Namibia | Skeleton Coast Kunene River

The tour group meets at St Nowhere Spa & Campsite in the afternoon where the Bhejane crew will be waiting with your tents already set up. Each vehicle must ensure that all final logistical details (filling of fuel tanks, Jerry cans and water containers, etc.) are done before meeting at the turn-off to St Nowhere. Making sure nothing is left to chance as we will be heading into the wilderness the following day. The evening is spent around the campfire meeting our fellow travelers and the crew. At dinner time we'll discuss the route itinerary and what to expect on our first day on the road.

A hearty breakfast is the perfect fuel to prepare us for today's venture towards the Kunene River mouth. The journey involves pure beach driving past the Sarusas crystal mine, remnants of Strand Loper settlements, Angra Fria, huge salt pans and the famous Dunedin Star wreck site Shortly after we have pass Bosluis Bay we will reach the Kunene River mouth. The spectacular river mouth is home to expansive wetlands with over 72 different bird species, Nile crocodiles and even soft-shelled terrapins.

After a long day of driving we relax around the fire in the evening and discuss the challenge of how to relax the next day! On the schedule for the following day is another visit to the Kunene River mouth to experience it in different conditions followed by sundowners at a viewpoint in the dunes. Later we discuss the challenge of crossing the dunes into the Hartmann's Valley the following day.

After waking up in one of the most beautiful campsites you'll ever experience, another day in the dunes await as we make our way to the wondrous Hartmanns Valley. We eventually exit the dunes and spend the night in the stunning valley. Around the campfire we share memories of the past few days as the rugged coastline is now behind us and the second part of our journey, southward through the interior of the Skeleton Coast, starts in earnest the following morning.

We make an early start and head south through the Hartmann's Valley and along the eastern border of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Our next overnight stop is at Puros, a community campsite with donkie showers and lovely large shade trees on the banks of the Hoarusib River.

Today's drive will vary from sandy riverbeds to rocky jeep tracks. We have a good chance at spotting wildlife including zebra, giraffe and possibly elephants along the way, as well as plenty of gemsbok and springbok. It is a long day, but we will travel slowly so we can make the most of photo opportunities along this scenic drive. We reach Puros in the late afternoon where camp has already been set up and the crew is getting dinner ready.

After yesterday's long day on the road, today is a relaxed day spent in and around camp. For those who are interested, a drive with the guide is on offer to go in search of elusive desert elephants in the riverbed of the Hoarusib River. We will also make use of the downtime to empty our jerry cans into our vehicles and to refill our water containers.