Huab River Conservancy Track — Damaraland Desert Valley Drive via Palmwag to Twyfelfontein
Petroglyphs, elephants, and zero guardrails.
The Huab River Conservancy Track drops you into one of the driest river systems in southern Africa, threading south from Palmwag through the communal conservancy lands toward Twyfelfontein — home to the largest concentration of rock engravings in Africa, estimated at over 2,500 individual Bushman petroglyphs. The track is loose, rocky, and crossed by the dry Huab riverbed multiple times. Between river crossings, the corrugated gravel and sharp basalt chunks from the Etendeka lava flows eat tyres for breakfast. Keep eyes open — desert-adapted black rhino and elephant work these same corridors, and they have right of way, always.
This is genuine Namibian backcountry. You need a high-clearance 4WD with a dual-spare setup, good sand tyres, and a minimum 100-litre fuel reserve — there is nothing between Palmwag and Khorixas. Travel is best May through September when the river is dry and temperatures stay below 35°C. A conservancy permit is required and purchased at Palmwag Lodge or Khorixas. Cell service is gone the moment you leave the tarred C39. Plan 2 days minimum; don’t rush it. The Huab track rewards patience, and the starfields alone at a dry-riverbed camp will recalibrate your entire sense of scale.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Gravel, Mixed, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3800 ft |
| Best season | May-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with dual spare |
| Nearest town | Khorixas, Kunene Region |
| Land manager | Palmwag Conservancy / Namibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Namibia MET official site Namibia Tourism Board |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum rig to run this trail without getting stranded?
High-clearance 4WD is non-negotiable — think Land Cruiser, Defender, or equivalent. Bring two full-size spare tires; the volcanic rock and corrugated gravel will shred sidewalls, and the nearest help is hours away.
When is this route actually passable?
May through September is the dry season window — roads are firm and river crossings are manageable. The Huab River and its tributaries flood hard during the rainy season (November–April), and sections can become impassable or genuinely dangerous.
Do I need a permit to drive through the Palmwag Conservancy?
Yes — you need a conservancy entry permit, which you pay at the Palmwag gate. Budget for both the conservation fee and any overnight camping fees; rangers check papers in the field and the Namibia MET site has current rate info.
What's the hardest section and what makes it gnarly?
The volcanic rubble stretches through the valley floor are the trail's teeth — jagged basalt that sits just wrong for tire contact, combined with loose sand traps after river crossings. Low-range, slow speed, and a spotter on the worst rock gardens will save your undercarriage.
How far do I need to carry fuel and water before I can resupply?
Palmwag Lodge is your last reliable fuel stop before entering the route; Twyfelfontein has limited supplies at the far end. Carry a minimum of 150 liters of fuel and at least 20 liters of drinking water per person — there is zero cell service and no roadside assistance on this stretch.
Trail track
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