Wilderness Serra Cafema

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.  

Wilderness Serra Cafema: Sublimely appointed Wilderness Serra Cafema is a place where guests can truly unwind to the sound of the rushing river, and to the powerful silence of the desert. There are eight thoughtfully furnished canvas guest suites (including one spacious family unit) set on elevated decks. Here guests are effortlessly immersed into the spectacular surrounds.

The Ozonganda (Herero for “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River, and is the perfect setting for enjoying the local cuisine and sharing stories of the day.