Kaokoland is a genuine wilderness area and rewards visitors who like an adventure. The desert landscape is both breathtaking and inhospitable. While there is scattered wildlife around, including desert elephants, this is not really a wildlife-viewing destination as densities are very low. The area is the ancestral home of the proud Himba people, and a visit to a local village is highly recommended.
-
Best Time To Go
- May to September (Cooler temperatures; no rain)
-
High Season
- July to November (It never gets busy)
-
Size
- 45,600km² / 17,606mi²
-
Altitude
-
0-2,039m /0-6,690ft
View Photos
View Photos
+24
Photos
Open Map
Pros & Cons
- Great wilderness experience
- Stunning desert scenery
- You might see rare desert elephants
- Opportunity to visit a Himba village
- Low densities and variety of wildlife
- Very remote destination that can be difficult to get around
- Few accommodations
- Very hot climate
Wildlife
There is very little wildlife in Kaokoland. There are desert elephants, but sightings are not easy. Visitors are likely to spot some springbok and a good number of gemsbok. Watching these majestic antelope roam the desert landscape, with no greenery in sight, is one of nature’s marvels.
More about Kaokoland’s wildlifeScenery
Most of Kaokoland is true desert set within incredible mountain scenery. Among the many highlights are the improbably grassy expanses of the Otjinjange (Marienflüss) and Hartmann’s Valleys, which drop down from the incredibly steep Van Zyl’s Pass to the Kunene River.
Activities
Although wildlife viewing and birding are possible, the main activity in Kaokoland is 4WD expeditions, where the focus is on the scenery rather than on the animals you might see. Cultural encounters and village visits to meet members of the Himba community are another highlight.
Weather & Climate
Kaokoland’s desert environment experiences a wide range of temperatures and has well-defined seasons. Summer coincides with the Wet season (November to April), which is hot and marked by thunderstorms. Winter occurs during the Dry season (May to October), with little rain and temperatures rising as the season progresses.
More about the weather and climateBest Time To Visit
Kaokoland’s climate is most pleasant during the Dry season (May to October), particularly from May to September. The landscape is always spectacular, but it turns beautifully green during the Wet season (November to April). Wildlife viewing is hit-and-miss at any time of year. The only exception is birdlife: migrant species appear when the rains come, and they stay from November to April.
More about the best time to visit