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RIVERS OF KAOKOLAND
An Adventurer Exploration - 9 nights/10 days
The dry river systems of the arid Namibian north-west are vital oases for elephant and other desert-adapted wildlife. These hidden life supports form the basis of an innovative travel route, where we
spend six days exploring one of the most remote and exciting regions in Africa. Natural animal movements and location dictate where our ‘wild’ campsites and areas of focus will be. This incredible journey takes place in Kaokoland, an area between the stunning isolation of Serra Cafema Camp on the Kunene River and Etosha National Park.
The style of accommodation takes you back to the great days of African exploration. Comfortable linen bedrolls on “disco” stretchers lit by hurricane lanterns, thus complements the atmosphere in pristine, wild camping areas (often on the edges of dry ephemeral riverbeds). Separate toilet and shower ‘bathrooms’ with old-style tin bucket showers and all amenities create simple serviced comfort.
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FEATURES OF THIS SAFARI
- Original adventure far off the beaten track.
- Travel through unique habitats with unrivalled wildlife viewing of desert elephant, gemsbok, springbok and possibly black rhino.
- A completely free-ranging safari with a non-scheduled camping route determined by dynamics of nature.
- Additional activities include meeting Himba people, dune quad biking, boating on the Kunene River.
- Experience community-based conservation first-hand.
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Day 1: Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha Region
After an early morning arrival at Windhoek International airport, we meet Chris Liebenberg and depart by road to Ongava Tented Camp.
Ongava Tented Camp, situated in the Ongava Game Reserve neighbouring Etosha National Park, is a small, traditional tented camp. Guests sleep in comfortable ‘Meru’-style tents with en-suite bathrooms and open-air showers. The main area is under thatch with a veranda and a pool. There is a much-frequented waterhole in front of the camp where guests can experience excellent game viewing from the veranda.
Days 2-7: Wild camping, Kaokoland
Leaving early after a light breakfast, we wind our way westwards towards the linear oases of the Namibian north-west. Here, in these river systems that hold more surface water and hence more vegetation, we begin our search for desert game. Exploring from the Khumib to the Ombonde and Hoanib rivers, these systems often serve as migratory routes for game; our encounters thus are diverse, different and exciting. So specialised is the area that behaviour of the same species of bird is often different from one river system to the next.
We meet the local custodians of Kaokoland, the Himba nomadic peoples, explore almost every geological sequence, from the oldest to the youngest, and experience community-based tourism first hand. We camp in two or three different sites, depending on wildlife movements. These camps are always erected before our arrival, allowing us more time to explore the areas in detail and providing a comfortable place in which to relax on our return to camp.
Days 8 & 9: Serra Cafema Camp, Kunene
Making our way across country through the last of the desert tracks northwards, we arrive at arguably the most remote camp in Africa, Serra Cafema. The camp is set amongst ancient Albida trees on the banks of the only permanent source of water in the region, the Kunene River.
The eight canvas and thatched chalets, each with its own en-suite bathroom, are raised off the ground. The camp also has a dining room, bar and pool. Guests fall asleep to the sound of the river rapid just below the camp; in contrast, during the day they explore one of the driest deserts in the world.
Activities here are many and varied, including traversing sand dunes, boating on the river, walking in remote valleys, enjoying breathtaking landscapes, as well as carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes. Serra Cafema is often visited by nearby native Ovahimba families, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions.
Day 10: Transfer to Windhoek
Our adventurous journey ends this morning with a flight back to Windhoek Eros Airport, enjoying the magnificent and vast landscapes from the air along the way.
Routes: The dry river systems of the arid Namibian north-west are vital oases for elephant and other desert-adapted wildlife. These hidden life supports form the basis of an innovative travel route, where we spend six days exploring one of the most remote and exciting regions in Africa. Natural animal movements and location dictate where our ‘wild’ campsites and areas of focus will be. The landscape is simply unimaginably large, 4x4 driving is challenging and roads can be rough; all this just enhances the atmosphere of isolation and achievement.
Exclusive experience: Namibia’s Kaokoland is extremely remote and well off the main tourist routes. On this specialised tour, most areas will more than likely be private, and shared only with the local Himba people. All campsites are private and for the use of Adventurer Exploration guests only.
Guides: The entire safari is guided and hosted by the professional and passionate Chris Liebenberg. As a Namibian, he shares his in-depth knowledge of an area in which he is an expert, presenting a seamless and well-rounded and experience.
Transfers: Cross-country drives have the advantage of viewing the changing scenery and landscapes of the region, while the air transfer allows for a bird’s-eye view and comfort with which to end the journey.
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