“I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up and was not happy.” – Ernest Hemingway
8 Day Skeleton Coast - Kunene River - Kaokoland 4x4 Safari
If this is going to be your first introduction to the Namib it will be an exceptional experience. If you are a seasoned desert traveller this is the ultimate!
The adrenaline rush is unparalleled and the dunes along this stretch of Namib are higher and more challenging and require technique to manoeuvre from one dune strait to the next. For this tour the emphasis is not only on the adrenaline thrill of dune driving, but also for a special look at the plants; desert creatures and wildlife that make this desert their home. The history of the diamond mining activities of the previous century and what the industry left behind is one of the most interesting subjects of a journey through this area.
Two meals a day will be prepared by our experienced bush chef in his mobile kitchen, with salads, potjiekos, braais and many other surprises on the menu. Some of our overnight stops will be
rustic and unusual, but you will at all times be safe. At all camps a toilet and shower tent is erected.
Although this self-drive adventure can get “exciting” this is not a Dakar Rally and we will at all times practice safe off-road driving techniques. Should you experience any difficulty, our crew do have the knowledge and recovery gear to assist with most off-road driving problems. You must just ensure that you have a vehicle that is capable and sound for the experience with high flotation tyres. NO low profile tyres.
*** For the fisherman, bring your rods along, we can arrange a permit for you. ***
NOTE: This is not a fishing trip, we offer it as an activity on our 4x4 safari! - Enquire NOW
Skeleton Coast Park Entrance Gate
ITINERARY
day 1 - 440km
Leaving Swakopmund early morning, the exact time and location will be given closer to the time of departure. We head north towards the entrance of the Skeleton Coast National Park. After lunch we continue north passing through the Hoanib River until we reach Terrace Bay, which will be our last fuel stop for the next week or so. We overnight in the area north of Mowe Bay.
day 2
After breakfast we continue north along the coast. Many interesting stops will be made along the way, especially at the engine and remains of the Ventura Bomber that crashed after a failed rescue attempt in 1942 of the Dunedin Star. Entering the Hoarusib River we might come across herds of Oryx and Springbok. This river is also famous for Desert Adapted Elephants, Brown Hyenas and the very rare Desert Lions. After exploring the Hoarusib River we continue towards the Khumib River and overnight close to Sarusas Spring.

Sarusas Spring and Khumib River
day 3
Leaving the Khumib Valley we continue north. Today’s drive will take us through the most colourful landscapes in the park. The area is extremely sensitive, and we take well care of not leaving footprints behind. We stop at the Sarusa mine which is no longer operational, however one can still see many quartz and amethyst crystals scattered everywhere. Not far from here we stop at Sarusa spring, which is an important water point for Oryx, Springbok, Brown Hyena, Ostrich and at times even Lion. After stopping at Agate Mountain, we set up camp for the night.
day 4
Today is mostly beach driving. We pass Angra Fria;
destined to become a harbour during the 1960’s they decided that the area was just too uninhabitable. Further north we reach the remains of the Dunedin Star and one of the shelters that the survivors erected to safeguard them from the harsh elements. Not much of the wreckage is visible but listening to the rescue mission will make one understand why this is called the “Skeleton Coast''. We
reach the Kunene mouth around lunch. The Kunene originates in the Angola Highlands and paths her way through desert and mountains where it forms a delta in the Atlantic Ocean. The river hosts plenty of
freshwater fish, Nile Crocodiles, Green Turtles and Soft-Shell Turtles. After exploring the mouth, we head to our camp situated in the dunes close to Bosluisbaai.

Bosluisbaai camping and Skeleton Coast fishing
day 5
This is our day of leisure, no need to pack up as we will be staying at the camp for another night! After a late breakfast we explore the area around the Kunene Mouth. Hiking, fishing photography, birding or dune driving, you choose how you want to spend the day.

Kunene River

day 6
Today is our last day in the park as we now head east across the Dunes for about 65km’s which could take 6hrs! There will be plenty of stops as we travel across the dunes and down the steep slip faces! Tonight we camp in the Hartmann Valley where stargazing is profound!

View of the Hartmanns valley and Camping in the Hartmanns
day 7
Staying off the beaten track we head south to the Hoarusib River. Once again, we enter the territory of the Desert Elephants, lions, cheetah, leopard and Hyena. Passing Hoarusib Canyon we reach the small town of Puros where we will overnight at the community campsite, with hot water showers!

Puros Campsite
day 8
We accompany our guests to Sesfontein where they will be able to refuel their vehicles, and also stock up on some basic items at the local market. This is where we say goodbye, from here the road is good to Palmwag for those going north or to Kamanjab and Etosha.
Dates 2024:
Oct 11 - 15 Open
Dec 28 – 3 Jan Open
Dates 2025:
March 4 - 11 Open
March 22 - 29 Open
April 18 - 25 Open
May 3 - 10 Open
May 13 - 20 Open
June 21 - 28 Open
July 3 – 10 Open
July 8 – 15 Open
Aug 10 - 17 Open
Sep 14 - 21 Open
Nov 9 - 16 Open
Dec 28 – 4 Jan Open
** For groups wanting their own private tour and specific date, this can be arranged. **
Fuel requirements for approximately 900km’s. We
recommend for diesel 220l and petrol 240ll. Last fuel top up is
Terrace Bay, and next fuel is Sesfontein, around 900km’s. This could be
more or less depending on your vehicle.
Prices:
Price for SADC clients in Namibian Dollars
Adults R 15 700,00 - children pro rata (concession fee included)
International clients in US Dollar
US$ 1100 per person
IMPORTANT:
Client needs to supply:
- Own camping equipment – Tent, beadroll, ground sail, chairs and anything else to make it comfortable for you and your family
- Own cutlery and crockery
- Two Large bags of wood per vehicle
- Drinking water for yourself
- Minimum of 60L of water that you can use for shower
- 20L for the kitchen for cooking, please make sure this is good and clean water
- Beverages, snacks and lunch
- Strong garbage bags. We recommend the heavy-duty ones you use in your garden. Clients will have to carry their own garbage / waste
- Personal items such as medication, sunblock, flashlight, camera, batteries etc
- Insecticide, such as Doom and Peaceful sleep
- If you have an on-board water tank, its recommended to carry a 20L can, it makes things just easier with getting water from the locals
Your Vehicle:
- Make sure that your 4x4 is mechanically fit
- It’s always good to carry a pump and pressure gauge
- One spare tire. If you are worried and want to
carry a second spare tire you are welcome to. Take a patch kit with, for
those little thorns!
- Recovery point / hook – front and rear
Please check with your insurance company that
your vehicle is covered for an off-road trip through Namibia or the
country you are intending on visiting.
Should you have a breakdown we will assist with onsite recovery, but this will be at an additional cost.
Special Notes:
Travel insurance and medical evacuation is compulsory!
Clients need to take out their own travel insurance and emergency evacuation cover in case of emergency.
Getaway Tours & Safaris cc is registered with
the Namibian Tourism Board (NTB) nr. FOR 00080 since 2008, and
also a member of the Tourism and Safari Association of Namibia (TASA).
Getaway Tours owner, Johan Brits is a registered Namibian and South African field guide.