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Van Zyl´s Pass, Kaokoveld, a challenge for offroad drivers

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Kaokoveld

The Kaokoveld is the far north-west of Namibia, Himba country and desert mountains beyond Damaraland.

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Van Zyl´s Pass, Kaokoveld, a challenge for offroad drivers
Young Himba lady. Picture taken in Namibia.
Ondoto Rivier, Kaokoveld

Cultural Encounters and Wildlife Adventures on a Kaokoveld Safari

Young Himba lady. Picture taken in Namibia.

Between the Etosha National Park and Namibia’s wild Kunene River border with Angola lies a region known as the Kaokoveld, perhaps Southern Africa’s last great untouched wilderness areas.

It’s a land of extreme weather: the winters are marrow-freezing cold while the summers are searing hot and punctuated only by an occasional torrential downpour. But the Kaokoveld is also home to the Himba, a nomadic and pastoral people noted not only for their ability to survive in an arid and unforgiving environment but also for their striking appearance – of their women at least. By crushing ochre rocks and applying the reddish-brown powder to their skin with butter, Himba women gleam like the main currency of their culture: cattle.

It’s a remarkably unchanged world. Coffee, tobacco and sugar are often exchanged by visitors for the leatherwork, jewellery and pottery of the Himba, many of whom are turning away from a life of herding livestock in the face of the ferocious climate and marauding lions. Tourism is slowly and inevitably encroaching on their way of life and if you want to see the Himba in their true environment, do it sooner rather than later.

  • Unique Activities Awaiting You in the Kaokoveld

    Van Zyl´s Pass, Kaokoveld, a challenge for offroad drivers

    Best experienced as a fly-in destination, there are only a handful of lodges in the region, set on the Kunene River itself. The bird watching on the river is good, while game drives will take you in search of rare and desert-adapted wildlife. There will be opportunities for cultural interactions with local Himba people on your Kaokoveld safari and needless to say, it’s the place to go for a truly off-the-beaten-path holiday or honeymoon.

  • Ready to Explore the Kaokoveld?

    Ondoto Rivier, Kaokoveld

    Dreaming of an authentic Namibian wilderness experience in the Kaokoveld? Let our African Safari Experts craft your unforgettable safari.

  • What travellers most enjoyed about Kaokoveld

    • Bird watching

    • Cultural interactions

    • Wildlife and safari

Where to go

When to go

  • Van Zyl´s Pass, Kaokoveld, a challenge for offroad drivers

    When to go

    May to October. Summer heat is serious, and some tracks are for experienced drivers only.

Travel advice

  • Van Zyl´s Pass, Kaokoveld, a challenge for offroad drivers

    Before you travel

    Go with a guide who already works here. Ask before you photograph people. The north is a malaria question for a clinic.

Kaokoveld Tours & Safaris: Your Gateway to the Wild and Wonderful Kaokoveld

If you’re looking for a tour or safari in the Kaokoveld, look no further. Our Kaokoveld tours and safaris embrace a part of Namibia that is perhaps the wildest region of Southern Africa and is best combined with Damaraland and the Etosha National Park.

View our recommended Kaokoveld tours and safaris below or speak to our Africa Safari Experts today to start planning your adventure..

  • Recommended Kaokoveld Tours & Safari Holidays

    From KSh3,107,240 pps
    Highlights

    Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.

    Destinations visited
    Enquire for pricing
    Highlights

    Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
    Highlights

    Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    Enquire for pricing
    Highlights

    Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.

    Destinations visited
    From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
    Highlights

    Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh3,107,240 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia Wildlife, Himbas & Dunes

      10 days
      Highlights

      Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Etosha Namibia Sossusvlei Windhoek
    From KSh3,107,240 pps
    Highlights

    Visit a traditional Himba village. See the ‘fairy circles' of Marianfluss.

    Destinations visited
    • Enquire for pricing
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia's Desert Flying Safari

      7 days This safari is a Hidden Gem
      Highlights

      Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.

      Destinations visited
      Namib Desert Namibia Skeleton Coast
    Enquire for pricing
    Highlights

    Take in Namibia's mesmerising scenery from the air. Visit the iconic sand dunes at Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia Desert & Community Safari

      10 days This safari is a Trip With A Purpose
      Highlights

      Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Kaokoveld Namibia Sossusvlei
    From KSh1,552,000 to KSh2,508,770 pps
    Highlights

    Stay at luxuriously stylish and comfortable safari accommodations in private conservancies. Visit some of Namibia's most popular destinations, like Sossusvlei.

