Luxury Kunene River Safari Vacations & Tours made for you
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Ultimate exclusivity on the edge of the country
Far in the north, the Kunene Region is a true wilderness outpost, a remote place even by Namibian standards. From the air you’ll find yourself soaring over seemingly endless golden dunes, but as you edge towards the frontier, a green band appears in the barren landscape, the meandering Kunene River that forms much of the border with Angola.
The only perennial water source in the entire region, the river creates a lush oasis along its banks – an inviting contrast to the lunar like landscape of the Namib Desert which supports the Himba people who live here. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to meet with community members and learn about the Himba tribe culture, their nomadic way of life and the traditions they’ve passed down through the generations.
When it comes to wildlife, the river setting makes for excellent viewing opportunities. Head out on Kunene River safaris, scanning the waters and banks for wildlife like crocodiles, oryx and Hartmann’s zebras as well as other reptiles and birdlife.
The real draw here though is the sheer isolation and surreal desert landscapes. The region is home to some luxurious remote lodges which make for the perfect home away from home while immersing yourself in the beauty of this part of Namibia.
Experiences picked by our destination specialists
A word from one of our experts
The Kunene River carves a dramatic path through the remote Namibian wilderness offering you space to relax surrounded by both desert and river oasis scenery. The breathtaking landscapes combine with meaningful time spent with the local Himba community for a memorable stay.
Senior Travel Designer
Luxury accommodation in Kunene River
There are many incredible places to stay in Kunene River. Here are some of our favourites, handpicked by our travel designers:
Why book with Jacada?
Safari expertise
Our experts bring decades of first-hand expertise. They’ve lived and travelled across Africa and are regularly on the ground reviewing the most exclusive camps and experiences. You’ll also have the support of a personal concierge, based in region.
Unforgettable guides
We handpick the most knowledgeable guides, who bring each destination to life with care and passion. They’re chosen for their ability to provide unrivalled insight into the region’s wildlife and landscapes as well as a genuine, memorable experience.
Positive impact
By travelling with us, you directly support a range of initiatives spanning wildlife conservation to community engagement. Our luxury trips are designed to prioritise experiences that are positive for you and the places you visit.
Trip inspiration
Get inspired with our Kunene River example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure
10-Day Trip
Finding Silence and Solitude in South Africa and Namibia
10-Day Trip
Finding Silence and Solitude in South Africa and Namibia
10-Day Trip
Namibia and Botswana Wilderness Safari
10-Day Trip
Namibia and Botswana Wilderness Safari
11-Day Trip
A Luxury Vacation to Namibia
11-Day Trip
A Luxury Vacation to Namibia
Where to go Namibia
Damaraland
Damaraland is home to the open-air gallery of Twyfelfontein. Here, you will find thousands of ancient engravings made by the indigenous San people – making this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must-see in Namibia.
Etosha National Park
Known as the 'Place of Mirages', Etosha National Park's incredible landscapes range from vast savannahs to silver salt pans. Keep an eye out for herds of blue wildebeest and desert elephants.
Kaokoland
This is one of Namibia’s most remote and inaccessible areas. In Kaokoland, you can meet the Himba and learn about their traditional lifestyle on a cultural safari. In the region, you can also spot desert elephants, giraffes and black rhinos.
Okonjima Nature Reserve
Enjoy unrivalled game viewing experiences at Okonjima Nature Reserve. It is arguably one of the best places to spot predators in Namibia. Head out on exhilarating game drives and nature trails to track Big Cats that have been rehabilitated by the AfriCat foundation.
Sossusvlei
With some of the most surreal landscapes on the planet, Sossusvlei is known for its rust-coloured ridges of sand and mosaics of cracked clay soil. It is located in the Namib-Naukluft National Park and is one of the oldest and driest ecosystems on the planet. Visit during the months of October to April to see the desert transform with bright desert flowers blanketing the dunes.
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
These two towns are located between the Namib Desert and Skeleton Coast and are the ideal base to explore the natural wonders of the region. Adventure sports are some of the best things to do in Swakopmund and Walvis Bay. Skydiving, dune boarding, quad biking and scenic balloon flights are some of the many incredible experiences waiting for you.
The NamibRand Reserve
As one of the largest private reserves in Southern Africa, the NamibRand Reserve aims to help protect and conserve the unique ecology and wildlife of the south-west Namib Desert. Its vast vistas make for some incredible sunset views. The NamibRand Reserve also lies in one of the darkest regions on earth, making it one of the best places to go stargazing.
The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast offers varied landscapes of lengthy beaches, towering sand dunes, secret rivers and mesmerising canyons. Board a flying safari to spot on the skeletal remains of vessels and large concentrations of seal colonies.
Windhoek
Namibia’s vibrant capital city, Windhoek is an interesting gateway to the rest of the country. The city is dotted with fascinating buildings that look like they belong in northern Europe. This is due to a legacy of German colonialism. Take a walking city tour to learn more about its dynamic history and rich culture.
Meet your Africa team
When to visit
Namibia is a great place to visit all year round and rarely sees any rain except in the east. The best time to see wildlife on a Namibia luxury safari is usually between June and October.
Safari
July–November
Desert flowers
October–April
Stargazing
July–August
Plan your trip to Kunene River
Whatever you want from your adventure in Kunene River, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
Don't take our word for it
Your trip, your story
We craft trips deeply personal, delightfully surprising and entirely one of a kind. Every Jacada journey begins in conversation with a travel designer, a specialist in their destination of expertise. Behind each journey is a wealth of insight, gathered over years of on-the-ground exploration.
Once you’re booked, you’ll meet your concierge. Based in the region you’re visiting, they’ll take care of all the details so your mind is at rest. They make the trip truly special – and truly yours.
