THE KAOKOLAND EXPERIENCE

Kaokoland, one of the last vestiges of unspoilt wilderness in Africa where the word ‘remote’ still has meaning. Here, in the extreme north-western corner of Namibia, where the semi-nomadic Himba live traditionally in the barren expanses as they have done since time immemorial; where gemsbok, springbok, ostrich and giraffe wander freely and desert-adapted elephant meander through the dry riverbeds; time seems to stand still.

This arid, wild and sparsely-populated area stretches from the ephemeral Hoanib River northwards to the Kunene River bordering Angola. The 1200km-long Kunene River originates in the Angolan highlands and tumbles down rapids and waterfalls as it rushes through the Baynes Mountains towards its rendezvous with the Atlantic Ocean.

In its haste, it tumbles down the forty-metre rocky gorge at Epupa Falls in a dramatic and magical celebration of life, astounding all with its antics. Baobabs cling to rocky slopes amid the rainbow spray of this small and feisty African waterfall, which is embraced by a belt of makalani palms that resounds with the twittering of rosy-faced lovebirds. Epupa, an enchanting African haven of wonder, is where the blessings of the green-fringed perennial Kunene River, the cascading torrents and the local Himba merge to create an exceptional Kaokoland adventure.

Take a guided walk in search of crocodiles, join a rafting excursion (seasonal), visit a Himba village and hop aboard the sunset drive to a hill above the falls to raise a glass to the magnificent scenery and the joys of travel as the sun raises its golden goblet in salutation.