The Kaokoveld Camino is part of our Namibia Walking Tours
Prepare to step into Namibia’s untamed heart with the Kaokoveld Camino. This slackpacking trail covers 222 km of rugged beauty, starting in Puros and finishing at the Kunene River in the small village called Otjinhungwa, one of the most remote and breathtaking parts of Namibia.
Scheduled for August, the journey aligns perfectly with the region’s most favorable weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and unforgettable adventure.
The Ultimate Wilderness Adventure: The Kaokoveld Camino
Why Choose This Trail?
The Kaokoveld offers unparalleled vistas, a rich cultural heritage, and untouched wilderness. Each day is a sensory feast—stunning landscapes, Himba villages, and diverse wildlife make this experience worth every step. Whether you’re seeking mindfulness, adventure, or a break from the ordinary, this Camino delivers.
The Stats
- Duration: 16 days (15 nights)
- Distance: 222 km (approx. 18 km/day)
- Group Size: Max 16 hikers
- Required Fitness: You can do it!
- Fun & Adventure Factor: 16/10
Slackpacking Simplified
On the Kaokoveld Camino, you carry only a day bag—we handle the rest. From setting up camp to preparing meals, our team takes care of every detail so you can focus on the journey. This isn’t just hiking; it’s adventure redefined.
A Day on the Camino
- Early Start: Begin just before sunrise, enjoying the cool, peaceful mornings.
- Breakfast Break: Around 8-10 km in, savor a freshly prepared breakfast en route.
- Midday Rest: Arrive at camp by lunchtime for a hearty meal, a relaxing afternoon under the shade, and some well-earned downtime.
- Evening Bliss: Refresh with a bush shower, enjoy sundowners as the sun sets, and share a delicious dinner under a sky ablaze with stars.
Comfort in the Wilderness
Camp Amenities
- A 10m x 6m shade net for socializing or quiet relaxation.
- Fully equipped communal facilities, including tables, chairs, and cutlery and everything else that’s needed
Sleeping Arrangements
- Spacious canvas dome tents (2.5m x 2.5m x 1.9m) equipped with a camp bed, mattress, sheet and side table.
- Choose a single tent or share (limited availability of 4 singles and 6 shared tents).
- Bring your own sleeping bag,
- Bring your own pillow or use one of ours.
Bush Comforts
- Wild camping includes private bush toilets and showers. Expect total privacy with views you’ll never forget.
Everything gets set up by our Wild Cherry Adventures team.
Culinary Highlights
At the Kaokoveld Camino, we take immense pride in serving meals that are not just nourishing but bursting with flavor. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared with care and creativity, ensuring that whether you’re a herbivore, carnivore, or somewhere in between, your palate will be delighted. We use the freshest, locally sourced ingredients to craft our menus, featuring a mouthwatering selection of free-range, local game meats alongside organic chicken, beef, and pork.
Enjoy three hearty meals a day, served at a proper table—no soggy lunchboxes or uninspired on-the-go packs here! Each meal is a celebration of good food and great company, carefully crafted to satisfy and proven to impress.
Worried about losing weight? Not with food this good! Even on extended journeys through the rugged landscapes, our chefs work their magic with well-stocked fridges and freezers, surprising you with the variety and quality of their culinary creations. From the first bite to the last, you’ll savor every moment of this foodie adventure.
Cooling Space on the Kaokoveld Camino
On the Kaokoveld Camino, we understand the joy of a cool drink after a long day’s adventure. That’s why we provide a shared fridge for guests to keep their beverages chilled and ready for those unforgettable sundowners. To ensure everyone enjoys this little luxury, we kindly ask that guests organize and share the space mindfully, keeping in mind the needs of the group.
It’s important to remember that we are far from civilization, managing our supplies requires smart planning in this middle of nowhere, The staff fridges and freezers are reserved exclusively for preserving essential food items and are not accessible to guests. However, as we eat our way through the fridges and freezer space during the journey, more space will gradually open up for cooling drinks.
With a bit of patience and teamwork, we’ll make sure everyone gets to enjoy a refreshing treat while soaking in the incredible wilderness. Cheers to mindful sharing and unforgettable sunsets!
