Kaokoland

Kaokoland is a wild area of rugged mountains, dry rivers, gravel roads, sparse population and predominant Himba villages. The region is bounded by mainly dry Hoanib River to the south and perennial Kunene River on the northern border with Angola.

Kunene River flows through impressive canyon cascades at bird-rich Epupa Falls and contrasting broad Ruacana Falls with a single drop of 120 metres. Whitewater rafting and canoeing offer adventure along the long stretch between the waterfalls.

Green and scenic Marienfluss Valley lies between sharply rising Otjihipa Mountains and Hartmann Mountains. Wildlife includes desert elephant and re-introduced black rhino among mountain zebra, giraffe, oryx, kudu and ostrich.

Under South African apartheid rule, Kaokoland was the name of an intended self-governing Himba homeland, never fully realised. Proximity to Angolan support led to heavy involvement in conflict during the independence struggle.