Namibia
Kunene
Discover the otherworldly beauty of the desert’s desolation, and delve into the extraordinary lifestyle of the semi-nomadic Himba on a once-in-a-lifetime Kunene safari.
Safari through remote and beautiful Kunene
Pure untamed wilderness awaits. Giraffe blend seamlessly into the desert sandscape. A brown hyena scavenges along the beach. Along the Kunene River, dunes tower a hundred metres up. A world seemingly desolate. Yet full of life. With resilient, desert-adapted wildlife. The incredible semi-nomadic Himba people. And the life-giving river.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Kunene at a glance
Spend the day exploring the wild strip of land along Namibia’s north-west coast. If you’re lucky you may encounter the rare desert-adapted lion that roams this desolate region. From the air, adventure takes on a startling perspective. The Skeleton Coast encompasses sandy riverbeds, rugged mountains, and the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Kunene key facts
Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia’s Kunene Region runs along the country’s north-west coastline for 500 km. The area is home to many fascinating desert-adapted species such as lion, elephant and giraffe. Explore this area from Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp or venture further north to Serra Cafema, one of our most remote Namibian camps, situated along the banks of the Kunene River.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
115,260km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 379
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 32
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Dunes
Miles of sunbleached sand epitomise the Skeleton Coast and dunes.
Semi-desert
Vast rocky plains carved through by ephemeral rivers.
River
A perennial river supporting a wealth of aquatic wildlife and waterbirds.
Elephant
There are between 150 and 350 desert-adapted elephants in Namibia.
Giraffe
Giraffes love acacia trees and can often be seen quietly browsing.
Lion
Seeing these elusive lions is an unforgettable encounter.
Nile crocodile
Spot a Nile crocodile on the banks of the Kunene River.
Weather
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, the Kunene Region can be visited at any time. In late summer, rains in the higher-lying catchment areas can turn the sandy riverbeds into a brief torrent of life-bringing water. The water levels of the Kunene River are often at their highest then, making it the best time for boating trips that take in outstanding birdlife.
DRY SEASON
June to October
SUMMER SEASON
December to March
TRANSITIONAL SEASON
April, May & November
Key Facts
Kunene key facts
Skeleton Coast National Park in Namibia’s Kunene Region runs along the country’s north-west coastline for 500 km. The area is home to many fascinating desert-adapted species such as lion, elephant and giraffe. Explore this area from Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp or venture further north to Serra Cafema, one of our most remote Namibian camps, situated along the banks of the Kunene River.
GEOGRAPHIC SIZE
115,260km²
BIRD SPECIES
+/- 379
MAMMAL SPECIES
+/- 32
BEST TIME TO VISIT
All year round
WILDERNESS CAMPS
2
Habitats
Dunes
Miles of sunbleached sand epitomise the Skeleton Coast and dunes.
Semi-desert
Vast rocky plains carved through by ephemeral rivers.
River
A perennial river supporting a wealth of aquatic wildlife and waterbirds.
Wildlife
Elephant
There are between 150 and 350 desert-adapted elephants in Namibia.
Giraffe
Giraffes love acacia trees and can often be seen quietly browsing.
Lion
Seeing these elusive lions is an unforgettable encounter.
Nile crocodile
Spot a Nile crocodile on the banks of the Kunene River.
Weather
Weather
With an average of 300 sunny days a year, the Kunene Region can be visited at any time. In late summer, rains in the higher-lying catchment areas can turn the sandy riverbeds into a brief torrent of life-bringing water. The water levels of the Kunene River are often at their highest then, making it the best time for boating trips that take in outstanding birdlife.
DRY SEASON
June to October
SUMMER SEASON
December to March
TRANSITIONAL SEASON
April, May & November
Kunene experiences
Nature drives
Birding
Conservation experiences
Local culture
Guided quad biking
Guided walking safaris
Private safari
Boat safari
Safari wonders & attractions
Hides
Journey with Wilderness
Family
A Southern Africa Safari
An unbeatable combination of exceptional wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Carefully curated. Quintessentially Wilderness.A Southern Africa Safari
An unbeatable combination of exceptional wildlife encounters and awe-inspiring natural phenomena. Carefully curated. Quintessentially Wilderness.Solo
Rivers & Deltas
Unrivalled water-based game viewing and exceptional activities on land. The setting? The iconic Zambezi River and Okavango River Delta.Rivers & Deltas
Unrivalled water-based game viewing and exceptional activities on land. The setting? The iconic Zambezi River and Okavango River Delta.Solo
Bucket List Botswana
Eight days. Three camps. Countless once-in-a-lifetime memories. From tranquil mokoro rides through the magnificent Okavango Delta to thrilling game drives in Africa’s most productive wildlife areas.Bucket List Botswana
Eight days. Three camps. Countless once-in-a-lifetime memories. From tranquil mokoro rides through the magnificent Okavango Delta to thrilling game drives in Africa’s most productive wildlife areas.MAP
Explore camps in the Kunene region
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is set in the rugged environment of the Hoanib River and has exclusive use of 24,000 hectares of the expansive Palmwag Concession. Serra Cafema is our most remote camp in Namibia. This luxurious lodge overlooks the spellbinding Kunene River, set among towering shade trees in the 300,000 hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, owned primarily by the Himba.
Go to Destination mapFAQ
General
JOURNAL
Kunene featured stories
Wilderness Namibia newsletters – November 2024
When visiting Namibia in November, the temperatures during the day can soar into the mid-to-high 30s...
Read moreCamp Manager
17.12.2024
My meeting with the Himba people
Read about Jadien’s extraordinary journey to Wilderness Serra Cafema, and her once-in-a-lifetime mee...
Read moreJadien Kruger
03.12.2024
Wilderness Namibia Newsletters – August/September 2024
Early summer and the prevailing westerly coming in off the Atlantic Ocean brings life-giving moistur...
Read moreWilderness Blogger
10.10.2024
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.