The Kunene Camino: A Signature Namibia Walking Tour
Embark on a truly unique adventure with our Kunene Camino, part of our exclusive Namibia Walking Tours. This fully-supported, 12-day journey offers an authentic experience along one of the country’s most remote and spectacular regions.
Overview of the Adventure
The Kunene Camino spans a total of 155 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 forrest 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.
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.
- Transportation: Round-trip transport from Windhoek to Ruacana (start point) and from Epupa Falls (end point) back to Windhoek.
- All Meals: Delicious, freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches, and dinners throughout the journey, from Dinner Day 1 up to breakfast Day 12
- Camping Equipment: Spacious tents, comfortable campbeds with mattress and sheet and communal facilities like tables, chair etc.
- Shower and Toilet Facilities: Canvas shower cubicles and portable toilets for privacy and comfort for our wild camping spots
- Mobile Camp Setup: Full camp setup and takedown by our support team, including communal areas and private shower/toilet facilities.
- Hiking Guide: Experienced hiking guide who will lead the way, share local knowledge, and ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
- Support Team: A dedicated 4-person crew handling all cooking, cleaning, and logistics so you can focus on enjoying the hike.
- Drinking Water: Clean drinking water available throughout the hike
- Starlit Evenings: Evening gatherings with stunning views of the night sky, especially during the New Moon phase.
- Charity Contribution: Participate in our charity drive to distribute staple foods to the Himba communities along the route.
- Camping Fees & Permits: All camping fees to formal campsites and protected areas along the Kunene River route.
- Airport Transfers (on request)
- Visa Fees
- Beverages, Soft Drinks etc
- Tip & Gratuities
- Personal Insurance
- Items of a personal nature
- 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 (no 2 or 3 point recharging option – only USB)
- 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
- Hot water bottle
- Toiletries, personal items, meds etc.
- Something for the afternoons under the shade sail (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)
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2025 Dates
Here are the upcoming dates for our Kunene Camino in 2025:
- 27 April to 8 May 2025 (Full Moon: 27 April)
- 18 June to 29 June 2025 (Full Moon: 25 June)
- 30 August to 10 September 2025 (New Moon: 7 September)
These dates are carefully selected to ensure the best weather conditions for your adventure—outside the really hot & rainy season of Namibia: dry days ideal for trekking, and crystal-clear nights perfect for stargazing.
Dates are available for private groups.
Pricing
- Shared Accommodation: N$ 31,190 per person
- Single Accommodation: N$ 33,940 per person
Minimum 8 hikers. Maximum 16 hikers. Max 6 single tents available.
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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Our Other Caminos
Kunene Camino 12-Day Itinerary
9-Day Walking Breakdown
Your Kunene Camino adventure covers 9 days of hiking, with daily distances varying slightly based on the measuring device. Here’s a guide to what you can expect:
- Day 1: 14 km
- Day 2: 19 km
- Day 3: 15 km
- Day 4: 15 km
- Day 5: 19 km
- Day 6: 17 km
- Day 7: 15 km
- Day 8: 16 km
- Day 9: 16 km
Each day begins just before sunrise, allowing us to take advantage of the cooler morning hours. We’ll enjoy breakfast en route and aim to reach camp by lunchtime. The afternoons are yours to relax, recharge, and enjoy the serene river surroundings before gathering for sundowners and dinner at sunset.
Day 1: Windhoek to Ruacana
Your adventure begins with an early morning departure from Windhoek. We’ll pick you up from your accommodation and embark on our scenic drive north. Midway, we’ll stop in the charming town of Outjo for lunch (own account) before continuing on to our first overnight spot, Tjonkuvi Otjiruwo. This is where we’ll enjoy our first evening under the vast Namibian sky, with a warm welcome dinner prepared by our support team.
Day 2 to Day 10: Hiking Along the Kunene River
For the next nine days, we’ll follow the course of the majestic Kunene River, covering distances of 14 to 19 km per day. Each morning, we set off just before sunrise, embracing the cool early hours. We’ll enjoy a well deserved breakfast along the trail, making the most of the peaceful mornings.
By lunchtime, we’ll arrive at our (mobile) campsite, where you can relax, refresh, and unwind.
The afternoons are yours to enjoy—whether that’s taking a dip in swimming pool and/or the river (where safe), lounging under a palm tree in the shade, or simply soaking in the tranquility of this remote wilderness. As the day draws to a close, we’ll gather for sunset drinks before a hearty dinner is served just after sunset.
Campsites Along the Way:Throughout the journey, we mix wild camping in secluded spots with stays at some of the region’s best riverside lodges and campsites:
- Tjonkuvi Otjiruwo
- Mavinga Lodge
- Kunene River Lodge
- Camp Cornie (2 nights)
- Epupa Falls Lodge and Campsite
- Variation of wild camping spots
These carefully chosen locations offer a mix of comfort, stunning views, and opportunities to connect with the surrounding landscape.
Day 11: Epupa Falls to Kamanjab
With our walking adventure complete, we begin the journey back to Windhoek. We’ll depart from Epupa Falls and travel via Opuwo to the town of Kamanjab, where we’ll spend the night. This final evening on the road is a chance to unwind and reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just completed.
Day 12: Return to Windhoek
After breakfast, we continue our drive south through Namibia’s scenic landscapes, aiming to reach Windhoek by late afternoon. We’ll drop you off at your accommodation, bringing this unforgettable journey to a close.
Highlights of the Journey
- Walking along the Kunene River, starting below Ruacana Falls and ending at Epupa Falls.
- A mix of formal campsites and wild camping for an immersive wilderness experience.
- Sundowner moments by the river and stargazing under clear Namibian skies.
- Encounters with traditional OvaHimba and OvaVimba communities along the way.
- Time to relax, disconnect, and recharge in one of Namibia’s most remote regions.
Get ready for an experience that blends adventure, cultural encounters, and serene moments of solitude in the heart of Namibia’s untouched wilderness!