Transport & Logistics
The Camino begins and ends in Windhoek, with 4×4 safari vehicles transporting you to the Kaokoveld and back. These vehicles also stay with the group, carrying all your luggage, supplies, and camp equipment.
Each participant is allowed:
- A soft bag
- A sleeping kit
- A daypack
- A snack bag
- A cooler box and extra supplies
Pack light, as handwashing facilities are available for refreshing essentials. No hard-shell suitcases, please!
On Day 1, we depart early from Windhoek, and on Day 16, we return late in the day. Please refrain from booking any flights on these dates, as it will not be possible to accommodate them.
Safety First
A 24-hour GPS emergency system ensures your safety at all times. However, participants must have personal travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
What’s Included
- Transport from Windhoek to the Kaokoveld and back in 4×4 safari vehicles.
- A professional guide and a dedicated four-person backup team for the duration of the Camino.
- All private and communal camping facilities and support.
- Three freshly prepared meals daily.
- An unforgettable experience in one of Namibia’s most remote regions.
What You Need to Bring
- Warm clothes for chilly nights and early mornings.
- Essentials: Torch, spare bootlaces, sunblock, a hat, insect repellent, biodegradable wet wipes, eco-friendly soap.
- Snacks, drinks, and mineral water (we provide borehole water for drinking and showers).
Check out the packing list for more detailed info.
Charity Drive with a Purpose
The Kaokoveld Camino is not just about exploration—it’s also about giving back. As part of this journey, we organize a charity drive to collect staple foods for the Himba communities along the route. You’ll have the opportunity to distribute supplies and connect with local families, adding a meaningful layer to your adventure.
Book Your Adventure Today!
Step away from the ordinary and into the extraordinary with the Kaokoveld Camino. This wilderness trail offers more than a journey—it’s a chance to reconnect with yourself, nature, and like-minded adventurers.
Are you ready to make memories that will last a lifetime? Join us on this once-in-a-lifetime Camino!
The Origins of the Kaokoveld Camino
The Kaokoveld Camino was inspired by Chad’s adventures, beginning in 2016 when he walked from Swakopmund to the Huab River. Traversing the Skeleton Coast, Cape Cross, and the Messum Crater, Chadman continued through iconic Namibian landscapes like Tafelberg, Ugab River via Save The Rhino Camp, passing the Mikberg and arriving at the Huab River.
A year later, Chadman pursued his dream walk from the Hoanib River to the Kunene River, exploring the heart of the Kaokoveld with his artist friend, Stephen van der Schyff. This journey led to further expeditions: Len Kohler, Steve & Chadman walked the length of the Hoarusib river. Also an incredible experience. Chad described this walk as one of the most incredible experiences of his life.
The pioneers of the Kaokoveld Camino
What’s next ?
In 2023, Chadman decided to share the transformative power of the Kaokoveld Camino with a broader audience, introducing it as more than just a journey through Namibia’s rugged wilderness.
The Kaokoveld Camino offers participants a rare chance to reconnect with themselves and the world around them, fostering peace, mindfulness, self-love, and a true spirit of adventure. Set in one of the most remote regions on Earth, this journey is a testament to the art of meticulous logistics and the beauty of exploring the untouched wilderness.
First Kaokoveld Camino in 2023
On this memorable trek, five courageous women took a leap of faith, joining the adventure on short notice. Their bravery and open-hearted enthusiasm embodied the very essence of the Camino. Among them was a trailblazer who made history for the journey—our oldest participant ever, an inspiring woman who celebrated her 80th birthday during the expedition.
Her presence was a testament to the Camino’s accessibility and its ability to resonate with people across all walks of life. Her determination to take on the challenges of this remote and untamed landscape served as an inspiration to everyone in the group. To mark this extraordinary milestone, the team carried a homemade apple pie, lovingly baked for the occasion, all the way through the rugged terrain to the Kunene River.
This simple yet profound gesture highlighted the camaraderie and shared joy of the journey. As the group celebrated her birthday under the vast African sky, the moment captured the true spirit of the Kaokoveld Camino—a celebration of resilience, connection, and the beauty of life’s most unexpected adventures.
