Experience the wild side of Namibia on an unparalleled offroad journey

KAOKOLAND AND SKELETON COAST TOUR

Experience the wild side of Namibia on an unparalleled offroad journey through the legendary Kaokoland and the exclusive Skeleton Coast National Park! This expedition is more than just a trip, it’s a true adventure through one of Africa’s last great wilderness areas.

Kaokoland & Skeleton Coast – The Ultimate Offroad Expedition
Choose between a guided self-drive convoy tour or enjoy the comfort of riding along in the guide vehicle. Nights are spent on spectacular campsites, remote wild camps, or optionally in selected lodges – with the possibility of upgrading to exclusive luxury lodges for that special touch.

Our route takes you over an impressive mountain pass into the legendary Marienfluss and Hartmann Valley – among the most remote and untouched regions of Kaokoland. We then spend 2.5 unforgettable days on the Skeleton Coast: rugged, remote, and full of contrasts – endless dunes, windswept terrain, and a coastline that tells stories. Access to this protected area is highly restricted, making this a truly rare and special experience. At the end of the journey, we’ll explore the wildlife-rich and scenic Hoanib Riverbed.

Perfect for real adventurers – no prior offroad experience required!
Daily stages of 5–7 hours take us through Kaokoland and Skeleton Coast NP, all the way to the Angolan border. Our experienced guide travels with the group, helping improve driving skills and sharing fascinating insights into the region. The vehicle plays a crucial role in this tour. The terrain is demanding, so choosing a suitable and well-equipped 4×4 is particularly important.

Tour Format
The tour described below is a guided tour with partial accompaniment, meaning the guide will only accompany you on the specified dates. We usually create an individual pre- and/or post-program for those interested in these tours, tailored to the specific wishes of our clients. For passengers in the guide’s vehicle, this is not possible, as they will be traveling with the guide from Windhoek before the tour starts and again on his return journey to Windhoek after the tour. However, there is the option to extend the tour by one or two days, allowing the passengers to visit an additional lodge together with the guide.

If self-drivers prefer not to travel alone, they can also join the guide for the route from Windhoek to Opuwo and later for the return journey from Palmwag to Windhoek. Please note, however, that these routes involve very long travel days of 650–800 km. Simply let us know your specific preferences when making your booking request – we will be happy to advise you on the different options available.

Tour Dates
April Departure

– Tour start: 20 April 2026 (meeting point in the afternoon at Opuwo Country Lodge)
– Tour end: 30 April 2026 (farewell in the morning at Palmwag Lodge)

November Departure

– Tour start: 2 November 2026 (meeting point in the afternoon at Opuwo Country Lodge)
– Tour end: 12 November 2026 (farewell in the morning at Palmwag Lodge)

Tour Duration: Minimum 11 days
– 9-day guided offroad convoy tour through Kaokoland and Skeleton Coast Park
– 2-day individual self-drive legs for arrival and departure (please allow at least one day each)

Pre- and post-tour extensions are available – we’re happy to advise you!

Pricing

Brief Itinerary

Good to Know

Detailed Itinerary

Route Kaokoland & Skeleton Coast

Meeting with the Guide and Tour Group in Opuwo.

Individual program before the start of the tour possible, or the guide can be accompanied on his journey from Windhoek to Opuwo.

In the afternoon, all participants meet with the guide at the campsite or in the Opuwo Country Lodge. We will spend the night at the lodge’s campsite. However, if you prefer the comfort of a room, it’s also possible to book accommodation at the lodge. Please let us know your preference when you register for the tour.

In the evening, all guests will come together for a group dinner at the lodge’s restaurant. During this time, the guide will provide a detailed introduction to the upcoming tour. It’s the perfect opportunity to discuss the route, address any questions, and get to know your fellow travelers before the adventure begins.

Dinner is included in the tour price, while participants are responsible for their own beverages.

Tour Start and Off-Road Driving Introduction.

After a restful night in the rooftop tent or lodge room and a delicious breakfast, our off-road adventure through the remote Kaokoland begins. In convoy, we head towards Van Zyl’s Pass. On the first day of driving, you will have the opportunity to familiarize yourself with your vehicle on mostly easy off-road tracks. Thanks to radio communication between vehicles, the guide will provide valuable tips and tricks during the drive.

