On a campsite at the Belgian coast, the delegate of the Ministry of culture Jan Bucquoy must bring culture nearer to the working class. But the residents of this caravan park prefer to look at soccer, a boxing-match or a beauty-contest. They are not interested in an interview with the famous writer Pierre Mertens. As they are far from home they also want to have some sexual adventures or start a love-affair. The campsite is also the place where everybody wants to live in complete freedom and forget the obligations of everyday-life.
The feared bandit Cobra Verde (Klaus Kinski) is hired by a plantation owner to supervise his slaves. After the owner suspects Cobra Verde of consorting with his young daughters, the owner wishes him gone. Rather than kill him,the owner sends Cobra Verde to Africa. The only white man in the area, Cobra Verde finds himself the victim of torture and humiliation. Later, he trains soldiers in a rebel army. Far from home, Cobra Verde is on the edge of madness.