Change Location

Select your country below for local telephone numbers and guide prices

Book with confidence. Find out more

Kunene River Safaris

  • One of our favorite parks in Africa
  • Some of the most amazing scenery in the country
  • Excellent Boating safari
  • Cultural experiences with the nomadic Himba tribe
When To Visit Kunene River:
left arrow image right arrow image

The Kunene River region of Namibia is one of our favorite places in Africa. This fly-in destination is home to some of the most amazing scenery in the country, as well as boating safari and cultural experiences with the nomadic Himba tribe.

The sublime Kunene region, often referred to as Kaokoland, is one of the remotest places in which we operate safaris. It is an absolutely magical part of Africa, the setting to some of our finest trips. Running down to the sea, the Kunene River brings life to an area dominated by sand dunes and rocky sand-covered mountains. The northern bank of the Kunene stretches into Angola. It is an extremely dramatic, harsh environment that is home to absolutely jaw-dropping scenery. Kunene is home to the Himba, a nomadic people and one of Africa’s most interesting tribes. The river is the lifeblood of the region and supports an amazing diversity of wildlife.

There are very few lodges up here. However, as with the Skeleton Coast National Park, those that operate in Kunene are some of the very best we recommend. Wilderness Serra Cafema is the most luxurious option, whereas the Schoemans’ Skeleton Coast Safaris are for the more adventurous at heart. Both companies are very high end, but rewards for paying some of the highest prices in the country are reaped through enjoying some of the continent’s best experiences.

Kunene is one of the last true wilderness areas – words do not do it justice. Without any doubt, this is one of the finest experiences in Africa.

Activities

This is not a classic safari area, so 'game-driving' is really simply exploring by car. There are some great areas for walking, the boating safaris are superb and some lodges use quad bikes. The cultural experiences with the Himba are not to be missed.

Time of year to travel

Namibia is a stunning destination for much of the year and can be explored at any time of year. However, the extreme heat that hits the country around mid-November should not be taken lightly. This heat remains until the rains break, and the country remains ‘questionable’ for travelers until mid-March. April to June is a secret time of year to visit when rates are low, heat is comfortable and the country looks absolutely stunning.

Top tip

It is very expensive to travel up here and stay in comfort. The mobile expeditions you can do, are certainly for the adventurous, and a good length of time is needed. Our top tip, therefore, is to keep this place as a special-occasion trip and save up! You will not be disappointed.

Kunene River

Why Trust Yellow Zebra with your African Safari?

"Yellow Zebra are genuine specialists; they know the African bush like the back of their hand."

Brian Jackman, safari expert for The Sunday Times, The Telegraph, Condé Nast, and the BBC

'Europe's Leading Safari Tour Operator' at the World Travel Awards

9 years in a row, since 2015

Receive news & offers from Yellow Zebra