Kaokoveld Camino in 2024
In 2024, a group of 15 adventurous souls committed to taking on the rugged terrain of the Kaokoveld Camino, and they walked away with memories to last a lifetime. Each participant brought their unique story and purpose to the journey, making it an experience as diverse as it was profound.
For some, it was a way to heal—working through loss and grief while finding solace in nature’s vast beauty. One remarkable woman gave this experience to herself as a 70th birthday gift, celebrating the milestone with strength and determination. Others reunited with long-time hiking friends, rekindling bonds forged on countless trails before. The group included returning adventurers, single women seeking personal growth, couples craving shared discovery, and friends building memories together.
No matter their background or motivation, everyone shared a common thread: the courage to embrace the unknown and the desire to connect deeply—with themselves, with others, and with the breathtaking wilderness of the Kaokoveld. The 2024 Camino was nothing short of extraordinary—a life-changing experience filled with challenge, joy, and transformation. It wasn’t just a trek; it was a celebration of resilience, adventure, and the power of the human spirit.
The Kaokoveld Camino stands as Namibia’s ultimate wilderness trail—a journey like no other. As the story unfolds into 2025, the question is: will you be part of it? Take the leap, trust yourself, and embrace the adventure waiting for you.
The Kaokoveld is home to the desert adapted elephants, black rhino and giraffe. It is also home to the endemic Cinderella waxbill (Glaucestrilda thomensis).
The indigenous people of Kaokoveld are the Himba people (OvaHimba). Their population is around 50 000 (between northern Namibia and southern Angola) and they are a semi-nomadic tribe that grow crops and have livestock (goats, sheep and cattle). Cattle are most highly prized, as they are the measure of wealth in Himba culture. The OvaHimba relocate according to the rainfall and water accessibility, and are considered the last (semi-) nomadic people of Namibia.
The OvaHimba people have a very distinctive traditional dress. It complements the semi-arid climate of the area. It is made up of a simple skirt, normally made out of calf skin, and sandals made out of old car tyres or cow skin. The ladies, especially, wear a covering of Otjize paste on their skin, which is a mixture of fat and ochre. It colours the skin reddish-brown, and has an aromatic smell. It cleanses and conditions the skin and protects them from the sun, the harsh environment, and insect bites.
“The Kaokoveld is not just a destination—it’s a journey into the heart of untamed beauty, where ancient landscapes meet resilient cultures, and every step reconnects you with the wild spirit of Africa.”
Chad Wratten aka Chadmanwalking
Day 1: Journey to Palmwag Campsite
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your accommodation in Windhoek. Travel via Okahandja, Otjiwarongo, Outjo, and Kamanjab to reach Palmwag Campsite by sunset. Along the way, we’ll pause in Outjo for a lunch break (own expense) and an opportunity to stock up on supplies for our charity drive.
Charity Drive with a Purpose
The Kaokoveld Camino is not just about exploration—it’s also about making a difference. You’ll have the chance to distribute staple foods to Himba communities en route, fostering meaningful connections and supporting local families.
On arrival, familiarize yourself with our camp setup and meet your fellow adventurers. We’ll enjoy dinner under the stars before settling in for the night.
Day 2: Palmwag to Puros
Travel through Warmquelle and the quaint, dusty town of Sesfontein, where you can enjoy toasted sandwiches and a refreshing dip in the local swimming pool (included).
Upon arriving in Puros, take time to settle in and prepare your walking gear. If time allows, we’ll embark on an afternoon scenic drive through the stunning Puros Canyon. End the day with a sundowner and a hearty dinner.
Day 3: Walking the Hoarusib River
The Camino begins in earnest! Walk 20 km along the Hoarusib River, a vital underground water source for local communities and wildlife. Along the way, observe the Himba digging for water. We’ll camp wild in the riverbed and reflect on our first day of walking.
Day 4: Wildlife in the Hoarusib River
Continue trekking up the Hoarusib River, keeping an eye out for desert elephants and perhaps even a lion. Tonight, we’ll wild camp under the stars in the riverbed.