Kaokoland impresses with rugged mountain ranges, steep slopes, and dry valleys. This untouched wilderness of Namibia captivates with a mix of savannas, gorges, sand slopes, and mountains – a unique habitat where the Himba have survived for centuries.

Our wild camp is located near the famous but challenging Van Zyl’s Pass. Instead of taking this demanding route, we will follow an alternative path through a slightly easier pass into the Marienfluss. Our bush camp offers a mobile shower and bush toilet. Sleeping is in rooftop tents on the vehicles, under a spectacular starry sky – far from artificial lights. Dinner is cooked together over the campfire, where we relax and enjoy the quiet of the desert.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

The Marienfluss.

After a restful first night in our rooftop tents and a delicious breakfast, we pack up our camp and set off. Today, we are greeted by the breathtaking landscape of the Marienfluss – a scene of colorful sand plains and majestic red dunes, framed by the imposing Baines and Hartmann Mountains.

At the end of the route, we reach the idyllic Camp Syncro, a shady and welcoming camp right on the Kunene River. Here, we have the chance to spend a relaxing afternoon and evening, reflecting on the experiences of the day and fully immersing ourselves in the tranquility and wilderness of this unique region.

For those who prefer to stay in a luxurious lodge, the Okohirongo River Camp is located nearby. Please let us know during booking if you wish to stay at this beautiful lodge. (The lodge is currently closed for renovations. Please inquire about the current status of the renovations if you’re interested.)

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

Over Mountain Passes into the Heart of the Wilderness.

We leave the Kunene River behind and head south through the Marienfluss. Today, we are faced with a more challenging off-road route, we must conquer the Hartmann Pass. This demanding trail takes us up into the spectacular Hartmann Mountains, offering grand views over the rugged, untouched landscape.

After crossing the pass, we continue through a mix of rocky plains and sandy stretches into the expansive Hartmann Valley. This remote desert region is striking with its gentle dunes, vast valleys, and an almost surreal silence. Here, we set up our wild camp and unwind after an exhilarating day with a cold beer or a glass of wine – in the heart of one of Namibia’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

The Hartmann Valley: Vast Solitude and Sand Dunes.

We continue our exploration of the remote Hartmann Valley, crossing open plains and fascinating crescent-shaped dunes as we head south. The scenery alternates between sandy dunes, rocky terrain, and expansive valleys, all shaped by the untouched beauty of this isolated region.

Near the famous Skeleton Coast Park, we set up our next camp. Here, we must anticipate strong, cool winds, which typically begin to rise in the afternoon, blowing in from the sea. For this reason, we carefully select our campsites in wind-protected areas and set up additional wind nets to provide some shelter. Typically, the wind dies down after sunset, and by morning, we often experience a near-perfect calm, before the natural spectacle unfolds once again in the afternoon.

Note: Please ensure that you bring windproof, warm clothing to withstand the chilly nights and occasional foggy mornings.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

The Skeleton Coast. Unique Wilderness and Forgotten Shipwrecks.

We enter the famous Skeleton Coast Park, an exclusive experience reserved for only a few travelers. This region is one of the most remote and rugged landscapes in Namibia – characterized by endless stretches of untouched sand dunes and a haunting silence. The tracks become increasingly deep-sand, which means we need to drive with reduced tire pressure and increased fuel consumption. Despite the harsh conditions, the Skeleton Coast fascinates with its unique landscapes and exceptional experiences.

The wildlife in this inhospitable environment also offers surprises: In addition to oryx antelopes, springboks, and jackals, we may be lucky enough to spot brown hyenas, giraffes, or even desert lions and desert elephants. The Skeleton Coast gets its name from the numerous shipwrecks that have occurred here over the centuries. While well-preserved wrecks are rare due to the rough seas and salty air, we are sure to encounter some remnants of past shipwrecks along our route. Our journey eventually leads us to the sea, where we pass the vast seal colony at Cape Fria. We then leave the coast and head inland to seek refuge from the cold coastal winds.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

Continuing Through the Skeleton Coast.

