Set out on a truly unique adventure with our Kunene Camino — part of Wild Cherry Adventures’ exclusive Namibia Walking Tours in the far north of the country.
This fully-supported, 12-day slackpacking journey takes you through one of Namibia’s most remote, culturally rich, and visually striking regions.
Following the flow of the Kunene River, this trail leads you past dramatic landscapes, ancient geological formations, and small Himba communities that few travellers ever encounter.
Dates:
Join one of our scheduled departures or book a private Camino for your group of friends, family, colleagues, or hiking club.
Main Hiking Season: May to September
Join one of our scheduled departures or book a private Camino for your group of friends, family, colleagues, or hiking club.
Scheduled Departures:
Dates for 2026 still need to be launched
Private Group Option:
For those who prefer a customized experience, we offer private Kunene Caminos, where you can choose your own dates. Select your own dates, and we’ll handle the rest. Get in touch with us: info@wildcherryadventures.com
Prices 2026
Prices 2026 will be confirmed and published soon.
The Namibian Dollar (NAD) is pegged 1:1 to the South African Rand (ZAR), and both currencies are accepted in Namibia.
Discounts Available:
- 20% off for SADC residents
- 25% off for Namibian citizens and returning hikers
Overview of the Adventure
The Kunene Camino spans a total of 125 km, with 9 days of walking and 3 days dedicated to travel to and from the Kunene region. Starting just below the stunning Ruacana Falls, you’ll hike along the scenic Swartbooisdrift Road, D3700 and the old 4×4 track with the Kunene River as your constant companion, until you reach the breathtaking Epupa Falls.
We will traverse goat tracks, riverside paths, and untouched wilderness, allowing you to experience the rugged beauty of Namibia up close, with a wild mix of mopane forest and palm trees.
A Mobile Camping Experience
This Camino is a mobile camping expedition, combining both formal campsites and wild camping spots right beside the river. At each stop, our Wild Cherry Adventures support team handles all the camp duties—setting up and taking down tents, cooking, cleaning, and taking care of all the logistics. You’ll only need to carry a light daypack with water, snacks, and personal items, freeing you to fully immerse yourself in the adventure.
Comfort and Care when Wild Camping
We ensure all your camping comforts with a canvas cubicle for private shower hours and a separate setup for toilet facilities. Your privacy is a priority, so you can relax and refresh after each day’s hike.
Catering for Everyone
We take great pride in serving delicious, lovingly prepared meals that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. Whether you’re a herbivore or a carnivore, we cater to all dietary preferences using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Our menu features a variety of options, with a focus on free-range, local game meats alongside organic chicken, beef, and pork.
Best of all, each meal is enjoyed at a proper dining table—no breakfast packs or soggy lunch boxes here. Expect hearty sit-down meals that provide the perfect fuel for your day’s adventure, allowing you to savor the tastes of Namibia while immersing yourself in its wilderness.
Charity Drive with a Purpose
The Kunene 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.
All-Inclusive Transportation
The trip includes round-trip transportation from Windhoek to Ruacana and from Epupa Falls back to Windhoek. Leave the road navigation and logistics to us, so you can simply enjoy the stunning scenery and focus on the adventure.
Bring:
- Warm clothes for cold mornings incl. beanie / keep your head and ears warm
- Comfy hiking boots / shoes plus spare footwear
- Blister Kit
- Sleeping bag
- Torch or Head Lamp with enough batteries (or rechargable)
- Mozzie Spray
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun Block
- Wet Wipes
- Face Cloth
- Washing powder
- Piece of washing/drying line
- Daypack backpack
- 2 x 1 Litre water bottle/water bladder
- Snacks
- Cool drinks & sundowners (enough:-))
- Swimwear
- Towel
- Toiletries, personal items, meds etc.
- Something for the afternoons under the trees (book, music, sudoko, coloring book, cards etc.)
- Binoculars (for the birders & wildlife enthusiasts)
- Hiking poles (if you like them)
- Gaiters (useful)
- (Solar) Power Bank -(there is an option to charge your phone in the back-up vehicle for those who don’t have)
- Small umbrella (great against the sun)
Daily Walking Distances
Each day on the Kunene Camino offers a rewarding yet manageable hike, with distances varying between 15 km and 19 km. The trail takes you through some of Namibia’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, with the Kunene River serving as your constant guide. While we encourage you to embrace the adventure on foot, we understand that everyone has their own pace and limits. That’s why our back-up vehicle is always available if you wish to take a break and enjoy a more relaxed day.
