Tracks are sparse, mobile phone coverage non-existent, and the main reference points are painted oil drums.
Marienfluss is bordered by the Skeleton Coast and the Kunene River. Don’t be tempted to jump in though, this is prime croc territory. It creates a natural boundary with Angola.
Okahirongo River Camp sits amidst flaxen grasses and lone trees. It’s a vast landscape with a broad flat sandy floor. Springboks roam flanked by the Otjihipa Mountains to the east and Hartmann’s Mountains to the west.
The camp shares its land with the Himba Tribe, the last semi-nomadic desert-dwelling people still left on the African continent.
The Okahirongo River Camp is built between rocks. The camp can take a maximum of 14 guests.
Accommodation is in 70 square metre tent style cottages. These suites are made out of wood and canvas. There are six. Four double, one twin and one family. Which is 140 square metres with 2 en suite bedrooms.
Inside, it’s all minimalist African chic. They have private bathrooms and a spacious private deck. Think white, muslin, mosquito nets. Four-poster beds, wooden floors and a fan. They also have inside and outside showers and a viewing deck overlooking the Kunene River. And, all have spectacular views... of vastness.
It’s 100% solar powered, unspoilt and pretty magical. But it is remote. And it does overlook the Otupambua Rapids. Just sit on the veranda and stare out, in awe. By the way, there’s a restaurant which is just as well. It serves Italian and local cuisine. Perfect.
Perhaps the most amazing thing to do here is a guided game drive. You can track desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos - this area is the only place in the world where you can see these animals.
You can also go on guided scenic drives into the mountains and red dunes of Marienfluss.
Or take a boat and enjoy sundowners on Kunene River. Look out for a big variety of birds and be the first to spot crocodiles. There! See! The one with his mouth open. Oh. Don’t worry, he’s not smiling, nor about to eat you, crocodiles don’t have sweat glands so they keep their mouths open to keep cool.
Other activities include horse riding, fishing and hiking. Especially early in the morning. Guests can explore and visit a traditional Himba village too. Learn about their customs, traditions and beliefs. This region is home to some of the last truly semi-nomadic desert-dwelling tribes of the Himba descent.
You can also take a scenic flight to the nearby Epupa Falls. Look at the valley below before having a picnic lunch. The lodge has its own private landing strip.
Or fish on the Kunene River and then head to the Skeleton Coast.
Finally, there’s the amusing attempt at a golf course at the camp but hey, this is the desert, any golf practice out here has got to be pretty cool.
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