What animals can be found in the Kunene?

Namibia’s Kunene Region may look inhospitable initially, but it is home to a fascinating array of desert-adapted wildlife. Amongst the dry riverbeds, elephants, oryx, giraffes, and even lions and the elusive brown hyena can be seen.

When is the best time to visit the Kunene?

Namibia’s Kunene Region can be visited year-round, but the best months are April to June, just after the rains when the land is lush, and the heat is not too oppressive.

Where is the Kunene Region?

It is situated in north-western Namibia.

What should I pack on a Kunene safari?

We advise guests to wear comfortable and casual clothing while on an African safari. Neutral colours are best for game viewing. You may also want to pack swimming gear, and clothing suitable for adventuring, like quad biking. Game drives usually take place in the early morning and late afternoon, which can be cooler, especially in winter. While temperatures often warm up during the day, it is best to dress in layers.

What does Kunene mean?

It is named after the Kunene River and means ‘beauty within’.

How hot does it get in the Kunene?

The Kunene is one of the warmest places in Namibia, with an average daily high temperature of 33°C/91.4°F.

Who are the Himba people in Namibia?

The Himba people live in the Kunene Region of Namibia. They are semi-nomadic and speak OtjiHimba. They cover their bodies with otjize paste, a mixture of butterfat and ochre pigment to cleanse the skin and protect it from the harsh climate. Otjize symbolises Earth’s rich red colour and blood, the essence of life.

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.

Home Africa Namibia Kunene region

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.

Key Facts

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

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

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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

Wildlife

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

THINGS TO DO

Kunene experiences

At dusk, chase the sun, exploring the many landscapes and wildlife of the Kunene Region. Discover miles of unspoilt beaches on foot, by vehicle or high above, and soak in in the many colours, landscapes and sounds of the iconic wildlife. Then rest in the cool shelter of our two exclusive luxury safari camps. Here a glorious dip in the pool, and a feast of delicious cuisine and stories await.

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Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Experiences Conservation Tree Planting

Conservation experiences

Rewild. Protect. Conserve. Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experience

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Local culture

Learn. Share. Enrich. Wilderness offers unforgettable cultural experiences across eight African countries.

Local Culture

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Guided quad biking

Feel the wind against your face and experience the adrenaline kick on a Namib Desert quad bike adventure across the vast dunefields of the Kunene region.

Guided Quad Biking

Namibia

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Private safari

Create treasured memories with family and friends on an exclusive private safari across Africa’s most iconic destinations.

Private Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Zambia

Wilderness Experiences Boating Family Fun

Boat safari

View wildlife from the water on a thrilling boat safari, past hippos, sunbathing crocodiles and a dazzling array of birds.

Boat Safari

Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Rwanda

Wilderness Experiences Natural Wonders Victoria Falls

Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Hides

Is there anything more thrilling? Observing wildlife just inches away, from the safety of our strategically placed hides.

Hides

Botswana, Zimbabwe

TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

A journey to the Kunene Region completes your luxury Namibia safari. Here desert and ocean meet, fascinating desert-adapted wildlife wander free, and an ancient culture prevails, unchanged by time.

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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.

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Camps (2)

FAQ

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JOURNAL

Kunene featured stories

Inspire your next holiday in Africa. Scroll through our collection of stories, award winning photography from the Kunene Region in Namibia and on-the-ground wildlife updates from our team.

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