Whether you’re up for a full day of hiking or prefer to rest and soak in the scenery for a while, we’ve got you covered. This flexibility ensures that the journey remains enjoyable for all, allowing you to walk as much or as little as you like while still experiencing the magic of this incredible region.
What to Pack
Pack light! Each participant is allowed one daypack, one small soft duffel bag, and a cooler box for your sundowners. Hard-shell suitcases won’t work well on this journey, so stick to flexible, soft-sided luggage. Efficient packing will make your experience smoother, freeing you up to truly enjoy every step of the Camino.
There’s no need to overpack—we provide ample water throughout the trip, so you can easily handwash clothes as needed. Plus, since we stay at a mix of formal campsites, you’ll have access to laundry services along the way. This means you can keep your load light, focus on the essentials, and truly embrace the adventure.
Ready to walk, connect with nature, and give back to the local communities? This is more than just a hike—it’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Namibia’s hidden treasures.
Discovering the Kunene Region
The Kunene region, one of Namibia’s 14 regions, spans a vast area of 115,000 km² with a sparse population of around 90,000 people. Its capital, Opuwo, serves as the central hub of this rugged and remote area. The population density here is astonishingly low, with just one person per 0.75 km². To put that into perspective, compare it with the bustling density of 7,125 people per km² in Hong Kong. This makes Kunene one of the last true wilderness areas on the planet.
Walking Along the Lifeline of the Kunene River
Our journey takes us along the Kunene River (known as the Cunene River in Angola), which stretches for 1,050 km from its source in the highlands of Angola. This river forms a natural border between Namibia and Angola and is the lifeline for the region’s inhabitants.
During our Camino, we’ll be trekking along its scenic course, starting at the dramatic Ruacana Falls and ending at the awe-inspiring Epupa Falls.
Cultural Encounters with the OvaHimba and OvaVimba People
Along this journey, you’ll pass through areas inhabited by the OvaHimba and OvaVimba communities, who number around 50,000 people. These semi-nomadic tribes have lived in this region for centuries, predominantly in the southern part of Angola and the Kunene area, formerly known as Kaokoland.
While they tend to maintain their traditional ways and prefer to keep to themselves, their presence adds a rich cultural backdrop to the landscape.
Though closely related, the OvaHimba and OvaVimba have distinct customs. The OvaHimba women are famously known for their striking appearance, covering their skin and hair with otjize—a mixture of butter, fat, and red ochre, which protects them from the harsh desert climate. In contrast, OvaVimba women do not use this traditional paste and wear different styles of dress.
Both groups are part of the Bantu-speaking tribes and maintain semi-nomadic lifestyles, combining homestead farming with seasonal migrations to follow the rains. This delicate balance between settled life and nomadic traditions reflects their deep connection to the land and its rhythms.
Journeying through Kunene offers not just stunning landscapes but also the rare opportunity to witness the enduring traditions of Namibia’s indigenous cultures, set against the timeless backdrop of one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
All-Inclusive and Transparent Pricing
We believe in keeping things simple—there are no hidden fees or extra costs along the way. All meals, camping, transportation, and guided experiences are covered, so you can focus on the journey and leave the logistics to us.
Inclusive:
Transport
Round-trip transport in 4×4 vehicles from your accommodation or home in Windhoek to the starting point at Ruacana Falls, and from Epupa Falls (the finishing point) back to Windhoek.
Professional Crew & Support Vehicles
A professional backup team and vehicle convoy accompany the group along the entire route, handling all camp setup, meals, and logistics so you can simply walk and enjoy the journey.
Daily Luggage Transfers
Your main luggage is transported from camp to camp – you walk only with your daypack.
Experienced Guide
An experienced hiking guide leads the way, shares local knowledge, and ensures safety and connection throughout the Camino.
Camping Equipment
Private canvas dome tents (2.5 m × 2.5 m × 1.8 m) with comfortable camping beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillows, and a bedside table with a rechargeable light.
Each hiker also receives an extra linen bag for their sleeping kit.
