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 and 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 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 (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)

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:

  • 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 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.

 

Inclusive:

  • 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 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.

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:

  • Airport Transfers (on request)
  • Visa Fees
  • Beverages, Soft Drinks etc
  • Tip & Gratuities
  • Personal Insurance
  • Items of a personal nature