Kunene River Holidays

For the casual observer, borders between African countries can often appear haphazard and randomly chosen. Yet there was method behind this apparent madness, as back in colonial times routes were created to follow the course of natural features. The Kunene River is one such example. A closer look on the map will show that the river runs right along the border between Namibia and Angola, splitting the German territory to the south from the Portuguese colony to the north.

As with the majority of Namibia, this is an area of breathtaking natural beauty, with the river running between towering golden sand dunes and flat, stark plains as it makes its way from the Angolan Highlands before spilling out into the Atlantic Ocean some 1,050 kilometres later.

A sparsely populated area, with Himba villages found close to oases in the desert, there are few lodges up here and access is tricky, either by a bone-rattling drive through the Kaokaveld or an expensive flight. However, those who do visit are rewarded with some stunning scenery and plenty to do both on and around the river. Boat cruises take visitors along the water, admiring the landscapes and keeping a close eye out for the huge crocodiles for which the river is renowned. The Himba can easily be visited which makes for a fascinating insight into life in this harsh desert environment. This is a truly remarkable area, visited by just a handful of travellers each year, but those who do venture up here enjoy an amazing experience in a stunning part of the country on a luxury Kunene holiday.