Drive in convoy with your own 4×4 rental vehicle
Kaokoland Adventure with Envision Africa Travel
Embark on an exhilarating Camping & Lodge Kaokoland tour with Envision Africa Travel. Experience the rugged beauty of Namibia’s Kaokoland on a guided self-drive adventure, blending 4×4 exploration with camping and luxury lodging. Discover dramatic landscapes and Himba culture, supported by sustainable practices that uplift local communities.
Kaokoland Tour
- Partial Guided
- 12 Days
- upon request
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the rugged landscapes of Kaokoland in sturdy 4×4 vehicles by day, and unwind at night in public campsites, wild camping spots, or charming lodges and guest houses. This tour brings you face-to-face with the raw beauty of nature and the heart of Africa like no other.
The Kaokoland Tour is perfect for thrill-seekers eager to tackle extended off-road adventures. Daily drives last approximately 5-7 hours, winding through the remote wilderness of Kaokoland to the Angola border.
Compared to the intense off-road Kaokoland Tour, this version keeps the off-road challenges lighter, allowing more time to soak in the stunning surroundings while still enjoying the thrill of off-road driving.
A standout feature is the wild camping experience, but on select nights, you can opt for the comfort of a lodge room. Check the tour itinerary for details and contact us to reserve lodge accommodations.
For those eager to extend their Namibian adventure, we’re delighted to arrange and book a customized Self-Drive tour tailored to your preferences!
Group meets the guide at Spitzkoppe: date available upon request
Guide departs from the group at Khowarib Lodge: date available upon request
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Spitzkoppe
- Day 2: Brandberg West
- Day 3: Damaraland
- Day 4: Palmwag
- Day 5: Opuwo
- Day 6-9: Kaokoland
- Day 10: Sesfontein
- Day 11: Khowarib Gorge
Highlights
- The mighty Spitzkoppe mountain and enjoy the starry skies of Namibia
- Off-road adventure through the remote Damaraland
- The mighty desert elephants, lions, black rhinos and giraffes
- Himba villages
- The beautiful Kaokoland, surrounded by fascinating nature
- Guided game drives
- Spend the afternoon at the pool or at the lodge’s terrace observing animals at the waterhole
Start Date Spitzkoppe | End Date Khowarib Lodge | Price |
Upon Request | Upon Request | Upon Request |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 – 2: Spitzkoppe
Meeting of the tour group at the Spitzkoppe
(Individual program possible before the tour starts, or the guide can be accompanied on his journey from Windhoek to the Spitzkoppe)
The meeting of all tour participants and the guide will take place in the afternoon on one of the pitches of the Spitzkoppe rest camp, where we will then set up our night camp together.
In the evening, we will come together for a joint barbecue around the campfire, there will be a short briefing and the tour will be discussed in detail. Here we camp at the foot of the mighty Spitzkoppe and enjoy the night under the stars of Namibia.
Day 2 – 3: Brandberg West
Instructional drive in off-road driving
Day 2 our off-road adventure through distant Damaraland begins. We drive in a convoy towards Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia. On the first day of driving you will get to know your vehicle better on easy off-road routes. All vehicles are connected to each other via radio, and the guide can use the radio to give you tips and tricks while driving.
Rugged mountain ranges and steep slopes with dry valleys dominate Damaraland. Boasting some of the most beautiful scenery in Namibia, Damaraland is a chasm of pristine wilderness where one can explore savannas, gorges, sandy slopes and mountains. Observe the animals that thrive in this desolate place, braving the sweltering heat.
Our beautiful wild camp is located near the massive Brandberg. A mound of large granite balls offers shelter from the southwest wind that often blows here in the afternoon. Enjoy the great panorama over the barren desert areas with a view of Namibia’s highest mountain. Our wild bush camp will have a portable shower and bush toilet. We will sleep on top of the cars in the roof top tents and enjoy a perfect night under the stars – with no artificial lights to spoil the starry sky view. Dinner is cooked at the campfire. Together we will sit around the campfire and enjoy the tranquility of the desert.
