Page 391 - Where To Stay Travel Planner

KAOKOLAND 389
KAOKOLAND
The Kaokoland area extends south-north from the
Hoanib river to the Kunene. It is largely mountainous,
with the northern Baynes Mountains reaching the
maximum elevation at 2039 m. Other notable mountain
ranges of Kaokoland include the Otjihipa Mountains (to
the north) and the Hartmann Mountains (to the east)
The area is one of the wildest and least populated
areas in Namibia, with a population density of one
person every 2 km² (1/4 of the national average). The
most represented ethnic group is the Himba people,
who account for about 5,000 of the overall 16,000
inhabitants of Kaokoland. The main settlement in
Kaokoland is the town of Opuwo.
Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas
in Southern Africa. It is a world of incredible mountain
scenery, home of the desert dwelling elephant, black
rhino and giraffe and the Himba people. The rugged
landscape is especially attractive during the early
morning and late afternoon, when it is transformed
into softly glowing pastel shades.
The south of the area is characterised by rugged
mountains with a number of watercourses, but north
the scenery is dominated by table-top koppies. The
well-known Epupa Falls with a massive water drop of
60m is a popular destination in this region. Visits to the
local Himba tribes offer an insight into their uniquely
adapted lifestyle.