Namibia

Kunene

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

Q: Where is the Kunene Region?

It is situated in north-western Namibia.

Q: 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.

Q: What does Kunene mean?

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

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

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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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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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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