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Epupa Falls No four-wheel drive is required for the 2- to 3-hour drive from Opuwo to the waterfalls, but your car or bakkie should have a good ground clearance. There are a couple of camping grounds at the falls; the most beautiful of which is the Omarunga Camp, situated directly at the river. Here, river rafting and a visit to Himba settlements are offered. Tel 061-234342. Epupa Trails The Epupa Trails are a rewarding experience. One can explore the flora and fauna and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Epupa region in the company of a knowledgeable guide on marked hiking trails. The Kachira Trail takes 4 hours and includes the visit to a Himba village. The Crocodile Trail also takes about 4 hours and leads along the Kunene River. The shortest stretch is the Epupa Trail. It remains in the area of the waterfalls and only takes about 1 1/2 hours. A small fee is payable. Bookings directly at the waterfalls.  MarienflussThe drive to the Kunene river through die valley of the Marienfluss belongs to the most stunning nature experiences in Kaokoland. Towards the end, you just have to cross some dunes before the river valley lies in front. The Okarohombo Campsite is a communal project managed by the local Himba settlement. It offers shady stands for 30 N$ per person, with barbecues, showers and toilets. Reservations through NACOBTA in Windhoek. Tel 061-255977. Purros Purros on the D3707 is a paradise. In the Hoarusib riverbed one can frequently see elephants, giraffes, zebras and other game. The Ngatutungepamwe Campsite offers shady stands for 40 N$ per person. Also visit the Purros Traditional Himba Village. Reservations through NACOBTA in Windhoek. Tel 061-255977.
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Kaokoland
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 Himba The Kaokoland (Kaokoveld) offers tourists an insight into the traditional way of Himba life. Don't give begging children or adults any sweets (they don't know tooth brushes) or other items alien to their culture, especially no alcohol or medicines (even if they ask). Don't enter a Himba Kraal without permission and, of course, don't drive through a settlement.  Service OffersThere are neither petrol stations nor any other services available in Koakoveld, except for the village of Opuwo situated on the margin of Kaokoland. Here, services are also quite limited. If you plan to travel this remote area, you should stock up on water, groceries and petrol beforehand and make sure your vehicle is in good condition. You need to have a range of at least 1000 kilometres if you want to drive through the valley of the Marienfluss to the Kunene and from there to Purros and Fort Sesfontein. Keep in mind that there is no cellphone reception so in the event of a break-down, you will be on your own. Take a proper GPS device with you.  Only four-wheel drives can enter the Kaokoveld. Consult your car rental before deciding on a trip through this adventurous area. Insist on getting 2 (good) spare tyres, a spare petrol can, tools, a good hilift jack and an air pump. Expect you have to change a tyre in the Kaokoveld. Let someone explain to you where to put the jack on. Get detailed maps. And ask how to put the 4x4 into four-wheel mode. Preferably get a vehicle with diff locks.Some stretches of road in the Kaokoveld are easy to travel, e.g. the route from Opuwo to Epupa Falls on the C43. Other roads require experience. Avoid the Van-Zyl's Pass if you are not used to driving four-wheel drives in difficult terrain. Don't travel the Kaokoveld, if it has been raining there. As bases for excursions into the Kaokoveld, there are lodges like the Kavita Lion Lodge near Kamanjab. In Opuwo there is now the highly recommendable Opuwo Country Hotel available which offers comfortable and affordable accommodation directly at the gateway to the Kaokoveld. You will also find the Kaoko Information Centre in Opuwo (on the Main Road at the town entrance). Valuable information and local tour guides are available here. You should make use of this offer, especially if you're travelling with one car only and don't know the Kaokoveld. Tel 065-273420. |
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