In our day and time a life without computers, cellular phones, satellite television and the Internet seems quite impossible. There are, however, people who are able to lead a happy and fulfilling life without these technical luxuries.

For hundreds of years the Himba, a nomadic tribe of northern Namibia, have been roaming the pastures of this area with their herds of cattle and goats. Up to 20 years ago this area was completely untouched by visitors and could only be reached by the most stubborn adventurers. Even today there are no decent roads and the area is only accessible along rough gravel roads. Visiting the area without a four-wheel driven vehicle is quite impossible and the almost non-existent infrastructure necessitates diligent planning regarding fuel and food supplies.

The route to the Kaokoveld leads through the Damaraland and a beautiful landscape opens up in front of you. Wide open plains are surrounded by mountain ranges barely visible on the horizon. One can only imagine what geological changes must have taken place here during the past millions of years if one looks at the flattened summits of the inselbergs situated here. Hidden gorges accommodate a multitude of animals and this is the only place in Africa where black rhino do not live in nature reserves. Food on offer for these animals is limited and the desert-adapted rhinos mainly feed on the Euphorbia damarana, the blue-green colour of which stands in stark contrast to the dominantly reddish landscape. Without the rain water that gathers in natural basins, any form of life would be impossible in this arid stone desert. Spectacular passes and sand-filled riverbeds become a challenge for both cars and drivers. Nevertheless, a boat trip on the Kunene and an excursion along the dunes of Sierra Caferna provide a welcome break. Meeting the nomadic Himba is a matter of luck and so becomes the highlight of our journey. Such an encounter is subjected to very specific rituals and regulations, and your guide will carefully try to make contact, and you will be enchanted by this brief encounter with the past and the magic of these people. Their hearty laughter will accompany you on your journey through a breathtaking and almost untouched landscape.

The Hoanib is a dry-course river that only carries water occasionally, and during the dry season its subterranean water flows towards the ocean. This water is vital for the vegetation and consequently for the animals. Watching the wild animals, such as giraffes, antelopes and desert elephants in their natural surrounding is an unforgettable experience and tracks in the soft earth that are visible in the mornings have quite a tale to tell of the activities of the previous night; giant lion tracks have caused many a shiver down a visitor’s spine. The original inhabitants of Namibia, the Bushmen, lived in absolute harmony with nature and a visit to the rock paintings and engravings bears proof of their understanding of the nature’s sensitive equilibrium. Some of these pieces of art are about 6 000 years old and are still intact. The end of this journey to the roots of civilisation often comes as a culture shock which we hope to convert into a nostalgic farewell. Let us spoil you one last time while you enjoy the glowing panorama in the breathtaking sunset.

And maybe …. you might long for more …. of Namibia!!!
There is still so much more to see!