Wheretostay South Western Africa: : Kaokoland

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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 was the city 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.