Our journey continues through the mysterious Skeleton Coast – sometimes along the beach, sometimes through the rugged inland. The scenery shifts between endless sand plains, jagged rocks, and the untamed Atlantic coast, where the wind often dictates the direction.

By midday, we reach the dry riverbed of the Khumib, one of the few lifelines in this barren region. Near a hidden spring, various desert animals often gather, including oryx antelopes and jackals, all of which have adapted to the harsh life in this wilderness. In the afternoon, we set up our wild camp again, deep in the untouched nature. Far from any civilization, we enjoy the silence and the unique atmosphere of this landscape – as the campfire crackles and the vast starry sky shines above us.

Note: There is also the possibility, for private groups or with mutual agreement among all guests, to spend one or two nights in the exclusive Shipwreck Lodge, which is located nearby. The lodge is known for its extraordinary architecture, reminiscent of stranded shipwrecks, and offers luxurious accommodation amidst the rugged beauty of the Skeleton Coast. For more information about the lodge or to book a stay there, please inquire when making your booking.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

Back to Kaokoland: Through the Hoarusib Canyon and the Clay Castles.

Today, we gradually leave the Skeleton Coast Park and head back inland. If the terrain allows and the route is not too muddy, we will follow the mighty Hoarusib River, a dry riverbed that surprisingly carries water nearly all year round due to groundwater being pushed to the surface before disappearing in other areas.

The drive through the Hoarusib Canyon is an adventure in itself. The towering, jagged rock formations rise on both sides, offering spectacular views of red sandstone cliffs, steep drops, and deeply cut gorges. From time to time, we spot tracks left by desert elephants and lions that move through the riverbed, always searching for water and food.

Another highlight along our route is the famous Clay Castles, a fascinating natural formation of clay sand deposits, shaped over millennia by wind and water into a surreal landscape of towers and castles. These natural “castles” provide a stunning backdrop and are among the most impressive geological formations in Kaokoland. In the afternoon, we leave the Skeleton Coast Park for good and set up camp in a remote area of Kaokoland. Here, we once again enjoy total isolation, a campfire under the open sky, and the magical silence of this wild landscape.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

The fascinating dry rivers of the Kaokoland.

We’ll be navigating through the vast, dry landscapes, which will later continue into the Hoanib River dry riverbeds. The Hoanib River is one of the most impressive dry rivers in Kaokoland, offering a unique opportunity to experience the desert wildlife, including giraffes, elephants, lions, and various antelopes, in their natural habitat.

Our final wild camp will be set up today close to the Hoanib River, allowing us to enjoy the peace and isolation of this pristine world. Here, far from the hustle and bustle of daily life, we can fully immerse ourselves in the extraordinary beauty of this region.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

Continuing the Search for Kaokoland’s Desert Wildlife.

Today, we continue along the riverbed of the Hoanib River for a while. These dry riverbeds are vital lifelines in the desert, providing animals with a crucial source of food and water. The most common inhabitants of the region include the majestic desert elephants, elegant giraffes, as well as large predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs. Various antelope species such as oryx, kudu, and springbok roam these wild landscapes, while zebras and ostriches are frequently spotted. At midday, we will leave the Hoanib and continue our journey across dusty plains.

Important note: When leaving the Hoanib River, a fee must be paid at the concession gate:
– Vehicle: N$ 150
– Per person: N$ 100
This fee is to be paid in cash by each participant on-site.

Our route will take us through the village of Sesfontein, before finally reaching our beautiful campsite at the Palmwag Lodge. Here, we can top up water and fuel supplies as needed. We will spend the night at the lodge’s campsite, but if you prefer the comfort of a room, there is also the option to book accommodation at the lodge. Please let us know your preference when registering for the tour. The shared dinner will be served at the lodge’s restaurant, where we can wind down the day in a cozy atmosphere.

As part of the tour package, breakfast, a picnic lunch, and dinner are provided, while drinks are not included and guests are welcome to bring their own.

The guide leaves you today.

Today marks the end of our shared journey. After breakfast, you will be free to continue on your own way. You can choose to enjoy more self-drive days through Namibia or, if you wish, you may accompany the guide as they return to Windhoek.

If you’d like, we can also help plan and book any additional activities to make your Namibia adventure even more exciting.

Breakfast is included in the tour price.