Kaokoland, otherwise known as the Kaokoveld or Kunene region, is a sparsely populated section of north-west Namibia stretching from the Hoanib River in the south to the Kunene River in the north.
This unique untouched area is one of the wildest and most remote in the country with its topography reminiscent of a location from a sci-fi film, comprising rolling dunes, rocky mountains and desert plains intersected by ancient, dry riverbeds. Amongst these huge expanses of desert, scattered with magnificent wildlife are a number of temporary Himba settlements, which are home to one of Africa's last true nomadic people.
The wildlife of Kaokoland are perfectly at home in their arid environment, with many iconic African species showcasing their incredible adaptability to ensure their survival. Desert-adapted elephant roam far and wide in pursuit of water, stately desert-adapted giraffe amble about the plains and elusive desert lion sustain themselves against all odds.
Resilient herds of springbok and oryx thrive despite the harsh environment, as do zebra, klipspringer, steenbok and kudu. Amongst these dust-blown landscapes are a large population of black rhino, and birdwatching highlights include Monteiro’s hornbill and Ruppell’s korhaan in the valleys, and the imperious Verreaux’s eagle in the mountains.
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