espite its seemingly harsh desert climate, Kaokoland has an intriguing array of flora and fauna.

Animals
While many of the big game were sadly killed during the independence war, particularly elephants, rhinos, and hippos, these charismatic creatures, including the fascinating desert elephants, are slowly returning to the region. Other animals includes kudu, zebra, baboons, black-faced impala, crocodiles, and porcupines. The Kunene river also enjoys a rich bird life. More than 240 different bird species have been counted so far, of which about 10 are endemic to the region. At our lodge, 2-meter-long water monitors can almost always be seen on our beach. The charming cape otter resides close to the dining area, on the other side of the river, and crocodiles are often seen basking in the sun (but prevented by the steep river banks from entering the lodge area).

Plants
Flora typical for the region include the nakalani palm trees as well as ficus and anna trees, mopanis, boababs, and maroelas. Endemic plants include the kaoko kobas, the Kunene black thorn, slender corkwood and brown-stem corkwood which has traditionally been used for magic medicine by the locals. The trumpet thorn and the purple-pot terminalia are also found in the region, as is the famous hoodia plant, which has become a popular slimming remedy in recent years and has been used for centuries by the bushmen to suppress hunger.

In addition, you will find plenty of Euphorbia plants. From February through April, the plant blossoms with beautiful pink flowers.