📍 Namibia

DAMARALAND TO KAOKOLAND: ANCIENT ROCKS AND ROARING FALLS

Petroglyphs guarding rust-colored valleys, desert elephants following ancient riverbeds, waterfalls thundering through canyons. Namibia's far reaches.

≈ 12
Days
1333
Km
8
Stops
📖 6 min read 🔄 Last updated: 2026-01-17

Follow Damaraland tracks where desert elephants cross russet valleys, then listen to Twyfelfontein and its petroglyphs carved in stone. Push toward Kaokoland and its Himba lands, before reaching Epupa Falls rumbling in a palm-lined gorge. Namibia offers a raw and human journey.

Your day-by-day itinerary

1
Day

Khorixas

petrified forest guards damaraland gateway roads

Khorixas - Photo 1Khorixas - Photo 2Khorixas - Photo 3Khorixas - Photo 4Khorixas - Photo 5Khorixas - Photo 6Khorixas - Photo 7Khorixas - Photo 8Khorixas - Photo 9Khorixas - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 1
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Damaraland semi-desert landscapes Brandberg mountains.
2
Khorixas capital of Damaraland commercial center of the region.
3
Petrified Forest petrified forest 260 million years fossilized trunks.
4
Prehistoric gymnosperm trees silica petrification.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of Petrified Forest petrified tree trunks 30 meters lunar landscape.
→
Observation of geological formations prehistoric fossils paleontology.
→
Meeting with Damara guide explanations geology history.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 89.9 km
Travel time: 1h17
2
Day

Twyfelfontein

six thousand years carved into sandstone

Twyfelfontein - Photo 1Twyfelfontein - Photo 2Twyfelfontein - Photo 3Twyfelfontein - Photo 4Twyfelfontein - Photo 5Twyfelfontein - Photo 6Twyfelfontein - Photo 7Twyfelfontein - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 2
🔍

Discover

1
Twyfelfontein UNESCO site 2500 rock engravings petroglyphs 6000 years.
2
San bushmen rock art animal representations giraffes elephants rhinoceros.
3
Organ Pipes basaltic column formations 120 million years.
4
Burnt Mountain burnt mountain red purple colors oxidation.
🎯

Activities

→
Guided visit Twyfelfontein rock engravings prehistoric art spiritual meanings.
→
Hike Organ Pipes geological formations spectacular basaltic columns.
→
Exploration Burnt Mountain mineral colors bright sunset.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 125.3 km
Travel time: 1h47
3
Day

Palmwag

desert elephants roam dry riverbeds silently

Palmwag - Photo 1Palmwag - Photo 2Palmwag - Photo 3Palmwag - Photo 4Palmwag - Photo 5Palmwag - Photo 6Palmwag - Photo 7Palmwag - Photo 8Palmwag - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 3
🔍

Discover

1
Palmwag Lodge private reserve 400000 hectares wildlife black rhinos.
2
Conservation concession desert elephants giraffes adapted lions.
3
Spring palm trees oasis greenery arid region Damaraland.
🎯

Activities

→
Safari rhino tracking black rhino search endangered species protection.
→
Desert elephant observation herds adaptation unique behavior.
→
Giraffe encounter desert adaptation specific morphology.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 120 km
Travel time: 1h43
4
Day

Sesfontein

fort ruin marks kaokoland wilderness edge

Sesfontein - Photo 1Sesfontein - Photo 2Sesfontein - Photo 3Sesfontein - Photo 4Sesfontein - Photo 5Sesfontein - Photo 6Sesfontein - Photo 7Sesfontein - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 4
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Kaokoland remote wild region northwest Namibia.
2
Sesfontein German colonial fort 1896 date palm oasis.
3
Permanent water source desert historical importance caravans.
4
Mountainous landscapes Kaokoland raw beauty isolation.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration of Sesfontein fort German colonial architecture military history.
→
Walk through palm grove oasis contrast desert greenery freshness.
→
Meeting with Herero community traditions pastoral culture.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 163.3 km
Travel time: 2h20
5
Day

Opuwo

himba women adorned in ochre and copper

Opuwo - Photo 1Opuwo - Photo 2Opuwo - Photo 3Opuwo - Photo 4Opuwo - Photo 5Opuwo - Photo 6Opuwo - Photo 7Opuwo - Photo 8Opuwo - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 5
🔍

Discover

1
Opuwo capital Kaokoland border town himba herero zemba.
2
Local market himba crafts jewelry leather red ochre.
3
Mountainous isolated region preserved ancestral traditions.
🎯

Activities

→
Visit Opuwo market encounter himbas herero traditional costumes jewelry.
→
Exploration border town unique atmosphere cultural blend.
→
Shopping local crafts red ochre bracelets wood sculptures.
+3 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180.2 km
Travel time: 2h34
6
Day

Epupa Falls

kunene river thunders through baobab gorge

Epupa Falls - Photo 1Epupa Falls - Photo 2Epupa Falls - Photo 3Epupa Falls - Photo 4Epupa Falls - Photo 5Epupa Falls - Photo 6Epupa Falls - Photo 7Epupa Falls - Photo 8Epupa Falls - Photo 9Epupa Falls - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 6
🔍

