Namibia: Desert stone men of Kaokoland

LONE STONE MEN OF KAOKOLAND

As one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa, it attracts hard-core travellers and explorers. It appeals to those who have already travelled the main tarmac arteries through the country and the myriad gravel tracks that branch off them like fibrous roots.

Kaokoland, as this remote and inhospitable region (now part of the Kunene Region) is known historically, has always been the Wild West of Namibia. And for those self-sufficient and experienced 4×4 travellers who venture further afield, it’s a desert Eden of mysteries and marvels.

The story of the Lone Men of Namibia is a mystery wrapped up in an enigma.

These stone men – or rather, sculptures – are scattered all over the country, and known as The Lone Men Of Kaokoland. Each figure has a disc attached to it, with a number and a message as to where it is going. Although a sculpture numbered 37 has been seen (and I won’t divulge its whereabouts), only 14 Lone Men have been found by us so far.

They have been spotted in Purros in the South, Van Zyl’s Pass in the East, Otjinungua in the North and even in the Skeleton Coast National Park in the West. And for many travellers it has become a treasure hunt to find these Lone Men of Namibia; in fact, you know about it, it has become one of the highlights of things to do in Kaokoland.

Each life-size sculpture is made from rock prevailing in the area, and depicts a different personality. In the dry remote landscape of Kaokoland, with its unforgiving climate and temperatures, you will see them (that’s if you can find them). Some are standing, some are sitting, some are on their knees with their hands in the air and there’s one holding on for dear life from an overhang.

But unlike most artists who display their name on their creations, the Lone Men of Namibia has no name connected to it. The sculptures each have a number on it and a message saying where the figure is heading.

And it all begs the question: who is the artist? No one knows.

The artist-with-no-name has managed to secretively construct, create and place these stone figures all over Namibia’s long forgotten landscape of silence, and it has become an open-air gallery that draws the spectator into the environment and emotions of each sculpture.

Of course, it also begs a few other questions. Why do these sculptures look so lonely, so haggard? How many are there? Are there more sculptures to be discovered? And is the artist still creating more?

Again no one knows.

And maybe that is the beauty of it all, the unknown wrapped up in the mystery.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia

Namibia: Sanctuary Retreats' Okahirongo Lodge & Okahirongo Camp | Окахиронго Намибия

Sanctuary Retreats

Escape to another world at our ultra-remote lodges in Namibia's Kaokoland

Two of the most remote camps in Namibia have joined the Sanctuary family.

These extraordinary destinations may be the most unique places you will ever visit.

Few visitors have witnessed these surreal vistas, encountered the special desert adapted elephants, giraffes and lions, or met the indigenous Himba tribespeople, who find their own ways to thrive here.

Stay at both the luxurious Okahirongo Elephant Lodge and boutique eco-friendly Okahirongo River Camp for an unforgettable Namibian safari experience.

Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

This tiny oasis of luxury is found in the surreal, almost lunar landscape of the deserted Kaokoland near Purros, ensuring a rare tranquil experience. The main lounge and dining room walls are open to the evocative views and the infinity pool has panoramic views from the mountains to the horizon.

There are seven private suites, each uniquely decorated with an African ambience, in tones of sand and ochre, and with a private veranda overlooking the desert. From the shaded daybed – spot giraffe strolling along the river valley or watch the moon rise. There is also a private family suite, with two bedrooms, two stunning bathrooms, private terrace and an open lounge.

This is a most serene base for your adventures, which include game drives with expert Himba guides to track desert elephants, lions, giraffe, as well as exotic birds. You can even track black rhinos on foot, followed by lunch in the bush, or take a trip to the phenomenal clay castles of the Hoarusib River valley. Another must-do is sipping a sundowner as the sun sets over the majestic dunes.

Okahirongo River Camp

This luxurious tented camp lies on a ridge above the Kunene River in northwest Namibia. The tranquil atmosphere is enhanced by the well-appointed yet earth-conscious river camp. The open-plan main lodge dazzles guests with stunning views of the river and mountains. Enjoy views of the Kunene from the cool waters of the camp’s swimming pool – you may even spy crocodiles in the river.

The camp is very intimate, with just five luxury tents. Each has a covered deck with amazing river views. The rooms include a luxurious indoor shower plus an outdoor shower with panoramic views. There is also a private family tent, with a spacious king bedroom, twin room and expansive decking area.

Encounter this amazing ecosphere from every perspective. A river cruise gives you a croc’s-eye view of the scenery, as you cruise along the Kunene, sighting native birds and indigenous plants. On an early-morning walking safari you really feel the scale of the landscape, while a sundown climb will reward you with picturesque mountaintop views. Another extraordinary activity is a visit to an authentic Himba village, where you’ll meet the indigenous people and learn how they have adapted to desert life.

www.traveltonamibia.com
YouTube: Exploring Namibia TV

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Telegram: ExploringNamibia