Travels around the world 2009-2024
Exploring our beautiful planet

Kaokoveld - part 1

March 1, 2014  —  Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia

The Kaokoveld is a huge region in northwestern Namibia. The region is sparsely populated, and few roads are accessible with a small car. There are a lot of 4x4 tracks that pass arid landscapes of great beauty.

This region is also inhabited by the Himba people who have kept its traditions despite the influence of the modern world. The way Himbas dress and do their hair is particularly impressive.

The Rainy Season

The area near Angola receives some rains during the rainy season. This results in flash floods in the riverbed that are normally dry.

Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
At this river, we had to turn back (too deep).
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia

Searching for drums

In order to help overlanders to find their way in this isolated region, 4x4 enthusiasts have placed several drums with various colours at important tracks intersections. There is even a drum that is on the maps as if was a village.

On the map, there is a dot called Roidrom and I thought it was a village. I was surprised to learn that Roidrom simply means red drum. Gitane made fun of me since I really belied it was a village.

The drums road allows people to reach two magnificent valleys. These valleys are the topic of the next post (see part 2).

Kaokoveld - Namibia
At the red drum, people write their info.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
14 km before a good cold beer...
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Satellite phone at the blue drum. (a good joke)
Kaokoveld - Namibia
In the middle of nowhere.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia

Some difficult 4x4 tracks

Kaokoveld - Namibia

The tracks in the Kaokoveld aren't all easy even for a 4x4 car. Obviously with our van, we are more limited than people with a robust 4x4. Despite that, we had some fun and also some scares on some of the road we chose.

Kaokoveld - Namibia
Don't underestimate these tracks.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Joubert's pass.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Joubert's pass has been the most difficult section for our van.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
It was not a hard road, but don't have a breakdown here..
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia

Animals are difficult to approach

Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Ostrich.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Guinea fowl.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Black-backed jackal.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Oryx.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
The brown hyena is the rarest hyena species.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Around Puros - Kaokoveld - Namibia

The Himba

Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia

Some extraordinary landscapes

For me, the main reason to wander around this arid region is for the fantastic landscapes that are waiting for us everywhere.

Kaokoveld - Namibia
Aloe dichotoma (Quiver Tree).
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Some oryx far away.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
The Kunene River.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
The Kunene River.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
The GPS was showing a picnic site with some shade?
Kaokoveld - Namibia
A very salty water hole.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Some mysterious circles in the desert.
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia
Kaokoveld - Namibia