Day 3 – 4: Damaraland
The breath taking Damaraland
After a restful night in our tents, we enjoy a hearty breakfast. Our journey continues north across the fascinating desert landscapes of Damaraland. Later we drive through a dry river where desert elephants are often seen. You have to be very careful, of course, because the large mammals can hide behind the shrubs and bushes. These large, powerful animals should be viewed from a safe distance. We spend another night in the deserted wilderness and enjoy the freedom.
Day 4 – 5: Palmwag
Desert elephants Home.
After a good night’s sleep in our tents, we enjoy a hearty breakfast and start packing up our campsite. The tour continues north. We drive through the river bed of the Huab River where desert elephants can often be seen. You have to be very careful, of course, because the large mammals can hide behind the shrubs and bushes. These large, powerful animals should always be observed from a safe distance.
Part of the route is driven on gravel roads that bring us to Palmwag. We spend the night at the beautiful Palmwag Lodge campsite. You also have the option of spending the night in one of the rooms in the beautiful lodge. If you would like an upgrade to one of the rooms, please let us know when booking the tour.
Palmwag Lodge is nestled amongst tall palm trees on the banks of the dry Uanib River in Damaraland, north-western Namibia. Palmwag Lodge is one of the oldest and most popular tourist destinations in Namibia. It is internationally renowned for its spectacular scenery, diverse desert wildlife and unique opportunity to encounter the endangered black rhino. We then have dinner together in the lodge restaurant.
Day 5 – 6: Opuwo
The Unforgettable Kaokoland
The route takes us north over dusty gravel roads. We move through communal land for the next few days, in other words “through real Africa”. On the way we pass small villages, some of which are residents of different tribes. You should always be careful when driving here, as there are often cattle, other small livestock and even children on the side of the road.
About 30km before Opuwo we cross a hilly landscape on which the rare baobab trees grow. We stop here and marvel at the size of these giants. The journey then continues to Opuwo, where it is essential to fill up the vehicle and any additional canisters. About 900km off-road have to be mastered before the next fuel stop. At the supermarket in Opuwo you can go shopping again if necessary.
Our beautiful accommodation is situated high on a hill overlooking Opuwo. The plan is to spend the night at the lodge’s campsite, but you also have the option of booking one of the rooms here. Please let us know when booking the tour if you would like an upgrade to one of the rooms. The joint dinner takes place in the lodge restaurant.
Day 6 – 7: Kaokoland
Off-roading the Kaokoland
We depart from Opuwo and head west, passing small Himba villages next to the gravel roads, until we reach Etanga. From here, challenging 4×4 routes lead us through the highlands of the Kaokoland, until we reach the point where the trail descends. An adrenaline rushing, short pass leads us slowly into the lower steppes of Kaokoland. The beautiful Camp is located on to a mountain that is crisscrossed with marble veins. Your guide will take care of the food preperation while you take the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful area.
Day 7 – 8: Kaokoland
The Hartman Valley
Day 7 a mountain pass has to be conquered with some patience and good driving skill. In the afternoon we reach the beautiful Hartmanns Valley. The night is spent in the wild by the campfire.
Day 8 – 9: Kaokoland
Ancient Leadwood Tree Camping
The riverbed leads us southwards today. Mostly on small rocky slopes, we will pass over the mountains and valleys of the beautiful Kaokoland, surrounded by fascinating nature. There are a few distinctive waypoints in this area. One of them is the “Rooi Drom”, which is a red painted barrel. Here we turn off towards Marble Camp. A challenging 4×4 mountain pass leads us to an abandoned marble mine, where we can stop for a quick rest and light lunch.
