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Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the 'Botswana & Namibia' guide.
Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
Anthony is the author of the 'Botswana & Namibia' Lonely Planet guide.
Kaokoland is a genuine wilderness area. The desert scenery is breathtaking and inhospitable at the same time. There is scattered wildlife around, including desert elephants, but 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 tribal village is highly recommended.
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 oryx. Watching these majestic antelope, walking through the desert landscape with no greenery in sight, is one of nature’s marvels.
Most of Kaokoland is true desert set within incredible mountain scenery. The environment can be somewhat challenging to the eye in the midday sun. However, when the sun rises and sets and the ripples in the sand glow in an orange-red cast among the deep shadows falling over the dunes, it’s impossible not to appreciate the stark beauty.
Weather & Climate
Kaokoland’s desert environment is subject to a vast range of temperatures. It has a well-defined summer (November to April) and winter (May to October). Winter sees little rain, and higher temperatures as the season progresses. Summer is hot and punctuated by thunderstorms.
Kaokoland’s climate is most pleasant during the Dry season months April 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, which is in migratory abundance when the rains come.
Stephen is a travel writer and avid conservationist whose work appears in prestigious magazines such as Africa Geographic and Travel Africa.
An Arid Wilderness
3/5
The Kaokaveld of northern Namibia is the very definition of true wilderness. If you want to go on safari and feel like you’re dropping clean off the map, then this is the spot for you. Wildlife ekes out an existence in this arid and...