Camp Setup & Facilities
Our crew sets up and breaks down camp each day. Communal facilities include tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups etc.
Campsite ablutions when camping at formal campsites.
Private canvas shower cubicle and portable toilet provide privacy and comfort at every wild campsite. Warm water is available for showers and hand-wash laundry options.
Meals
Three freshly prepared meals per day — from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 12.
We’re proud of the variety and flavour of our camp cuisine, often using fresh local ingredients and Namibian game meat for an authentic taste of the country. We cook on open fire and gas.
Vegetarian and special dietary requirements are happily catered for; please note preferences on your booking form.
And yes, we do filter coffee in the morning 😀
Drinking Water & Power
Clean borehole water for drinking throughout the journey.
Power supply
Solar or inverter power are available to recharge phones, Fitbits, Apples Watches, Garmin devices, and power banks.
Personal Beverages
Each hiker has a bit of fridge space in the support vehicle for their own drinks – whether it’s wine, beer, or your favourite G&T – to keep them refreshingly cool.
Fees & Contributions
All camping, concession, and park fees, as well as community contributions along the Kunene River route, are included.
Starlit Evenings & Connection
Enjoy evenings under Namibia’s vast night sky — especially magical around the New Moon — where stories are shared and friendships formed around the camp tables.
Charity Contribution
Join our ongoing initiative supporting Himba communities along the Kunene by contributing staple foods and essentials — walking with purpose, giving back along the way.
An Experience of a Lifetime
A fully supported 12-day slackpacking hike through one of Namibia’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions — a journey of connection, simplicity, and wonder.
Want to extend your stay?
If you’d like to explore more of Namibia or neighbouring destinations before or after your Camino – such as Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast or even Victoria Falls – we’re happy to help plan and book the perfect extension to your journey.
-
Inclusive:
Transport
Round-trip transport in 4×4 vehicles from your accommodation or home in Windhoek to the starting point at Ruacana Falls, and from Epupa Falls (the finishing point) back to Windhoek.Professional Crew & Support Vehicles
A professional backup team and vehicle convoy accompany the group along the entire route, handling all camp setup, meals, and logistics so you can simply walk and enjoy the journey.Daily Luggage Transfers
Your main luggage is transported from camp to camp – you walk only with your daypack.Experienced Guide
An experienced hiking guide leads the way, shares local knowledge, and ensures safety and connection throughout the Camino.Camping Equipment
Private canvas dome tents (2.5 m × 2.5 m × 1.8 m) with comfortable camping beds, mattresses, fitted sheets, pillows, and a bedside table with a rechargeable light.
Each hiker also receives an extra linen bag for their sleeping kit.Camp Setup & Facilities
Our crew sets up and breaks down camp each day. Communal facilities include tables, chairs, crockery, cutlery, glasses, cups etc.Campsite ablutions when camping at formal campsites.
Private canvas shower cubicle and portable toilet provide privacy and comfort at every wild campsite. Warm water is available for showers and hand-wash laundry options.Meals
Three freshly prepared meals per day — from dinner on Day 1 to lunch on Day 12.
We’re proud of the variety and flavour of our camp cuisine, often using fresh local ingredients and Namibian game meat for an authentic taste of the country. We cook on open fire and gas.
Vegetarian and special dietary requirements are happily catered for; please note preferences on your booking form.And yes, we do filter coffee in the morning 😀
Drinking Water & Power
Clean borehole water for drinking throughout the journey.Power supply
Solar or inverter power are available to recharge phones, Fitbits, Apples Watches, Garmin devices, and power banks.
Personal Beverages
Each hiker has a bit of fridge space in the support vehicle for their own drinks – whether it’s wine, beer, or your favourite G&T – to keep them refreshingly cool.Fees & Contributions
All camping, concession, and park fees, as well as community contributions along the Kunene River route, are included.Starlit Evenings & Connection
Enjoy evenings under Namibia’s vast night sky — especially magical around the New Moon — where stories are shared and friendships formed around the camp tables.Charity Contribution
Join our ongoing initiative supporting Himba communities along the Kunene by contributing staple foods and essentials — walking with purpose, giving back along the way.An Experience of a Lifetime
A fully supported 12-day slackpacking hike through one of Namibia’s most remote and awe-inspiring regions — a journey of connection, simplicity, and wonder.Want to extend your stay?
