Skeleton Coast | Angola | Caprivi – 2022

Skeleton Coast – Namibia

We have always talked about wanting to drive along the Skeleton Coast. So far we have only driven the section from the Ugab river to Springbokwasser (transit permit).

The only permits available beyond Terrace Bay (towards the north) are concession visitor permits – guided tours with permits from the concession holder.

These tours are very limited. Time slots are pre-allocated by the concession holder to the few tour operators.

So we decided that we will only see the northern section of the Skeleton Coast if we join a guided trip. We chose to join Wild Skeleton Coast Adventure Tours (they are the concession holders as well as tour operator for the Skeleton Coast and Purros area).

https://skeletoncoast.wild-exp.com/tours/skeleton-coast-4×4-expedition

Swakopmund to Kunene mouth – accross the Namib along the Kunene – into the Hartmann’s valley – through Kaokoland to Purros and then Sesfontein

Route: 7-15 April 2022

Swakopmund to Kunene Mouth to Hartmann’s Valley to Sesfontein (Kaokoland)

Namibia is green and wet and we will see it as we have never seen it. The days between the Skeleton Coast and Angola tours will be spent to see the landscape – Damaraland – Spitzkuppe – Namib-Naukluft – and then towards Rundu where we join the group to Angola.

Angola

The Angolan land borders opened mid-February 2022. As we had planned a trip to Angola before Covid, this event triggered the possibility of including Angola on this trip.

However, times have changed, and we did not consider driving it solo as we had planned previously. We have booked a 14 day trip with Jakkals (www.toursnamibia.com). The same route that we previously planned, but in half the time. We realise that it will be long hours driving, but this is our change to drive through Angola without fearing for our safety.

With the relaxed Covid rules we only have to present a negative PCR test when entering the Angolan border. All the other borders should accept our vaccination certificates. That makes is easier and saves a lot of time and money.

Route: 25 Apr – 9 May 2022

Katuitui border in, Santa Clara border out…

Khaudum & Caprivi

After returning from Angola we plan to visit Khaudum and spend another few days in the Caprivi, especially the Kwando river area and Mudumu NP.

Botswana

The route back home is via the Ngoma Gate border post between the Caprivi and Botswana.

In Botswana we want to visit Muchenje and drive the river route along the Chobe to Kasane. Overnight at Senyati and then Khama Rhino.

Back into RSA and then back to Malelane.

Total planned route: 8 weeks, 14 000 km