Off the tar. Into the Kaokoland.
Ten nights in your own vehicle, following seven rivers that most maps still treat as empty land.
The Kaokoland and Damaraland in the north-western corner of Namibia are still some of the most interesting and amazing wilderness areas in the world. It is rugged, intimidating, and perfect for the hardcore traveller.
For those who would like to leave the paved road, comforts, and tourist masses behind, an amazing journey awaits; through seven of the major lifelines of this area. Occasionally these rivers will be in flood with masses of water flowing through the rugged landscape, but most of the time a dry riverbed is the only remaining evidence. Join us on a journey of discovery.
Highlights
- Kunene River
- Hoanib River
- Khumib River
- Huab River
- Hoariseb River
- Aba Huab River
- Ugab River
Eleven days, seven rivers.
Kunene River Lodge
Arrive in your own time at the Raycana River Camp. In the early evening, meet the guide team and your fellow travellers. During dinner, the guides brief you on what to expect over the next few days.
Raycana Campsites – Epupa
After breakfast, depart from the lodge following the course of the river in a western direction. Our first stop is at Swartbooisdrift. This is where the courageous Dorsland Trekkers crossed the Kunene on their quest to reach Angola. Continue in a westerly direction along one of the most scenic 4×4 tracks in the world. Upon arrival at Epupa in the late afternoon, enjoy the sights of the Kunene River plunging 60 metres down into the mainstream, with the river splitting up in hundreds of small waterfalls. Upgrade to accommodation available at additional cost.
Epupa – direction Van Zyl’s Pass
After breakfast, we depart from the Kunene heading south. Soon, the rough terrain starts, and it is time to engage low-range – enjoy the scenic, yet slow drive up to our wild camping overnight stop.
Direction Van Zyl’s Pass
Today’s route takes you toward Van Zyl’s Pass. We camp near the pass tonight.
Van Zyl’s Pass
A bucket list experience is on the agenda for today: Van Zyl’s Pass! You will experience first-hand why this “tricky pass”, between two mountain ranges, is so well-known. Our guides will lead you through it safely towards the Marienfluss Valley – home to the “fairy circles”. After an exciting day, set up camp and re-live the adventure around the campfire.
Marienfluss
After breakfast, continue through the Marienfluss, past the back of Mount Ondau, part of the Hartmann range and a holy site for the Himba people. Some of the villages you pass are abandoned, others are simply waiting for their semi-nomadic residents to return. The route takes you to Rooidrom, a navigational landmark. From Rooidrom, we take the Rooidrom Pass, and after a while you start noticing the white of the marble quarry on the hills. We head for Marble Camp further ahead, where we camp.
Orupembe – Khumib & Huarusib rivers
After breakfast, head for Orupembe. We make a brief stop and find a cold drink at the local shop that represents the settlement. The route takes us along the Khumib River and Huarusib River to Puros, traditionally the domain of the desert elephants of the Kaokoland. Upgrade to basic accommodation available at additional cost.
Puros – Khowarib Schlucht – Palmwag
Depart Puros and head towards Amspoort and the Amspoort Gorge. A route that takes us through a deep, narrow valley with steep sides cutting into the mountain. Continue towards Sesfontein, a name derived from the six fountains which have their source in the vicinity. From Sesfontein follow an exciting 4×4 route through Khowarib Schlucht and Beesvlakte through the thick sands of the Hoanib River. We make our way to Palmwag, where you can re-fuel before setting up camp for the evening. Here you may be able to see zebra, giraffe, oryx, springbok and kudu. Upgrade to basic accommodation available at additional cost.
Palmwag – Damaraland: Huab & Aba-Huab
Today is a short and relaxed day on the road. We head for our overnight stop and set up camp. The rest of the day at leisure. We would like to encourage you to use this time to explore the tourist attractions in the area in your own time. Optional places to visit: Twyfelfontein, Namibia’s only World Heritage Site, is not far away. Admire the amazing rock engravings. Also nearby are the Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest, and Burnt Mountain. Upgrade to accommodation available at additional cost.
Brandberg: Ugab River
Breakfast and break up camp. Depending on conditions, we will navigate the Ugab Swamps, pass amazing rock formations and find our way to the Ugab River. Our day ends upon arrival at the Brandberg White Lady Lodge. We set up camp in the shadow of the Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia (2 570m). Upgrade to accommodation available at additional cost.
Departure home
Breakfast and break up camp. After breakfast, it is time for sad farewells. You depart in your own time back home.
Everything you need. Nothing you don’t.
Includes
- Breakfast and dinner daily (Dinner and Breakfast at Palmwag, Madisa & White Lady Lodge)
- Experienced guide team with own vehicles
- Tour leader
- Two-way radios for vehicles
- Camping fees
- Concession fees
- Park entry fees and permits
Excludes
- Your own 4×4 vehicle and its running costs
- Fuel
- Lunch
- Snacks and drinks
- Camping gear
- Travel insurance and vehicle insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- Accommodation pre- and post- the tour
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
- Please note a new gate was installed in the Hoanib River which is on your route. This is to assist with protecting rhinos from being poached. This does mean there is a R100 per person and R100 per vehicle fee that will be for your own account to be paid cash on arrival at the gate.
Book your dates.
Rates valid 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026. 2027 rates to be confirmed.
Scheduled departures need a minimum of 16 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
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.