Kaokoland and Marien Fluss is the place to go, if you like extreme terrain, hidden valleys and rare, exotic culture. The Kaokoland, also called Kaokoveld, is remote, sparsely populated and lies between the Skeleton Coast Park and the Kunene River on the Angolan border.
Sparsely populated, serene and largely empty, you will find scattered settlements of semi-nomadic Himba tribes and a variety of ecosystems from desert terrains to the west and mopane savannah to the east, with mountain ranges to the north near the Kunene River.
Kaokoland is a succession of hills and mountains punctuated by endless plains. This isolated rugged region is home to the nomadic Himba, who have remained unchanged for many generations. The attraction of Kaokoland lies in its wild and uncharted valleys and mountains. It is the most isolated and undeveloped region of Namibia. Rugged trails take you through sometimes, impossible terrain that test your vehicle and the skills of the driver.
We meet late afternoon in Opuwo the day before departure, at Kaoko Mopane Lodge.
Trip briefing and sundowners around a fire in a seating area of the Bar-Restaurant, overlooking a riverbed.
Accommodation: Kaoko Mopane Lodge (BB)
Dinner: Lodge Bar Restaurant (own account)
New adventures await during the next days of our trip. From Opuwo we take the D3707 along the Kameelberg Mountains to the Hoarusib Riverbed. A road less travelled. From Opuwo, the stretch without Fuel is 650km of 4x4 riverbed and sand driving, and additional fuel per vehicle will have to be carried.
Accommodation: Hoarusib Wilderness Camping – Eco bush shower and toilet (DBB)
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai
Kaokoland rocky and mountain scenery at its best, with slow-going jeep tracks.
Marble Camp is on an old marble mine site. First Stonemen, be on the lookout it is easy to miss them.
Accommodation: House on The Hill Chalets/Camp – with ablutions(DBB)
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai
Today we head north through the grass fields of the Marienfluss Valley towards the Kunene River.
Grasslands dominate the broad, central Marienfluss and Hartmann’s Valleys, with dunes covering the western section. Wildlife includes leopard, cheetah, giraffe, variety of game, mountain zebra, and crocodiles. Our campsite for the next two nights, is on the banks of the Kunene River and has toilets and shower facilities.
Accommodation: Syncro Camp – camping with ablutions
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
Spend the day relaxing at the campsite, with views of the Kunene River, crocodiles sunning on rocks and abundant bird life.
Accommodation: Syncro Camp – camping with ablutions
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
Sadly, after breakfast, we have to leave the banks of the Kunene River behind and drive through extraordinary scenery - the Marienfluss - and to our next destination.
Lunch stop at a famous landmark in Kaokoland called the Red Drum. The original drum was a red Caltex 45-gallon drum that Mr Ben Van Zyl left there after using it as a petrol stash. In those years you could actually leave petrol there without it being stolen! In the end he used it as a marker and called it Rooidrom. The original drum at Rooidrom was taken by Hereros who would fill it with river water and take it to their cattle in the Marienfluss. Chris Eyre, a nature conservator working in the area, replaced it with a new drum that he painted red and it was immediately taken again. The last and third drum, he made full of holes and put gravel inside. It is still standing.
Accommodation: Khumib Riverbed Wilderness Camping - Eco bush shower and toilet
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
Breakfast in camp and we leave for Orupembe with a shop – hope fully there will be an ice-cold beer. Following the Khumib River for most of the afternoon, keeping a lookout for possible sightings of Desert Elephants and other wild life.
Turning into Hoarusib River which takes us all the way to Puros and our campsite.
The camp sites are rustic, but have toilets and hot-shower facilities
Accommodation: Puros Bush-Camp - Camping with ablutions
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
Rest Day at Puros, with a drive into Puros Canyon for a brunch-picnic.
We visit a lodge for drinks – only fly-in visitors allowed! A quick stop at the Shebeen in Puros should you need a cold beer. Possible Elephants sightings in camp and in the Canyon, as well as giraffes and other game.
Accommodation: Puros Bush-Camp - Camping with ablutions
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
Through Puros Canyon we will be heading down the Hoarusib River, crossing over to the Hoanib River at Amspoort. A day of driving through magnificent landscapes changing from Canyon rock formation to a moon landscape and dry-riverbed driving. Huge Ana Trees (white acacia) are the most amazing sighting in the riverbed and we will find one for an extraordinary wild camp.
Sightings of Giraffes, Elephants other game and even lions.
Accommodation: Hoanib Riverbed Wilderness Camping
Dinner: Eco Ventures Braai (DB&B)
A beautiful day, searching for elephants, rhino and other wildlife and experiencing the ever-changing landscapes of Kaokoland. From Hoanib Riverbed we have a pitstop at Sesfontein and hopefully fuel! Via Khowarib to Palmwag Lodge
Accommodation: Luxury en-suited Tented Chalets
Dinner: At bar-restaurant for own account
The support team leave early via Windhoek to Mariental. Windhoek Airport Drop off at 14:00.
Self-drive vehicles are welcome to join us on our way back.
Kaokoland Highlights
Searching for the elusive Stonemen
Most rugged, yet authentic travel
Panoramic Vistas
Isolation and Desolate Valleys
Desert Mountains and unusual landscapes
Desert Elephants and Lions
Iconic Himba People
Wild Camping
Riverbed Driving in deep sandy tracks
The Marienfluss Scenery
Magnificent Trees in Riverbeds
WE PROVIDE
ACCOMMODATION - Combination of TENTS AND CHALETS/LODGE
We provide camping gear
Dome tents 3m x3m x 1.82m high- go together with a light, a stretcher, mattress and bedside table.
Upgrade to chalets, with no camping is available
MEALS
Our fully equipped BUSH kitchen (including crockery, cutlery and coffee mugs) will treat you with a hearty breakfast that varies from continental to bacon/boerewors and eggs.
Dinner is always around a camp fire – South African Braai/Potjie experiences and homecooked meals like bobotie. Always accompanied by fresh salad and vegetables.
COFFEE Station – tea and coffee are yours to enjoy in camp – with early morning homemade rusks
ICE Bucket is ready before Wine O’Clock for sundowners.
SUPPORT Vehicle with Guides and 2-way radios for each vehicle
YOUR ESSENTIAL LIST
SELF DRIVE with own vehicle
Own 4x4 Vehicle or 2x4 with good ground clearance and off-road tyres. Own Alcoholic beverages/ refreshments, drinking water and snacks. Sleeping bag, pillow and your own camp chairs. Park entry fees, Road Tax and Restaurant meals as per itinerary.
YOUR ESSENTIAL LIST
AS PASSENGER WITH ECO
Transport in Double Cab 4x4 Vehicle
Sleeping bag, pillow and alcoholic beverages/refreshments and your own snacks.
Park entry fees and restaurant meals as per itinerary.