If you’d like to explore more of Namibia or neighbouring destinations before or after your Camino – such as Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei, Damaraland, the Skeleton Coast or even Victoria Falls – we’re happy to help plan and book the perfect extension to your journey.
Daily Walking Distances
Each day on the Kunene Camino offers a rewarding yet manageable hike, with distances varying between 15 km and 19 km. The trail takes you through some of Namibia’s most remote and breathtaking landscapes, with the Kunene River serving as your constant guide. While we encourage you to embrace the adventure on foot, we understand that everyone has their own pace and limits. That’s why our back-up vehicle is always available if you wish to take a break and enjoy a more relaxed day.
Whether you’re up for a full day of hiking or prefer to rest and soak in the scenery for a while, we’ve got you covered. This flexibility ensures that the journey remains enjoyable for all, allowing you to walk as much or as little as you like while still experiencing the magic of this incredible region.
What to Pack
Pack light! Each participant is allowed one daypack, one small soft duffel bag, and a cooler box for your sundowners. Hard-shell suitcases won’t work well on this journey, so stick to flexible, soft-sided luggage. Efficient packing will make your experience smoother, freeing you up to truly enjoy every step of the Camino.
There’s no need to overpack—we provide ample water throughout the trip, so you can easily handwash clothes as needed. Plus, since we stay at a mix of formal campsites, you’ll have access to laundry services along the way. This means you can keep your load light, focus on the essentials, and truly embrace the adventure.
Ready to walk, connect with nature, and give back to the local communities? This is more than just a hike—it’s an experience that will leave you with unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation of Namibia’s hidden treasures.
Discovering the Kunene Region
The Kunene region, one of Namibia’s 14 regions, spans a vast area of 115,000 km² with a sparse population of around 90,000 people. Its capital, Opuwo, serves as the central hub of this rugged and remote area. The population density here is astonishingly low, with just one person per 0.75 km². To put that into perspective, compare it with the bustling density of 7,125 people per km² in Hong Kong. This makes Kunene one of the last true wilderness areas on the planet.
Walking Along the Lifeline of the Kunene River
Our journey takes us along the Kunene River (known as the Cunene River in Angola), which stretches for 1,050 km from its source in the highlands of Angola. This river forms a natural border between Namibia and Angola and is the lifeline for the region’s inhabitants. During our Camino, we’ll be trekking along its scenic course, starting at the dramatic Ruacana Falls and ending at the awe-inspiring Epupa Falls.
Cultural Encounters with the OvaHimba and OvaVimba People
Along this journey, you’ll pass through areas inhabited by the OvaHimba and OvaVimba communities, who number around 50,000 people. These semi-nomadic tribes have lived in this region for centuries, predominantly in the southern part of Angola and the Kunene area, formerly known as Kaokoland. While they tend to maintain their traditional ways and prefer to keep to themselves, their presence adds a rich cultural backdrop to the landscape.
Though closely related, the OvaHimba and OvaVimba have distinct customs. The OvaHimba women are famously known for their striking appearance, covering their skin and hair with otjize—a mixture of butter, fat, and red ochre, which protects them from the harsh desert climate. In contrast, OvaVimba women do not use this traditional paste and wear different styles of dress. Both groups are part of the Bantu-speaking tribes and maintain semi-nomadic lifestyles, combining homestead farming with seasonal migrations to follow the rains. This delicate balance between settled life and nomadic traditions reflects their deep connection to the land and its rhythms.
Journeying through Kunene offers not just stunning landscapes but also the rare opportunity to witness the enduring traditions of Namibia’s indigenous cultures, set against the timeless backdrop of one of Africa’s last great wildernesses.
All-Inclusive and Transparent Pricing
We believe in keeping things simple—there are no hidden fees or extra costs along the way. All meals, camping, transportation, and guided experiences are covered, so you can focus on the journey and leave the logistics to us.
Exclusions:
- Flights or any transportation to and from Windhoek
- Airport Transfers (on request)
- Visa Fees (new regulations since 1. April 2025)
- Beverages, Soft Drinks/Sodas etc
- Snacks
- Tip & Gratuities
- Medical Insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
What is slackpacking?
