Wildlife Reserve & Sanctuary in Namibia
The last wilderness of Namibia
The Kunene is Namibia's wild north-western corner, a land of red mountains, dry valleys and the Himba people, who live in semi-nomadic communities and are known for their ochre-covered skin and braided hair. It is one of the most remote regions in southern Africa, reached by rough tracks and light aircraft.
Epupa Falls, where the Kunene River drops through a series of cascades surrounded by palm trees and baobabs, is a green oasis in a dry land. The river forms the border with Angola. Upstream are the Serra Cafema and Marienfluss valley, and downstream is the Kunene River Lodge region, with rafting and fishing.
The Kunene is for adventurous travellers who want to see Himba culture and a remote desert landscape, and are comfortable with long journeys or a short fly-in trip.
The region has Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, kudu, giraffe and desert-adapted elephants in some valleys. The Kunene River holds crocodiles, hippos and fish, and the landscape is rich in birds.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Rugged red mountains, dry riverbeds and the green palms of the Kunene River, with waterfalls dropping through the rock.
Activities here
The Kunene is hot and dry, with daytime temperatures of 29°C to 38°C. The nights from June to August are cool. The rains fall from December to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 36 | 23 | 80 |
| Feb | 35 | 23 | 80 |
| Mar | 34 | 22 | 80 |
| Apr | 33 | 20 | 25 |
| May | 31 | 16 | 5 |
| Jun | 29 | 13 | 0 |
| Jul | 29 | 12 | 0 |
| Aug | 32 | 14 | 0 |
| Sep | 35 | 18 | 0 |
| Oct | 38 | 22 | 5 |
| Nov | 38 | 23 | 15 |
| Dec | 37 | 23 | 40 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to October is dry and clear, and cooler in the early part of the season. October is very hot.
December to March brings heat and storms. The roads can be impassable, and the river runs high.
May to September is the best time, with milder weather and lower mosquito levels. The Kunene is hot between October and March.
Best time to visit Jun to Oct
Epupa Falls is about 200 kilometres from Opuwo along a rough road, and Opuwo is about 800 kilometres from Windhoek. Light aircraft fly to Opuwo, Epupa and Serra Cafema, and most guests fly. A four-wheel drive and an experienced guide are essential if travelling by road.
Conservancy fees are included in our safaris. Visitors from many countries, including the UK and US, need a Namibian visa, which can be applied for online or on arrival (about N$1,600 at the time of writing).
The Kunene is hot and remote, with a moderate risk of malaria at the river, especially from November to June. Please take advice before you travel. Bring sun protection and plenty of water.
Scenic AreaSossusvlei and the NamibThe world's tallest red dunes
National ParkEtosha National ParkWaterholes that draw everything in
RegionDamaralandDesert elephants and ancient rock art
National ParkSkeleton CoastFog, shipwrecks and roaring seal colonies
City & TownSwakopmundSeaside town between dunes and ocean
City & TownWindhoekNamibia's small, friendly capitalOur take
“Our take”
Visit the Himba through a community-led guide, listen more than you photograph, and give the Kunene at least three nights.
Safaris from
US$13,630 per person
Plan your time in Kunene and Epupa Falls
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
