Marienfluss Valley
Marienfluss
A remote grassland valley in the northwest corner of Kaokoland, running down to the Kunene River, with vast fairy circles and Himba herder camps.
Marienfluss Valley lies in the northwest corner of Kaokoland, between the Otjihipa and Hartmann mountains, and runs north to the Kunene River on the Angolan border. It is one of Namibia's most remote valleys. Across the wide golden grasslands are numerous mysterious 'fairy circles', round patches of bare ground, and Himba herders move their cattle and goats here seasonally, making for a stark and sweeping landscape. At the northern end of the valley, on the banks of the Kunene River, there are camps such as Okarohongbo, where you can watch the riverside palms and the sunset. Access is either by descending Van Zyl's Pass (one way only, east to west) or by detouring via Opuwo; both require a high-clearance 4x4. Travel in at least two vehicles, carry your own fuel, water and food, as there are no supplies along the way. A round trip usually takes 4 to 6 days.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Van Zyl's Pass
- Epupa Falls
- Kunene River at Swartbooisdrif
- Opuwo Country Lodge Viewpoint
- Opuwo
- Himba Villages
- Opuwo Market & Himba Crafts
- Ruacana Falls