    Destinations visited
    • Enquire for pricing
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Journey Through Northern Namibia

      7 days
      Highlights

      Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.

      Destinations visited
      Etosha Kaokoveld Namibia Skeleton Coast
    Enquire for pricing
    Highlights

    Great mix of wildlife and stunning scenery. Classic big game viewing – elephant, rhino, big cats.

    Destinations visited
    • From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
      Click to save to your wishlist

      Namibia's Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Kunene Fly-In

      7 days
      Highlights

      Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.

      Destinations visited
      Damaraland Namibia Sossusvlei
    From KSh1,213,170 to KSh1,872,655 pps
    Highlights

    Hike sand dunes in Sossusvlei. See some of the most important rock art in Africa.

    Destinations visited

Popular tours and safaris in Kaokoveld

Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.

Browse all tours
  • 13Kwessi Dunes Bedroom exteriors and oryx7 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Namib Desert | Namibia | Skeleton Coast

  • 13Safarihoek Accommodation Swimming Pool 17 days

    Highlights

    A rhino outing where this itinerary includes one. Morning and afternoon game drives.

    Destinations visited

    Etosha | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Skeleton Coast

  • From KSh1,213,355 to KSh1,872,942 pps

    Namibia's Sossusvlei, Damaraland & Kunene Fly-In
    Little Kulala 27 days

    Highlights

    Time on foot with a guide.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • Kulala desert lodge baloonsafari19 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund

  • From KSh1,552,237 to KSh2,509,158 pps

    Namibia Desert & Community Safari
    Wilderness Little Kulala10 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Kaokoveld | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • Onguma The Fort view of waterhole at night10 days

    Highlights

    A visit with a local community.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Windhoek

  • Day1 oliveGrove110 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei

  • From KSh483,654 to KSh636,865 pps

    Namibia Family Self-Drive
    Okonjima Plains Camp plainscamp xenia design photog 51 110 days

    Highlights

    Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.

    Destinations visited

    Damaraland | Etosha | Namibia | Sossusvlei | Swakopmund

Kaokoveld Accommodation

Accommodation in the wild and remote Kaokoveld is limited to a handful of fly-in luxury lodges. If you’re looking for a genuine adventure at the heart of the Namibian wilderness, our selection of Kaokoveld accommodation is sure to inspire you and will make planning your Namibia holiday so much simpler.

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Travellers
CoupleFamilyGroup (2 or more)Solo
Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
Historical toursBird watchingGorilla trackingChimp trackingMonkey trackingRhino trackingWhale watchingTurtle nesting excursionsShark cage diving
Food & Drink
Bush diningPicnicsFine dining experiencePrivate dining experienceWine tastingCooking lessons
Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
Water activities
Boat excursionsMokoro trailsFishingCanoeingKayakingSailingWind-surfingKite surfingStand-up paddle boardingSurfingWater-skiingWhite-water raftingSnorkellingScuba diving
Sport & Wellness
HikingQuad-bikingJogging trailsSpa treatmentsYogaHorse riding
Accommodation Types
Boutique HotelBush CampCountry HouseGuesthouseHotelHouseLodgeView all 'Accommodation Types'(5)Mobile Tented CampResortTented CampTented LodgeVillaPer person sharing
Meal plan
Bed and BreakfastFull boardFull inclusiveHalf board
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    • 1

Kaokoveld stays

3 stays. The rate is per person sharing.

  • Enquire for pricing

    Hoanib Valley Camp

    Edited 3Hoanib Valley Accommodation Bedroom tent exteriorKaokoveld, Namibia

    Activities travellers enjoyed

    Game drives | Cultural visits | Star gazing | Hot air ballooning | Quad-biking | Horse riding

  • From KSh1,213,355 to KSh3,107,720 pps

    Serra Cafema Camp

    Damaraland290Kaokoveld, Namibia

    Activities travellers enjoyed

    Game drives | Specialist guides | Cultural visits | Star gazing | Bird watching | Picnics

Costs

The Kaokoveld costs in time and in a specialist guide. It is not the cheap version of Etosha.

International flights, visas, and tips sit outside the sample price. Nothing is paid until you accept the quote.