Botswana to Kaokoland Expedition

At the airport in Windhoek, we meet the participants and after a short welcome, our journey begins heading east. We leave the capital and travel along the B6 through open landscapes and wide plains towards Botswana. After completing the border formalities at Buitepos, we continue along the Trans-Kalahari route. The landscape becomes increasingly vast and quiet, shaped by red Kalahari sand and acacia trees. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Palm Afrique Lodge in Ghanzi. Here we check into our rooms and end the first day of the journey in a relaxed setting.

From Palm Afrique Lodge, our route continues north towards Maun. The drive takes us through wide savannah landscapes before reaching Maun, where we refuel vehicles and take care of final shopping. Afterwards, we continue towards the Moremi Game Reserve. The tar road gives way to sandy tracks, and the surroundings become more natural and untouched. At Moremi South Gate, we complete the park formalities and enter the reserve. In the afternoon, we reach the campsite, set up camp, and end the day surrounded by nature.

From Moremi South Gate, the route takes us deeper into the reserve towards Xakanaxa. The drive follows sandy tracks through varied landscapes with forests, open areas, and waterways. Along the way, we take time for short stops and enjoy the feeling of being right in the Okavango region. The drive itself is part of the experience and offers a true safari atmosphere. In the afternoon, we arrive at Xakanaxa. Here we stay at the campsite close to the lagoons and set up camp for the night.

Today we leave Xakanaxa and drive towards the Khwai region. The route takes us along waterways and through open bush landscapes before reaching the area outside the Moremi Reserve. The surroundings feel wide and untouched, with large open spaces stretching to the horizon. Sandy tracks and natural crossings set the pace of the drive. In the afternoon, we arrive at Khwai Magotho. Here we set up camp and enjoy the calm atmosphere of this remote area.

From Khwai Magotho, the route takes us back towards Maun. We leave the remote sandy tracks of the Khwai region and after a few hours reconnect with the main roads leading to the delta town. In Maun, there is an opportunity to refuel vehicles and do some small shopping before continuing the journey. In the afternoon, we arrive at Sitatunga Camp, beautifully located by the water. Here we stay at the campsite right on the riverbank and end the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

From Sitatunga Camp, the journey continues north along the Okavango. The route passes through rural areas and small settlements before reaching Shakawe. From there, we follow the river towards the Namibian border. After completing the border formalities, we continue into the Zambezi Region, accompanied by the Okavango, which shapes this landscape. In the afternoon, we arrive at Ngepi Camp, located directly on the riverbank. Here we stay at the campsite close to the water and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of this unique setting.

From Ngepi, we follow the Okavango further upstream towards Rundu. The route passes through typical landscapes of the Kavango Region, mixed woodlands, small settlements, and open fields along the river. Along the way, we experience daily life shaped by the river and agriculture along the Okavango. In the afternoon, we arrive at Sarasungu Camp near Rundu, located right by the river. Here we stay at the campsite in a peaceful setting and end the day with views over the water.

From Sarasungu, we leave the water-rich Kavango Region and travel south towards the central parts of the country. The route takes us through changing landscapes, from riverine forests to open savannahs and into drier inland areas. As we move further away from the Okavango, the vegetation shifts and the surroundings become wider and more rugged. The drive is longer but offers a clear sense of Namibia’s diverse landscapes. In the late afternoon, we arrive at Outjo Base Camp. Here we stay at the campsite and enjoy a relaxed evening before continuing the journey the next day.

From the base camp, we first drive to Outjo, where we restock supplies and take care of final shopping for the coming days. The small town serves as a practical stop before continuing the journey. Afterwards, the route leads us towards Opuwo. With every kilometre, the landscape becomes more rugged and remote. The hills of Kaokoland appear on the horizon, creating a strong sense of space and isolation. In the afternoon, we arrive at Kaoko Mopane Lodge near Opuwo. Here we stay at the campsite and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this remote region in northwestern Namibia.

