Highlights of Namibia

Highlights

• The dramatic Skeleton Coast, a 500 km long, desolate stretch of coastline in Namibia is somewhat forbidding – yet fascinating. Here, the Atlantic's unpredictable, cold Benguela current meets the warm desert air, creating a moody micro-climate and an evocative and unique atmosphere.
• An unforgettable day trip includes a drive along the Hoanib River’s gravel floodplain, taking in the area’s towering dunes and sporadic, surprisingly lush oases – where flamingos are seasonally seen – to the wild Skeleton Coast. Fly back to camp for a jaw-dropping aerial view of the dry Hoanib watercourse.
• Thrilling guided nature drives through the vast desert produce rare desert-adapted wildlife.

Destination: Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp adds a very different, and special dimension, to our north-west Namibian circuit. Its location in the isolated Kaokoveld makes it an ideal option for adventurous travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-track destination close to the Skeleton Coast and within the true Namib Desert.

Arguably one of the most remote lodges on Earth, this magnificent desert camp is only accessible by light aircraft with Wilderness Air. Flying over the Namib is a unique experience and the best way to arrive in style while appreciating the vast beauty of the desert. The camp is found in a remote area of the Kaokoveld where gravel-strewn plains and dry riverbeds draw in rare and magnificent wildlife.

Experience: Guests can explore this isolated yet diverse area on guided nature drives along the riverbed’s narrow ribbon of vegetation, where a surprising array of desert-adapted animals can be found. Day trips to the mysterious and beautiful Skeleton Coast, with its shipwreck remnants and colonies of Cape fur seals, are also on offer – usually outbound on an adrenaline-packed drive over the dunes, returning by light aircraft (the flight is weather-dependent).

Back in camp, the Research Centre offers profound insights into the area and its wildlife. Here guests have the opportunity to engage with researchers who may be in camp, to find out more about this astonishing wilderness.

Purpose: This fully solar-powered camp is a joint venture with the neighbouring conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein, and is a centre for research, accommodating scientists and biologists committed to conserving the desert-adapted carnivores of this harsh region. This enables guests to come eye-to-eye with desert-adapted elephants, lions, hyenas, giraffes, and oryx. Our researchers study them, and community members benefit financially from their conservation.

Wildlife: In this true desert, guests will be surprised to find a rich and diverse wildlife – the camp offers outstanding viewing of desert-adapted creatures, with prime access to a vast, remote and isolated wilderness. Expect to see elephants moving through this stark environment, along with giraffe, lion, and brown hyena. Oryx (gemsbok), springbok, steenbok, scrub hare, and inquisitive ground squirrel may also be spotted.

As one heads towards the coast, vastly different wildlife emerge. The Skeleton Coast hosts Cape fur seals in their thousands along with black-backed jackals and brown hyenas. Birds are wonderfully diverse, with endemics like Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, and lark-like bunting regularly spotted.

Highlights

• An astonishing riverside lodge set in one of the most extraordinarily remote and untouched places on Earth.
• Forming the border of Namibia with Angola, the Kunene River carves its way to the Atlantic through a valley of sweeping rocky mountain landscape, creating an awe-inspiring contrast between the lush river valley and arid surroundings.
• Diverse wildlife along the Kunene River – from desert-adapted oryx and springbok to fearsome Nile crocodiles, tiny desert chameleons and colourful birds. 
• Guests can meet a Himba community – Namibia’s last semi-nomads – and discover their ancient way of life.  

Destination: Wilderness Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa, set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, looking across to Angola. Here guests can truly disconnect, unwind and relax to the sound of rushing water, and explore the seemingly endless horizon of the Namib Desert.

Experience: Diverse and contrasting experiences abound at Serra Cafema. Guests can go on adrenaline-rushing quad bike adventures (guided and dune sensitive), guided nature drives, and walks amongst the fascinating geological formations, as well as seasonal boating (water levels permitting) on the Kunene River. Respectful, authentic engagement with neighbouring Himba villagers is an enriching experience for guests.

Purpose: Serra Cafema is leased from the Marienfluss Conservancy, a 300,000-hectare (741,316-acre) tract of land owned primarily by the Himba people. We provide meaningful community support through educational programmes, skills transfers, employment, a fully-kitted mobile medical clinic and continuous nutritional aid, including thousands of tonnes of Covid-relief hampers during the pandemic. It is our responsibility and privilege to work with this community and protect one of the most untouched places on Earth.

Wildlife: The contrasting topography results in richly diverse wildlife. As the Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creates an oasis along its banks. Guests will marvel at its sinuous ribbon of green meandering through the lunar-like landscape of the Namib Desert, which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in Angola to the north.

Game in this area includes occasional small herds of gemsbok, springbok and Hartmann's mountain zebra. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile crocodiles, which make for dramatic viewing. Burchell's courser and Benguela long-billed lark are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area. Smaller creatures include a number of endemic reptiles such as the desert-plated lizard, and tiny desert chameleons.  

Designed for privacy, luxury and an intimacy with the land, Little Ongava is arguably Namibia’s most luxurious accommodation with pristine views across the Ongava plains.

Little Ongava is perched on the crest of a hill commanding magnificent vistas of the plains stretching for miles to the horizon, offering an extraordinary experience as the focal point of an Etosha journey.

This intimate camp has only three spacious suites each with its own plunge pool, en-suite bathroom, “sala”, and outdoor shower. The lounge and dining areas have wonderful views of a productive waterhole below the camp, the open deck allowing for relaxed, stylish dining under the African sky. Guests at Little Ongava share a dedicated guide and vehicle, ensuring the best possible nature experience at one of Africa’s great wildlife destinations. Day and night wildlife-viewing drives, visiting hides overlooking waterholes, walks and white rhino approaching with experienced guides can all be enjoyed exclusively on this reserve. Game drives and day trips into nearby Etosha National Park are also offered.

Unique Selling Points

·         Most luxurious and exclusive camp in Namibia

·         High densities of big game including lion, black and white rhino and plains game

·         30 000 hectare private reserve with convenient access into Etosha National Park