Experience enthralling desert vistas teeming with wildlife and filled with splendor
In northwestern Namibia lies the beautifully desolate and rugged Kunene region. Witness enthralling vistas that extend into endless horizons, mirage-like shipwrecks that blur into the sun’s foggy heat, and marvel at the Atlantic’s icy waves that lap at the feet of towering, crimson dunes. Kunene is a place of an indescribable natural wonder; it’s sandy plains and golden-hued grasslands are home to iconic wildlife like cheetahs, lions, and black and white rhinos, as well as rare animals only found in this part of the world, like desert-adapted elephants and oryx.
Undertake the exploration of these diverse landscapes in ultimate luxury. Kunene’s opulent lodges beckon, from private villas to stylish tents replete with en-suite bathrooms and gourmet dining.
One such lodge is Serra Cafema, a lodge that pays homage to the local Himba culture, the last semi-nomadic tribe of Namibia. Immerse yourself in the stunning panorama from your private elevated terrace, then indulge in traditional Herero, or an array of African tapas accompanied by the finest South African wines. As night falls, take in the glittering expanse of distant galaxies set against pure, obsidian skies.
A luxury safari tailored to your interests allows you to visit one of the continent’s premier reserves, Etosha National Park, where you’ll encounter wildlife in abundance and a sprawling salt pan that serves as a vast, glimmering breeding ground for flamingos. Visit Epupa Falls, where pristine waterfalls cascade in an untamed oasis. Then embark on an exclusive boat safari, where languid hippos and Nile crocodiles grace the waters. Against this backdrop, indulge in sundowners, as the cadmium hues of the African sun paint the horizon, an eternal moment of splendor etched into memory.
What is the region known for?
Discover the captivating essence of the Kunene region, where rugged and awe-inspiring desert vistas beckon. Marvel at the towering sand dunes and navigate the rocky canyon. Beneath the surface of this seemingly unforgiving landscape lies a world of adventure for seekers, offering exhilarating sandboarding, immersive cultural tours, and thrilling wildlife safaris.
Luxury Accommodation: Exclusive Retreats
The Kunene region in Namibia is favored by visitors who want a luxury safari experience. Five-star accommodation includes luxury camps in the wilderness that bring the wonder of the wild to your doorstep. Retreats and lodges designed to blend with the environment provide lavish accommodation that connects you to the land and its wildlife.
Wildlife: Safari Experience
Exclusive safaris have gained popularity due to their ability to offer visitors the chance to revel in the region’s splendor in the company of family and friends. These fully customized tours are meticulously crafted to enhance your overall experience. Safaris present a unique opportunity for guests to witness Namibia’s desert-adapted elephants, while water safaris introduce you to the grandeur of immense hippos, ancient crocodiles, and a plethora of bird species.
Adventure Activities: Thrilling Excursions
Kunene offers a spectrum of adventure activities for thrill-seekers, including heart-pounding sandboarding on towering desert dunes and exhilarating quad biking excursions through the rugged terrain. For those seeking a more aquatic adventure, river rafting along the region’s waterways provides an adrenaline-pumping journey through its picturesque landscapes.
Cuisine: Exotic Flavors
Embark on a culinary adventure in Kunene and indulge in the tantalizing tastes of the local cuisine. With a strong commitment to sustainability, numerous upscale hotels, resorts, and lodges incorporate locally-sourced ingredients to craft delectable dishes that are sure to please international travelers.
Exclusive Sightseeing Tours
The Kunene region stands as a treasure trove of ancient artistry, housing some of the world’s most extensive collections of rock art. Twyfelfontein, a UNESCO-designated World Heritage Site, beckons with over 2500 mesmerizing engravings and paintings. Additionally, private tours to Himba villages provide an exclusive opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture, gaining insight into how desert dwellers have gracefully adapted to life in this challenging environment.
Scenic Beauty: Pristine Landscapes
The terrain boasts rugged desert plains punctuated by majestic mountains, showcasing its inherent natural diversity. Rainfall is scarce, and temperatures swing to extreme degrees, yielding a landscape that shimmers under scorching daytime sun and chills under freezing nighttime skies. Whether it’s day or night, Kunene offers a visual feast, brimming with picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn.
Kunene journey inspiration
Highlights of Namibia
This ten-day itinerary introduces you to the diverse and captivating communities and cultures prevalent in Namibia, from the Nama-Damara Khoi descendants of Damaraland to the inscrutable and nomadic Himba in the northern Kaokoveld. The route encompasses the Namib Sand Sea, the otherworldly desert beauty of the Torra Conservancy and the starkly contrasting river-and-desert landscapes bordering Angola
Destinations
SOSSUSVLEI
PALMWAG
KUNENE
Duration
9 NIGHTS
Price from
$10,200
Per person sharing
Kunene travel guide
Remarkable Namibia
A land sculpted by the forces of nature, Namibia is as beautiful as it is desolate. With vast open spaces and extraordinary wildlife, it is the perfect destination for those seeking solitude.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Kunene?
The best time to visit Kunene for conservancy safaris and tours is during the dry season when the four months from May to September are dryer than the others. This is also the best time to visit if you don’t want to swelter in unrelenting heat. The average daily temperature is 26°C (79°F) although the nights are cold, so don’t pack light.
What wildlife can be seen in Kunene?
Kunene is a sanctuary for diverse and captivating wildlife, offering encounters with desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, lions, and a rich assortment of antelope species. The region’s unique desert ecosystem also harbors rare and endemic creatures, making it a prime destination for tours and safaris for wildlife enthusiasts.
What are the most luxurious accommodations available in Kunene?
In Kunene, you have several options for luxurious accommodations, with three of the finest being Hoanib Valley Camp, situated in the remote and rugged Kaokoland region with luxurious tented accommodations and offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Serra Cafema Camp offers eight suites designed to resemble Himba homesteads, featuring rugged yet opulent materials like wood, canvas, and thatch. Meanwhile, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers luxurious accommodations in a pristine desert environment. Guests can enjoy game drives, cultural visits to Himba villages, and nature walks. The lodge is known for its dedication to preserving the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
What kind of terrain can be expected in Kunene?
Kunene is a desert region characterized by dunes, rugged mountains, and the Kunene River which borders Angola. The terrain varies according to the prevailing climate which is dictated by rainfall and extreme temperatures.
What are some activities and attractions in Kunene?
Kunene offers a diverse range of experiences beyond its captivating desert vistas. Travelers can explore the Epupa Falls, the Otjitotongwe Cheetah Park, a petrified forest, and the immersive Ovahimba Living Museum. For adventurers, rocky canyons beckon exploration, and the ever-shifting immense sand dunes offer thrilling experiences. The enigmatic Skeleton Coast provides an abundance of picturesque moments, while the copper deposits in the Kaokoveld Plateau add another layer of fascination, making them a must-visit destination.
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