From Kaoko Mopane Lodge, we continue our journey deeper into the remote Kaokoland. The route follows quiet gravel and sandy tracks through striking mountain and dry valley landscapes that define this region. As we move further in, the surroundings become more rugged and untouched. Wide valleys and distinct rock formations shape this unique area. In the afternoon, we arrive at Etaambura Camp. Here we check into our rooms and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the impressive landscapes of Kaokoland.

From Etaambura Camp, we set out once more to search for more stone men in the surrounding area. These scattered rock formations give the barren landscape a unique character and make this part of the journey special. Afterwards, the route continues towards Puros. The drive leads through remote valleys and dry riverbeds before reaching the Hoarusib area, a region known for its wide river landscapes and the rugged beauty of northwestern Namibia. In the afternoon, we arrive at Omenje Camp near Puros, located along the Hoarusib River. Here we stay at the campsite and enjoy the unique atmosphere of this remote river landscape.

From Omenje Camp, we follow the course of the Hoarusib before continuing into the Hoanib riverbed. The route leads through impressive dry river landscapes, wide sandy areas, and striking rock formations, one of the most remarkable regions in northwestern Namibia. The drive through the Hoanib Rivier requires focus and experience as we navigate sand sections and natural obstacles. The surroundings feel vast and untouched, with constantly changing views of mountains and open plains. Eventually, we reach the Ongongo Waterfalls, a small oasis set between rocks and palm trees. Here we set up camp and spend two nights in this unique location. The natural spring and the remote setting make this stay a calm and memorable part of the journey.

Today we head out on an exciting day trip into the legendary Hoanib River, one of the most beautiful and wild valleys in Kaokoland. Early in the morning, we leave our camp at Ongongo and follow dusty tracks westwards. In the dry riverbed of the Hoanib, the adventure begins. We drive through sandy sections, shaded gallery forests, and wide plains in search of the famous desert elephants, giraffes, and with some luck even lions that live in this remote area. Around midday, we stop at a shaded spot for a relaxed picnic in the middle of the wilderness before slowly making our way back to Ongongo Camp in the afternoon. A well-earned shower, a warm fire, and a sunset over the rocks await, the perfect end to an unforgettable day of exploration.

From Ongongo, we continue our journey south, following remote tracks towards the Huab River. The landscape becomes more open and arid, with wide plains, dry riverbeds, and scattered rock formations. In the Huab River area, we move through a broad riverbed and experience the rugged beauty of this little-visited region. The surroundings feel quiet and almost untouched. In the afternoon, we arrive at Desolation Valley. Here we stay in a wild camp, far from any fixed infrastructure, surrounded by the vastness of this striking landscape. We spend the evening under the open sky in complete silence.

From Desolation Valley, the route continues towards the Ugab River. The drive takes us through open plains and dry riverbeds, while the massif of Brandberg slowly appears on the horizon. We follow the Ugab riverbed and approach Namibia’s highest mountain, whose striking silhouette dominates the landscape. The region is defined by wide spaces, rock formations, and a calm, unique atmosphere. In the afternoon, we arrive at White Lady Lodge at Brandberg. Here we stay at the campsite at the foot of the mountain and enjoy the special atmosphere of this impressive setting.

From Brandberg, the final stage takes us towards Spitzkoppe. The route leads through wide open landscapes until the striking granite peaks of Spitzkoppe appear on the horizon. The dramatic rock formations rise sharply from the plains, creating an impressive setting for our final evening in nature. The soft afternoon light casts warm colours over the rocks. Here we set up camp and spend the last night under the open sky. Spitzkoppe offers a fitting and memorable end to the journey before returning to Windhoek the next day.

From Spitzkoppe, we begin our return journey to Windhoek. The route takes us through the central parts of the country before reaching the capital again. In Windhoek, we stop for a shared lunch. We reflect on the tour, revisit special moments, and exchange impressions from the past days. Afterwards, you are transferred to the airport for your departure, bringing our shared journey to an end.