Where to stay in Orupembe Conservancy
1 hand-picked glamping stay in and around the park.
Orupembe Conservancy guide
Overview
Orupembe Conservancy covers about 3,565 km² of the far north-west of Namibia, in the Kunene Region. It lies in the heart of the Kaokoveld, between the Hoarusib River and Puros in the south and the Marienfluss and Hartmann’s valleys to the north, and was registered as a communal conservancy in 2003.
It is one of the most sparsely populated places in Namibia, with fewer than 200 registered residents across the whole area. Most are semi-nomadic Himba pastoralists who move their cattle and goats between seasonal grazing grounds. As a communal conservancy, the community manages its own wildlife and tourism, earning income from camps and visitors in return for protecting the land and animals.
The landscape is open and dramatic: gravel plains, red and ochre mountains, dry riverbeds lined with mopane and ana trees, and the Khumib River running west towards the Skeleton Coast. Wildlife is thin on the ground, but the space and silence are the point. A stay here typically involves scenic drives, guided walks, visits to Himba settlements arranged with the community, and nights under some of the clearest skies in Africa.
Orupembe is a remote 4×4 destination. There are no shops or fuel stops in the conservancy, and tracks are rough. Most travellers come on a guided trip or fly into a nearby airstrip, staying at one of a few small community-partnered camps.
Wildlife & Biodiversity
Desert-adapted mammals
Gemsbok (oryx), springbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe, kudu, klipspringer and steenbok live here, spread thinly over a huge area. Desert-adapted elephants move through the river valleys from time to time.
Predators
Leopard, cheetah, brown and spotted hyena and black-backed jackal occur, but are shy and rarely seen. Tracks in the sandy riverbeds are often the best sign of them.
Birds and plants
Look out for Namibian near-endemics such as Rüppell’s korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, Herero chat, rosy-faced lovebird and Monteiro’s hornbill. Mopane, ana trees and Commiphora shrubs grow along the riverbeds and rocky slopes.
Best Time to Visit
Short answer: May to September, when days are warm and nights cool. It is dry for most of the year.
| Months | Season | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| May – Aug | Cool dry season | Warm, sunny days and cold nights. The most comfortable time for driving and walking. |
| Sep – Nov | Hot dry season | Increasingly hot, with daytime temperatures above 35°C by November. Wildlife gathers at the few springs. |
| Dec – Apr | Rain season | Rain is unpredictable and light, but storms can make tracks and riverbeds impassable. Hot. |
Whatever the season, travel with plenty of water, spare tyres and a satellite phone or a guide who knows the area.
Getting There
By air
| Airport | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hosea Kutako International (WDH), Windhoek | International arrivals | Connect to a charter flight or start a self-drive. Orupembe is two days’ drive from Windhoek. |
| Bush airstrips near Orupembe | Fly-in guests | Charter flights from Windhoek Eros Airport (ERS) to private airstrips near the camps. Camps arrange the pick-up. |
By road
Orupembe is reached from Opuwo or Sesfontein via Puros on gravel roads and sandy 4×4 tracks, including the D3707. A high-clearance 4×4 is essential, as is travelling with at least two vehicles if you are not with a guide. Fill up with fuel in Opuwo or Sesfontein and carry enough water and food for the whole trip.
Entrance & Fees
There is no gate or national park fee for Orupembe. Camps in the conservancy pay a levy to the community, which is usually included in the nightly rate.
If you visit a Himba settlement, go with a camp or community guide who can arrange the visit and agree a fair fee.
Fees last checked October 2026 against the NACSO register of communal conservancies.
