Search for desert-adapted wildlife and visit the Himba
Hoanib Valley Mid-Trip Extension
Overview
Discover Kaokoland's remote Hoanib River Valley, which teems with resident desert-adapted wildlife that includes elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, and rhino, which roam freely through this vast, mountainous, and wild landscape characterized by rolling dunes, rocky peaks, and desert plains, all crisscrossed by ancient, dry riverbeds. The wildlife of the Hoanib Valley is perfectly at home in this arid environment, and you'll learn their fascinating survival techniques. A highlight is a visit to a Himba settlement, where you'll gain insights into their nomadic culture.
Arrive: Ongava Private Game Reserve, Namibia
Depart: Hoanib Valley, Namibia
Highlights
- Explore one of the most remote, wild, and unique areas of Namibia
- Search for resident desert adapted wildlife including elephant, giraffe, zebra, lion, and rhino
- Visit the Himba, one of the last traditional peoples of Namibia
Itinerary
Days 1-4 follow the regular Namibia Private Safari.
We head into the northwest of Namibia through stunning scenery to Kaokoland, one of the most remote, wild, and marvelously unique areas of the country. Along the way, we'll visit an authentic Himba settlement. The semi-nomadic Himba are one of the last traditional peoples of Namibia, and we'll have a unique opportunity to learn about their beliefs and way of life. Your Trip Leader's presence and previous contacts with this community will ensure us a welcome as a “friend of a friend.” There has been virtually no modern influence on these communities, which makes for a fascinating cultural exchange. We'll continue through the Kaokoveld to the Hoanib River Valley. At our accommodation, Hoanib Valley Camp, we can enjoy some time to relax before a sundowner drive. Overnight at Hoanib Valley Camp...BLD
Our morning drive will more often than not reveal desert-adapted elephant, as well as stately desert-adapted giraffe, and, if we're very lucky, desert lion. Zebra, klipspringer, and kudu move freely through the mountains, and we'll find hardy herds of springbok and oryx as well as steenbok picking their way across the dust-blown landscapes. Bird watchers, keep your eyes peeled for Monteiro's hornbills or Ruppell's korhaans in the valleys and the imperious Verreaux's eagle in the mountains. After a full morning of exploring this remarkable area, we head back to camp for some well-deserved down time. The afternoon will include a scenic walk or a sundowner drive. Overnight at Hoanib Valley Camp...BLD
After an early breakfast, continue with Namibia Private Safari Itinerary (Day 5 onward)
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
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Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult.