into glowing colours.

Pastoral and nomadic peoples, the Himba eek out a living in the harsh Kaokoland. They have resisted change and have preserved their unique cultural heritage. Clothes, hairstyle and jewellery are all of particular significance to the Himba and are part of their tradition and culture.  The proud Himba women take several hours for beauty care every morning.