Day 5: Mount Himba to the Khumib River
Today’s 22 km walk takes you up and over Mount Himba to the Khumib River. This challenging yet rewarding day is filled with breathtaking views. Wild camp along the Khumib River.
Day 6: Khumib River Walk
Spend the day exploring the Khumib River. The journey brings you closer to Himba communities living in their traditional way. Wild camp in the riverbed.
Day 7: Arrival in Orupembe
Walk to the village of Orupembe, stopping at “Shop 1” for a refreshing soda or beer. Tonight, we continue wild camping along the Khumib River.
Day 8: Onjuva and Marble Mine
Today’s walk is an easier one, following gravel tracks through scenic landscapes to Onjuva. Pass local farms and visit the newly constructed school, which includes a thriving veggie garden supported by this trip.
In the afternoon, explore the fascinating remains of the old Marble Mine, marveling at the incredible stone blocks. We’ll overnight at Marble Mine Campsite, where you can enjoy the facilities.
Day 9: Joubert Pass and Himba Sculptures
Walk through the scenic Joubert Pass, known for its dramatic views and the unique stone sculptures by a local artist. Cross rocky terrain and encounter more Himba communities. Camp in a riverbed beyond the Joubert Mountains.
Day 10: Red Drum Junction
Trek to the iconic Red Drum, a landmark where the Marienfluss and Schoeman’s Valley intersect. Wild camp at the entrance to the Marienfluss.
Day 11: Marienfluss Plains
Walk through the breathtaking Marienfluss, characterized by vast plains framed by distant mountains. Wild camp in this stunning setting.
Day 12: Nangolo Flats
Spend the day immersed in the magnificent landscapes of the Nangolo Flats. Enjoy the area’s spectacular sunrises and sunsets as we walk and camp overnight.
Day 13: Finale at the Kunene River
Complete your Camino at the Kunene River, where we’ll celebrate the journey’s end at Camp Syncro. Relax and take in the achievement of this incredible adventure.
Day 14: Return to Puros
Enjoy a restful morning before heading south to Puros, where we’ll stay at a community campsite and reflect on the journey so far.
Day 15: Farewell to the Kaokoveld
Travel out of the Kaokoveld via Sesfontein, passing Palmwag on our way to Kamanjab. Tonight marks our final evening camping under the Namibian sky.
Day 16: Back to Windhoek
Conclude the journey with a return to Windhoek. Say goodbye to newfound friends and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences of the past two weeks.
Note: This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted to accommodate wildlife encounters, safety considerations, or group pace.
2025 Dates
5 to 20 August 2025
These dates are carefully selected to ensure the best weather conditions for your adventure—outside the really hot & rainy season of Namibia’s Kaokoveld: dry days ideal for trekking, and crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing.
Dates are available for private groups only for 2026.Private group bookings for 2026 are already open, but availability is limited. We strongly recommend reserving your spot well in advance to secure your preferred dates.
Pricing
- Shared Accommodation: N$ 39,590 per person
- Single Accommodation: N$ 43,340 per person
Minimum 10 hikers. Maximum 16 hikers. Max 4 single tents available.
Price includes shuttle from/to Windhoek, all nights camping, camping equipment, meals and Wild Cherry Adventures guide & team including vehicles and trailer and more …
Special Discounts
- 20% Discount for SADC residents
- 25% Discount for Namibian citizens and returning hikers
Join us on this incredible journey and enjoy special rates if you’re a local or a repeat adventurer!
Our aim for 2025
At Wild Cherry Adventures, we’re committed to making each trek unforgettable, and it’s thanks to our amazing hikers that we’ve earned the Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2024, placing us in the top 10% of experiences worldwide. As we aim for our fourth consecutive badge in 2025, we invite you to be part of the journey that keeps our community growing and thriving.
By joining us, not only will you have the adventure of a lifetime, but you’ll also help us reach new heights in our quest for excellence. We pour our hearts into every detail of this Camino to ensure you leave with cherished memories, new friendships, and stories to share.
Don’t just take our word for it—come and experience the magic for yourself. We can’t wait to welcome you to the Wild Cherry family and share in the adventure that keeps travelers returning year after year.
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