Thereafter, we continue our journey further on rocky roads that lead us to the Khumib River. The dry riverbed of the Khumib serves us as a perfect Wild camp tonight. We will set up our camp under an ancient ancestral tree and enjoy the silence and freedom that nature offers us.
Day 9 – 10: Kaokoland
The dry rivers of the Kaokoland
We will be on sandy ground most of the time, as we are navigating various dry rivers throughout the day. After crossing the Khumib River, we follow the beautiful course of the Hoarusib Dry River. As soon as we have crossed this, we drive over barren desert areas to the banks of the Hoanib river.
The Hoarusib and Hoanib rivers are the most fascinating dry rivers in Kaokoland. There is also a chance to find desert animals such as giraffes, elephants, lions and antelopes here. Today we set up our last wild camp near the Hoanib River and enjoy the tranquility of this deserted world.
Day 10 – 11: Sesfontein
Spotting desert animals of Kaokoland
Our journey will go along the river bed of the Hoanib for quite a while. These river courses are a lifeline in the desert and provide food and water for the desert animals that live here. The most common animals include desert elephants, giraffes, big cats such as lions, leopards and cheetahs, as well as various types of antelope such as oryx, kudu and springbok. Zebras and ostriches are also often seen here.
In the afternoon we leave the Hoanib over dusty areas and drive via the village of Sesfontein and then on to our beautiful campsite; which is located at Khowarib Lodge. The beautiful Khowarib Lodge is located directly on the Hoanib River. Here the river flows through a narrow gorge called Khowarib.
We spend the night at the beautiful campsite of Khowarib Lodge. You also have the option of spending the night in one of the lodge’s rooms. Please let us know when registering for the tour if you would like an upgrade to a room. We then have dinner together in the lodge restaurant.
Day 11 – 12: Khowarib Gorge
Today, your guide will depart, concluding their time with you.
Our joint tour comes to an end. After breakfast, everyone can enjoy more self-drive days through Namibia. If you also drive to Windhoek, we would also be happy to plan and book your additional program.
Envision Africa Travel offers organized self-drive holidays and private guided tours to Namibia. Embark on an adventure in a fully equipped vehicle of your choice, with accommodations pre-arranged to suit your preferences, whether staying in lodges, guesthouses, campsites, or a combination of these.
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Every traveller is unique, with distinct preferences for their journey. Planning a self-drive trip to Namibia, Botswana and Zimbabwe? Let Envision Africa Travel’s expert tour consultants guide you! Based in Africa, our friendly, service-oriented team collaborates with you to craft a fully customized tour tailored to your desires, needs, and budget. From 4×4 rentals to camping or luxury lodging, we create a personalized proposal for your unforgettable AFRICAN adventure.
Included Self-Drive Trip:
- Car rental
- Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, lodges or campsites)
- Unlimited kilometres
- Complete camping equipment (camping trip)
- Car insurance with standard excess
- Third party insurance
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering
- Personal travel App for cell phone
- 24-hours emergency service
- Tips and route information
- Airport/hotel transfers
Accommodation:
- Standard accommodation tours include all rooms at middle-class hotels, guesthouses or lodges (mostly B&B), unless otherwise requested.
- Standard camping tours include most nights at campsites, combined with several nights at middle-class hotels, guesthouse or lodges (mostly B&B).
- Almost all campsites and accommodations have a restaurant and offer facilities like a pool, bar, info desk, etc.
- If the trips includes visits to National Parks, then the nights will be spent inside the parks as much as possible.
Meals & Drinks:
- Most accommodations are booked with breakfast and camping is self-catering. It will be clearly indicated what meals are included in your tour proposal.
- With most accommodations it is also possible to book dinner in advance. If you would like to include this in your proposal, please let us know.
Not included Self-Drive Trip:
- International Flights
- Fuel
- Park fees, entrance fees to museums
- Personal expenses
- Additional activities and excursions, e.g. game drives, boat trips, etc.
- Meals (unless indicated as included)
- Travel and cancellation insurance
