Flying Skeleton Coast Safari

Located on Skeleton Coast, in the Huab River Valley, on a rocky bluff overlooking the sparse and intensely beautifully moon-like landscape of Damaraland, Kuidas Camp is the first of the Skeleton Coast Safari's fly-in camps.

Environmentally conscious, and constructed from local woods and reeds, Kuidas consists of a shared area and four sleeping rooms. With just a seating area, lounge and decking, the mess area is serviced by a bush bar, and evenings are spent around a campfire. The food - daytime buffets and group meals - is good, and the wine excellent. Given that guests book as a group - or family - the atmosphere is homely, fun and familial.

Like the shared area, the sleeping rooms are a no frills affair. Decent, clean and well looked after, each is characterised by twin beds, a vanity mirror, a chemical toilet (the main toilets are housed in a separate building) and a small viewing area. Hot water and toiletries are provided by Kuidas Camp.

Activities include desert excursions, sundowners, game and bird viewing, guided walks and star gazing. Please note that Kuidas Camp is remote, is accessable by air, and is normally a part of an itinerary that includes two or more of Damaraland's camps. As a result, guests need to be prepared for a hardy, tiring but highly rewarding trip.

Leylandsdrift Camp is accessible through the Schoeman's company, Skeleton Coast Safaris. In May 2011, Leylandsdrift Camp was built to replace the original camp used by the Schoeman’s in this area; Purros Camp. Bordering the Skeleton Coast National Park, the camp is approximately 19 km west of the original Purros Camp. Leylandsdrift Camp is found in the heart of Kaokoland (Kunene region) about 40 km from the village of Purros (Puros) itself. Being located on the banks of the ephemeral Hoarusib River, Leylandsdrift has great views over the river valley that is frequented by a variety of species including desert adapted elephant, a small lion population and more recently a small number of trans-located black rhino. Rhino sightings are rare but tracks can be spotted in the river clay.

The design of the camp is pretty simple; however it is comfortable and well equipped. Meals are served in the small central area and drinks are enjoyed around the warming evening fire. Each new tent is raised up on a wooden deck and enjoys dramatic views down the valley.

After breakfast, visitors usually set out to explore the beautiful river valley which offers a critical source of shade and water for many of the local wildlife species. The drives conducted in the Hoarusib River Valley also provide the opportunity to explore some of the more unusual features of the area which include towering clay ‘castles’.

Kunene River Camp is accessible through the Schoeman's company, Skeleton Coast Safaris. With mountains, dunes, and vast gravel plains all around, visitors get a true feeling of the place's enormity and its complete and utter isolation. Accommodation options include dome tents covered with a reed and has proper twin beds with neutral bed linen. The tents also have a bedside table, battery powered lamp, bottled water and tissues. There is also a small area in front of the tent where guests can enjoy great views of the surrounding scenery. The camp is set at the northern end of the Hartmann Valley, by the beautiful Kunene River, which acts as a natural border between Namibia and Angola. The lush banks of the Kunene contrast starkly with the surrounding desert.