The word slackpacking was born in South Africa — a beautifully simple idea that turned traditional hiking into something more freeing.
Instead of carrying a heavy backpack with all your gear, food and tent, you walk with just a light daypack – water, camera, sunscreen, a few snacks – while a support team takes care of everything else.
The concept first took off along South Africa’s famous coastal routes, where hikers wanted the wilderness experience without hauling 20 kilograms on their backs. It quickly became part of the Southern African travel culture and has since found its way to Namibia’s wild spaces too.
On our Caminos, slackpacking takes on its own unique rhythm. Because the Kaokoveld is so remote, formal campsites simply don’t exist in most of the places we walk. We do make use of existing camps in communities such as Palmwag, Puros, Onjuva, Otjinhungwa and Kamanjab — but in between, our backup team creates comfortable mobile bush camps in untouched landscapes where there’s nothing but stars, sand, and silence.
Each day, the crew takes down camp in the morning, travels ahead to provide breakfast en route, and from there further to set up camp, pitch your tent, prepare your bed and start preparing lunch and dinner. When you arrive, everything is ready — all you have to do is take off your boots, breathe, and settle into the rest of the day.
It’s the perfect balance between adventure and comfort: fully immersed in nature, yet supported in a way that lets you enjoy every moment.
Slackpacking gives you time — time to notice the changing light, to listen to the wind, to follow giraffe tracks in the sand — and to arrive at camp with nothing more to do than enjoy where your feet have taken you.
Testimonials
Important to note that you don't come on this camino with the expectation of losing weight, because you will be spoilt with the most delicious food (yes, we had pancakes while walking that even got the intermittent faster breaking her morning fast😂). Every meal was a new surprise. This camino exceeded every expectation I possibly could've had prior to embarking on this journey. Steve, George and Ruben were amazing, hard-working, kind, respectful, excellent chefs and attending to our every need (including providing us with spectacular shower and tent views)!
And Ellen... She has such a big heart and is passionate about nature, Namibia, the people, the land, and every single person who walks with her.
This is a journey that helped me heal and created lasting memories. I recommend it to any nature lover, but be warned - this camino has the ability to change you (for the better)!
There were so many highlights but to name an important one for me - was Croc spotting across to the banks of Angola!
A summary of what you're in for -
Woken before sunrise with a feelgood song off the playlist. Met with black coffee and raisin rusk ritual. Setting off on the jeep track the long and windy road of freedom awaits each day.
Ten days of sand under our feet and between our toes. Meeting interesting villagers and experiencing breathtaking views. Hugging ancient baobabs. Spotting hardy goats, beautful cows and noisy donkeys. Being greeted by decorated Himba people with their families and children.
A rewarding stop for breakfast was always a welcome treat. As the temperature soared, we explored single goats tracks along the lush green river banks. Wearily approaching the river to cool off bandanas and hats - to ward off the big snap! The lunch spread was a reliable prize after a well thought out sixteen to eighteen kilometer distance per day on foot. Total walking distance of around one hundred and fifty kilometres.
Lazy afternoons resting under the trees on the river bank or by the camp swimming pool. Our ritual sundowners were magical and dinner always a splendid culinary spread.
The highlight reaching Epupa Falls was my own African Camino and I am blessed to have shared the experience with my friends Louise and Maureen.
Ellen I can't thank you enough. Chad started a really good thing and to be sure his girl with the pink bumper has got this!
Without doubt a lot goes on behind the scenes putting each trip together.
Thanks also to your chef and go-to man Jaku, guides and wizards George and Steve - camping will never be the same again - and I'm back to the hard life of pitching my own tent!
I highly recommend anyone looking to escape the RSA winter. Instead of shooting past the essence of the land in your vehicle - reap the rewards and go on foot! Slow down and take it all in.
For me Wild Cherry Adventures takes the hassel out of planning the hike and provides the spoil of three appetising meals a day, effortlessly ensuring comfort for a memorable camping experience in NAM. Thanks for making it happen!
Contact us today to reserve your spot on the next Kunene Camino
Twelve days of walking beside the Kunene River.
Twelve days of stillness, laughter, dust, and stars.
This is more than a hike — it’s a Camino of connection.
🌿 Join us and be part of something unforgettable.
