Explore Kaokoland - Namibia

Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain scenery, a refuge for the rare desert dwelling elephant, black rhino and giraffe and the home of the Himba people. Although it is harsh and offers little respite at midday, the rugged landscape is especially attractive during the early morning and late afternoon when it is transformed into softly glowing pastel shades.

The topography in the south of the area is characterised by rugged mountains which are dissected by numerous watercourses, but north of the Hoarusib River the scenery is dominated by table-top koppies. Still further north, the Otjihipa Mountains rise abruptly above the Namib floor to form the eastern boundary of the Marienfluss, while the west of the valley is defined by the Hartmann Mountains. The Marienfluss valley is very scenic and relatively greener than the Hartmann's valley. Hartmann's valley is closer to the Atlantic and yet much more arid. However, it does have a strange atmosphere when the sea mists drift inland

Kaokoland differs greatly from Damaraland in terms of accessibility and infrastructure. While quite a bit of Damaraland is isolated from the outside world it is really Kaokoland which is the back and beyond, silent, huge and for the most part empty. With 16,000 or so inhabitants, 5,000 of them Himba, Kaokoland has a population density of only one person to every two square kilometers which is about a quarter of the national average.

Kaokoland is bordered on the south the Hoanib River and on the north the Kunene River which also forms Namibia's border with Angola

Accommodation

Epupa Falls Lodge & Campsite

Right here, on the edge of this small desert wonder, is the very heart of Epupa, Epupa Falls Lodge. It has been here forever, since before the arrival of tour buses and self-drive adventurers from every nation across the globe. Back in the day, it was only a campsite with a fantastic view, now it is both lodge and campsite at one of the most marvelous places in Namibia.

Activities

1.Track desert-adapted rhino and elephnat with a qualified guide

2.Visit a Himba Settlement

3.Cool off in a rock pool at Eupupa Falls and some bird-watching.

4. Camp on the banks of the Kunene River

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Cultural experiences in Namibia

Namibia is one of our favourite places for cultural experiences in Africa. Despite having one of the world's lowest population densities, we've found some of our best experiences here, and have really enjoyed the opportunity of getting to know people of a radically different cultural background.

People
Eleven ethnic groups make up the majority of the population, which is overall around two million people, with each tribe contributing its own traditions to the core of Namibian culture. The population is youthful, with 44 percent aged fourteen and under and only 4 percent aged older than 65. About 60 percent live in the far north, where rainfall is sufficient for grain farming.

The oldest inhabitants, the San, are known to be great storytellers and love music, dance and mimicry.

The Nama of the south have a tradition of prose and poetry and a natural talent for music.

 Eight Owambo sub-tribes reside in Namibia, the largest being the Kwanyama. One of the interesting features of the traditional Owambo social system is that lineage is traced through the mother and through maternal ancestors

The Herero are a pastoral cattle-breeding people. Herero women wear Victorian-style dresses adapted from the wives of Rhenish missionaries.

The Himba women (of Herero descent) rub their bodies with a mixture of red ochre and fat, wear traditional body ornaments and garments, and have hairstyles that correspond to their age, sex and social status.

Language
Most Namibians speak Bantu languages like Oshiwambo and Otjiherero as their first language. Others speak Khoisan languages (Nama/Damara and various Bushman languages). Afrikaans is the most widely spoken language, which became popular as a common language during occupation. German is spoken by most of the white population. However, English is the official language, and is mainly spoken by young people and urban dwellers.

For more information please contact us at: 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com