Kaokoland
Overview
Namibia Parks
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Kaokoland is a genuine wilderness area and rewards visitors who like an adventure. The desert landscape is both breathtaking and inhospitable. While there is scattered wildlife around, including desert elephants, this is not really a wildlife-viewing destination as densities are very low. The area is the ancestral home of the proud Himba people, and a visit to a local village is highly recommended.
Pros & Cons
Wildlife
There is very little wildlife in Kaokoland. There are desert elephants, but sightings are not easy. Visitors are likely to spot some springbok and a good number of gemsbok. Watching these majestic antelope roam the desert landscape, with no greenery in sight, is one of nature’s marvels.
Scenery
Most of Kaokoland is true desert set within incredible mountain scenery. Among the many highlights are the improbably grassy expanses of the Otjinjange (Marienflüss) and Hartmann’s Valleys, which drop down from the incredibly steep Van Zyl’s Pass to the Kunene River.
Activities
Although wildlife viewing and birding are possible, the main activities in Kaokoland are 4WD expeditions where the focus is on the scenery, rather than on the animals you might see. Cultural encounters and village visits to meet members of the Himba community are another highlight.
Weather & Climate
Kaokoland’s desert environment experiences a wide range of temperatures and has well-defined seasons. Summer coincides with the Wet season (November to April), which is hot and marked by thunderstorms. Winter occurs during the Dry season (May to October), with little rain and temperatures rising as the season progresses.
Best Time To Visit
Kaokoland’s climate is most pleasant during the Dry season (May to October), particularly from May to September. The landscape is always spectacular, but it turns beautifully green during the Wet season (November to April). Wildlife viewing is hit-and-miss at any time of year. The only exception is birdlife: migrant species appear when the rains come, staying from November to April.
Want To Visit Kaokoland?
Safari Tours to Kaokoland
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![14-Day Namibia Flying Safari]()
14-Day Namibia Flying Safari
$15,499 to $25,099 pp (USD)
Namibia: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Windhoek (Start), Zannier Reserve, Kulala WR, Skeleton Coast NP, Kaokoland, Etosha NP, Windhoek (End)
Wayfairer Travel
4.8/5 – 176 Reviews
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![13-Day Namibia Exclusive Luxury Fly-in Safari]()
13-Day Namibia Exclusive Luxury Fly-in Safari
$18,152 pp (USD)
Namibia: Private tourLuxuryLodge & Tented Camp
You Visit: Windhoek (Start), Eastern Etosha NP, Kaokoland, Skeleton Coast NP, Namib-Naukluft NP (Namib Desert), Hosea Kutako Airport (End)
People Tours And Safari
4.8/5 – 84 Reviews
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![5-Day Budget Etosha National Park and Himba Safari]()
5-Day Budget Etosha National Park and Himba Safari
$2,223 to $2,293 pp (USD)
Namibia: Shared tour (max 6 people per vehicle)
Mid-range Lodge & ChaletYou Visit: Johannesburg (Start), Etosha NP, Opuwo (Town), Kaokoland, Windhoek (City), Cape Town (End)
Knap Tours
5.0/5 – 5 Reviews
