Huab River Track — Khorixas to Palmwag via Damaraland Desert Spine
Desert elephants, dry riverbeds, zero fences.
The Huab River Track cuts west from Khorixas across the Damaraland communal conservancy, following the braided sand channels of the Huab River through some of Namibia’s most rugged and least-visited terrain. You’ll cross the riverbed repeatedly — sometimes dry, sometimes knee-deep depending on season — threading past termite castles, basalt ridges, and welwitschia plants that have been alive since the Roman Empire. The track passes through the Huab Conservancy before dropping into the wider river plain near Palmwag, where desert-adapted black rhino and elephant roam without a fence in sight. Keep your eyes on the sand for fresh spoor — this is real wilderness, not a park circuit.
The route demands a capable 4WD with high clearance, good recovery gear, and a second vehicle. Sand channels can swallow underprepared rigs, and there is zero infrastructure between Khorixas and Palmwag Lodge. Fuel up fully in Khorixas; carry at least 150 litres and three days of water. The MET permit for the communal conservancy is required and obtainable at the Khorixas office. Best run April through October when river crossings are manageable and heat is survivable. What you get is a corridor through one of Africa’s last true desert wildernesses, with elephants crossing your path at dawn.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, Overland Route, Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt, Rock, Sand |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 87 mi / 140 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 3600 ft |
| Best season | April-October |
| Minimum vehicle | 4WD high-clearance with recovery gear |
| Nearest town | Khorixas, Kunene Region, Namibia |
| Land manager | Namibia Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MET) / Huab Conservancy |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | Namibia MET Official Site Namibia Tourism Board – Damaraland |
| 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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Land Cruiser 200 handle this without a lift?
A stock 200 Series with a high-clearance suspension can manage, but you'll want a skid plate and decent all-terrain tires minimum. The rocky sections through the volcanic terrain demand real clearance — lifted rigs have a much easier time. Don't attempt this in anything less than a true high-clearance 4WD with a full recovery kit.
Is the Huab River Track accessible year-round or does it close seasonally?
April through October is the dry season window — that's when you go. The rainy season (November through March) can flood the Huab riverbed crossings and turn the track into a genuine trap. Wet season access is genuinely dangerous and not worth gambling on.
Do you need a permit to drive this route through the Huab Conservancy?
Yes. You'll need permission from the Huab Conservancy to transit through communal conservancy land, and standard national park entry fees apply for adjacent protected areas managed by Namibia's MET. Sort permits before leaving Khorixas — there's no staffed gate to sort it at the trailhead.
What's the hardest section and what actually makes it difficult?
The mid-route stretch where the track cuts through exposed volcanic rock fields is the crux — loose boulders, off-camber shelf road, and zero room for error with drop-offs. Add deep sand in the riverbed crossings on either side and you've got a route that punishes unloaded momentum and rewards slow, deliberate driving. A second vehicle is strongly advised.
How far is the nearest fuel stop and can you resupply water on the route?
Fuel up fully in Khorixas before departure — Palmwag Lodge at the end has fuel but supply is inconsistent and expensive, so don't count on it for a return leg. There is no reliable potable water on the 140km route; the Huab riverbed crossings are seasonal flow only and not safe to drink untreated. Carry a minimum 15–20 liters per person for the full 2-3 day crossing.
Trail track
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