Swakopmund to the Kunene River mouth, in your own 4×4.
The bushmen called this stretch of coast “The Land God Made in Anger.” Portuguese sailors called it “The Gates of Hell.” Tales of immense suffering and loss of life, but also of miraculous escapes and heroic rescues in years gone by, add to the fascinating experience of travelling along this coast up to the Kunene River mouth, where Namibia and Angola meet.
Along the coast, the cold Benguela current gives rise to dense ocean fog. The mighty Kunene’s emerald-green water carves a deep gorge through massive black rock formations and majestic yellow sand dunes on its way to the Atlantic Ocean.
The return trip through the Hartmann’s Valley with its vast grasslands, mysterious fairy circles and abundance of game, offers a unique experience of its own. This is an expedition not to miss out on!
Highlights
- Puros
- Hartmann’s Valley
- Kunene Mouth
- Angra Fria
- Kaokoveld
Seven days up the Skeleton Coast.
Swakopmund to Rocky Point direction
Meet in Swakopmund, tanks and jerry cans full. After the guide briefing, depart and head to Cape Cross to Terrace Bay. From there turn onto the beach at Möve Bay, tide depending, and make camp a few kilometres north for the night.
Möve Bay to Angra Fria
Today we travel along the beach (tide depending) past the Hoarusib River mouth. En route, we stop at the wreckage of the Ventura bomber involved in the rescue of the stranded passengers from the Dunedin Star, which was a UK cargo liner. We travel past Rocky Point, the Khumib and Hoanib River mouths and proceed all the way to Falls Angra Fria, where we set up camp either on the beach (weather depending) or amongst some lava hills.
Towards the Kunene River mouth
After breakfast we venture towards the Kunene mouth. This involves beach driving past the famous Dunedin Star wreck site and huge saltpans. Once we have passed Bosluis Bay, we reach the Kunene River mouth with its famous wetlands inhabited by 72 different bird species, as well as the Nile crocodile (NO swimming!) and soft-shelled terrapins (turtles).
Towards Hartmann’s Valley
Today is dune-driving day in an easterly direction all the way to Hartmann’s Valley. We will stay as close to the thundering Kunene River as possible, with beautiful, scenic spots along the way. Hartmann’s Valley is very arid, and the weather can vary dramatically. The region offers a profound sense of wilderness, and the Kunene River nurtures a band of lush vegetation. The valley is home to the Himba, one of the last true nomads in Africa. Tonight’s camp is set up in the vicinity of the Kunene River.
Marble Campsite
We leave the Kunene and travel down Hartmann’s Valley until we reach the Marble Campsite, a Community Camp. We may spot wildlife, such as zebra, giraffe, plenty of oryx and springbok along the way. The routes are slow, and scenery can therefore be enjoyed to its fullest.
Puros
After a visit to the marble quarry, travel towards the Hoarusib River. Today will be a slow drive, and elephants are on the ‘scenic menu’ as we might encounter them. The river is lushly vegetated with Mopani Anna trees and large Makalani palm trees. The drive vary from sandy riverbeds to rocky ‘twee spoor’ tracks, and we will call today the ‘elephant day’.
Sesfontein / Palmwag
One last breakfast together before the guides see you off. From Sesfontein or Palmwag, refuel, and you’re on your own, whether that’s on to Etosha, the Caprivi towards Botswana, Kamanjab to Windhoek, or Damaraland back to Swakopmund.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Included
- Breakfast and dinner daily, with coffee, tea and fruit juice
- Experienced guides, each in their own vehicle
- Two-way radios fitted in every vehicle
- Camping fees, concession fees and levies
- Communal camping equipment: braai grid, cooking gear, tables
- Wind shelter, communal shower and chemical toilet at camp
- A second vehicle carrying logistics
Not included
- Your own 4×4 vehicle and its running costs
- Fuel
- Lunch, snacks and drinks
- Camping gear (tent, mattress, sleeping bag, chair)
- Travel insurance and vehicle insurance
- Items of a personal nature
A few honest notes
- Clients need to take out their own travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover in case of a motor vehicle accident, heart attack or any other medical emergency. Please supply details of this information so that we know whom to contact in case of an emergency.
- Own 4×4 vehicle required with front/back recovery points for this self-drive guided tour
- Each vehicle carries its own fuel (220 litres in total), 60 litres of water and 2 bags of wood
- Wild camping in the Namib desert requires pitching and taking down your own tent
Book your dates.
2027 rates are to be confirmed. The published rates below are valid 1 January – 31 December 2026 only, and are shown for reference until 2027 rates are released.
Scheduled departures need a minimum number of 20 adults booked to go ahead. Ask your Live the Journey consultant for the current minimum on your preferred date. Private departures on other dates can be arranged on their own terms.
Tour cost, SADC residents
Rates valid 1 January 2026 to 31 December 2026.
Tour cost, non-SADC (foreign) residents
Single supplement: R1,750, both categories. Applies only if you’re the sole adult in your vehicle.
Prices for concession fees, taxes, park fees and fuel may be changed without prior notice. This is beyond our control and any increase levied will be communicated accordingly and is for your account.
Use a currency converter for an approximate figure in your local currency, noting that the final cost is determined by the exchange rate at the time of confirmation and payment.
Optional extras
- Alte Brücke — from R850 per adult
- Swakopmund Sands Hotel — from R950 per adult
- Strand Hotel — from R2,500 per adult
For more information or to book your accommodation, meals and/or cruise, please contact your Live the Journey consultant. We can also book other accommodation and excursions.