What to do in Kaokoland

A sunbaked desertscape, Kaokoland is famous as the home of the nomadic Himba people, who you’ll have the chance to meet and learn about their ingenious methods of survival. For a tad more action, there is quad biking across the dunes and game drives in search of shaggy brown hyena, rhino and desert-adapted lion. If you’re visiting between April and July, the Kunene River flows through the south, where crocodiles soak in the water, elephants travel from miles around and verdant birdlife flocks to its banks.

Meet the semi nomadic Himba people of Koakoland

A number of lodges and camps in the Kaokoland offer a chance to meet the Himba people, a fascinating and disappearing culture who adorn themselves in bright red ochre pigments. The Himba are a proud people, living a unique existence and finding ways to adapt despite modern-day vices, and the increase in tourism. If you do visit the Himba on a guided trip, make sure the settlement gains some benefit from the experience, and most of all, be sensitive to their unique way of life.

More experiences

Ride a quad bike across the dunes of Kaokaland

Track the desert adapted elephant in Koakoland

Track Kaokoland's wildlife on a game drive

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