The Journey

Arrival Day – Kamanjab & Forgotten Valley

The journey begins in Kamanjab, where participants meet at approximately 13:00.

This meeting point allows guests to conveniently join the trip when travelling from Etosha National Park, Damaraland, Swakopmund, Windhoek or other regions of Namibia.

From Kamanjab, we travel into increasingly remote terrain. As the tar roads give way to gravel tracks, the landscape becomes wilder and more isolated, offering a first glimpse of the vastness that defines Namibia's northwest. A 4x4 with ground clearance is mandatory. We keep in touch between the vehicles by using a walkie-talkie system. The road to get to the accommodation is rough and requires some offroad driving skills.

The first night is spent at Forgotten Valley, a remote tented camp designed to immerse guests in silence, open space and spectacular scenery. The camp offers a comfortable introduction to the adventure ahead while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding wilderness. Each room features a double bed (no twin rooms).

As the sun sets, we gathers around the fire for a traditional Namibian dinner featuring fire-grilled meat (braai) with a variation of local side dishes. It is a relaxed evening under the stars and an opportunity to settle into the rhythm of the days ahead.

Into Elephant Country

After breakfast, the journey continues deeper into one of Namibia's least-visited regions.

Travelling through remote landscapes and dry river systems, the group makes its way to the ranger headquarters within the Ozondundu Conservancy. Here, guests are introduced to the elephant rangers and gain first-hand insight into their daily work, conservation efforts and the challenges of managing human-elephant coexistence in northwestern Namibia.

A short afternoon walk to a near by waterhole provides an introduction to the terrain and serves as preparation for the hiking days ahead.

The night is spent at the ranger base camp, camping in bow tents, equipped with a mattress and pillow. You can bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us. Bathroom facilities include flushing toilet and shower.

Hiking with the Elephant Rangers

The heart of the experience is a guided slackpacking hike to a natural water source in the area, covering around 15 km on foot.

Slackpacking means carrying only a daypack with your daily essentials while the support team transports luggage, prepares camp and manages logistics.

The route follows ancient elephant pathways through dry river valleys, rugged mountain terrain and remote wilderness areas rarely visited by tourists.

Throughout the journey, the elephant rangers share their knowledge of tracking, wildlife behaviour, conservation management and life in this extraordinary landscape.

The first hiking day leads to a remote wilderness camp and includes a stop at a natural waterhole where guests can cool off and enjoy a swim, depending on seasonal conditions. We will traverse a rather steep climb - please point to us out if you are scared of heights in advance.

The second hiking day traverses more varied terrain, including elevated viewpoints with sweeping views across the Kaokoveld. During the warmer hours, the itinerary allows time to rest, relax and appreciate the surrounding landscape.

The final shorter hiking day returns to the ranger base, completing the trekking section of the journey before midday.

Accommodation during the hike is in dome tents, while meals are prepared and served by the support team in a relaxed wilderness camp environment. All food will be prepared over open fire, traditional and hearty Herero food.

Khowarib and the Journey Home

After completing the hike, the journey continues towards the Hoanib River system and the Khowarib area.

The final night is spent in a comfortable tented camp setting, offering a welcome transition back to comfort after several days in the wilderness.

A relaxed dinner provides an opportunity to reflect on the journey, share stories from the trail and celebrate the completion of a truly memorable adventure.

After breakfast the following morning, guests depart for their onward travels, taking with them memories of a landscape few visitors experience on foot and a deeper understanding of the people working to protect Namibia's desert-adapted elephants.

From Khworib you can proceed to Opuwo / Epupa. This tour can also start at Khowarib and end at Kamanjab.

Accommodation

Accommodation combines wilderness and comfort:

• Remote tented accommodation at Forgotten Valley
• Ranger-supported wilderness camps during the hike
• Comfortable tented accommodation in the Khowarib area

This balance allows guests to experience the wilderness without sacrificing the comforts that matter most.

Vehicle Requirements

Participants are required to travel in their own vehicle, guided self-drive when not hiking. Transport from and to Windhoek can be arranged on request.

To access the remote areas visited during this journey, the following vehicle requirements apply:

• High-clearance 4x4 vehicle
• Suitable for remote gravel roads and rough terrain
• No trailers permitted
• Vehicles should be in good mechanical condition

Directions and GPS coordinates are provided prior to departure.

Please note that this is not a classic self-drive tour. The group travels together in convoi and follows a guided route throughout the journey.

Conservation Impact

Tracks of the Giants is operated in partnership with local conservation organisations and elephant rangers working in the region.

A portion of each booking contributes directly to community-based conservation efforts and supports ranger operations that help protect Namibia's iconic desert-adapted elephants.

By joining this journey, guests contribute directly to the people working on the front line of conservation in northwestern Namibia.

Is This Journey For You?

Tracks of the Giants is ideal for travellers who:

• Enjoy active outdoor experiences
• Prefer authentic experiences over conventional tourism
• Want to learn about conservation first-hand
• Appreciate remote wilderness areas
• Enjoy camping while still valuing comfort where it matters
• Seek meaningful travel experiences with a positive impact
• Enjoy travelling as part of a small group

This is not a luxury safari and it is not a standard guided hike.

It is an opportunity to spend time in elephant country, learn from the people who protect it, and experience one of Namibia's most remarkable landscapes at walking pace.

Enquire About Upcoming Departures

For upcoming dates, pricing and availability, please contact:

info@wildcherryadventures.com

WhatsApp: +264 81 233 1833