Discover

1
Spectacular route to Epupa Falls landscapes Kaokoland isolated mountains.
2
Kunene River Angola border permanent waters arid region.
3
Epupa Falls 37-meter waterfalls baobabs makalani palms.
4
Series of waterfalls green landscape desert contrast.
🎯

Activities

→
Hiking Epupa Falls waterfalls natural pools refreshing swimming.
→
Crocodile watching Kunene river basin aquatic wildlife.
→
Walk through palm groves giant baobabs unique tropical landscape Namibia.
+5 Optional activities
7
Day

Epupa Falls

kunene river thunders through baobab gorge

Epupa Falls - Photo 1Epupa Falls - Photo 2Epupa Falls - Photo 3Epupa Falls - Photo 4Epupa Falls - Photo 5Epupa Falls - Photo 6Epupa Falls - Photo 7Epupa Falls - Photo 8Epupa Falls - Photo 9Epupa Falls - Photo 10
10 photos
Day 7
🔍

Discover

1
Authentic Himba villages encounter with pastoral ethnic group and millennial traditions.
2
Circular hut dwellings okuruwo constructed with earth and dung.
3
Ceremonies and rituals with otjize red ochre paste and symbolic butter.
4
Lifestyle of goat and cattle herding with semi-nomadism.
🎯

Activities

→
Respectful visit to Himba villages with cultural exchanges about traditions and hairstyles.
→
Observation of otjize ochre paste making for sun protection and beauty symbolism.
→
Meeting Himba women with shell and metal jewelry and shepherd children.
+5 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 180.2 km
Travel time: 2h34
8
Day

Opuwo

himba women adorned in ochre and copper

Opuwo - Photo 1Opuwo - Photo 2Opuwo - Photo 3Opuwo - Photo 4Opuwo - Photo 5Opuwo - Photo 6Opuwo - Photo 7Opuwo - Photo 8Opuwo - Photo 9
9 photos
Day 8
🔍

Discover

1
Return to Opuwo through mountainous Kaokoland landscapes and isolated villages.
2
Crossing plateaus observing wildlife springboks oryx kudus.
3
Panoramic stops wild mountains raw beauty.
🎯

Activities

→
Scenic route through Kaokoland mountains observing scattered traditional villages.
→
Photography stops grandiose landscapes golden afternoon light.
→
Meeting with Herero herders, cattle herds, pastoral traditions.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 273.3 km
Travel time: 3h54
9
Day

Kamanjab

cheetah conservation amid thornveld plains

Kamanjab - Photo 1Kamanjab - Photo 2Kamanjab - Photo 3Kamanjab - Photo 4Kamanjab - Photo 5Kamanjab - Photo 6Kamanjab - Photo 7Kamanjab - Photo 8
8 photos
Day 9
🔍

Discover

1
Route to Kamanjab, Kunene region, dense savanna bush.
2
Agricultural town, cattle farming, center of Herero community.
3
Transition landscapes from Kaokoland to central Namibian highlands.
🎯

Activities

→
Crossing savanna bush landscapes, wildlife observation, birds of prey.
→
Stop at Herero villages, meeting communities, traditions, Victorian dresses.
→
Visit farm livestock discovery Namibian agriculture cattle.
+4 Optional activities
🚗
Next stop
Distance: 200.6 km
Travel time: 2h52
10
Day

Outjo

etosha gateway where journeys north begin

Outjo - Photo 1Outjo - Photo 2Outjo - Photo 3Outjo - Photo 4Outjo - Photo 5Outjo - Photo 6Outjo - Photo 7
7 photos
Day 10
🔍

Discover

1
Outjo gateway to Etosha small town stopover towards national park.
2
German colonial architecture Lutheran church historic center.
3
Agricultural region highlands temperate climate agriculture livestock.
🎯

Activities

→
Exploration Outjo town center colonial architecture artisan shops.
→
Visit local markets Damara crafts wood stone sculptures.
→
Walk through gardens parks greenery peaceful atmosphere small town.
+4 Optional activities

🗺️ Itinerary map

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🛡️ Travel advice - Namibia

Check official recommendations

UK Foreign Travel Advice →

❓ Frequently asked questions

What weather should you expect?

Dry Season (May-October): Best weather with minimal rainfall, comfortable temperatures (15-25°C), and excellent conditions for wildlife viewing and desert exploration. Peak tourist season.

Cool Dry Season (May-August): Ideal temperatures, clear skies, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities. Best wildlife viewing as animals concentrate around water sources.

Hot Dry Season (September-October): Warmer days but still excellent conditions, particularly good for wildlife viewing. Desert temperatures can be extreme but landscapes spectacular.

Rainy Season (November-April): Hot temperatures (25-35°C) with brief afternoon showers creating lush landscapes. Fewer crowds, lower prices, but challenging road conditions.

How many days should I plan?

We believe you will enjoy this itinerary best by dedicating between 10 and 14 days. The next step will allow you to adjust the duration of your stay.

What to discover in Namibia?

Southern African gem with stunning deserts, incredible wildlife, and pristine landscapes. Experience Sossusvlei dunes, traditional cultures, and authentic African adventures. The country offers natural wonders with cultural authenticity and adventure activities. Namibia provides life-changing African experiences with natural beauty and cultural preservation.