Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namib Desert, Skeleton Coast, Namibia - Luxury Hotel

Summary

- Serra Cafema is leased from the primarily Himba-owned Marienfluss Conservancy, a 300 000-hectare (741 316-acre) wilderness area set along the ruggedly scenic Hartmann’s Mountains, and stretching to the Kunene River in the far north-west of Namibia
- Insights into the area and its wildlife are presented at the in-camp Research Centre, with guests having the opportunity to engage with resident researchers when the team have returned from their field studies and are available in camp
- A stay here offers a raw, rugged and intrepid adventure in a surprisingly life-filled private wilderness area with access to Namibia’s legendary Skeleton Coast

In a remote area of the Kaokoveld, with gravel-strewn plains and dry riverbeds that draw fascinating wildlife, lies Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Explorations of this isolated yet diverse area take place via nature drives along the riverbed’s narrow ribbon of vegetation, where a surprising wealth of desert-adapted animals can be found; while in camp, the Research Centre provides further insights. The unforgiving Skeleton Coast with its shipwreck remains and noisy colonies of Cape fur seals is accessed either by a fascinating drive or flight, depending on the weather.

Wildlife: Hoanib Skeleton Coast’s location – close to the Skeleton Coast and within the true Namib Desert – is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, boasting the Kaokoveld’s best viewing of desert-adapted wildlife and access to vast, remote and isolated wilderness. Almost miraculously it seems, in this stark environment, enormous elephant thrive along with giraffe, lion, and brown hyaena. Gemsbok (oryx), springbok, steenbok, scrub hare, and inquisitive ground squirrel may be seen. Entirely different to the rugged mountains and valleys inland, the Skeleton Coast hosts Cape fur seals in their thousands along with black-backed jackals, and brown hyaena. Birds are equally diverse, with regular endemics like Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark, and lark-like bunting. Towards the coast, the bird community changes and tractrac chat can be seen; with jaegers, and skuas found around the seal colonies.

Accommodation: Hoanib Skeleton Coast is an icon for the high-end, intrepid traveller seeking chic and exceptional hospitality within a startlingly rugged and isolated, ancient landscape. Overlooking a wide desert valley that slopes down to the almost-always dry Hoanib River, the main area and pool, look out over a waterhole that attracts desert-adapted wildlife. Eight large en-suite tents (including one family unit) provide shady viewpoints to an otherworldly landscape.

Purpose: This fully solar powered camp, is a joint venture partnership with the neighbouring Conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein, and hosts researchers committed to conserving the desert-adapted carnivores of this harsh region: lions, brown hyaenas and more.

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Nature Drives
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of this wondrous lunar-like landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing unique desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available, as well as full-day excursions. Attractions include true desert oases found in the Hoanib floodplains; as well as habitats being home to desert-adapted elephants, gemsbok, giraffe, and springbok.

Guided Nature Walks *
Guided nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds, as well as offer a glimpse at vestiges of the Strandloper (Beachcomber) lifestyle from hundreds of years ago. A thought-provoking opportunity to study the smaller creatures that survive in this seemingly barren landscape, and be astonished at the fascinating plant life of the concession. * Weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide.

Excursion to the Skeleton Coast *
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, which include Klein Oases Spring and driving through a dune field – while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Following a picnic lunch, the return flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air. * Typically, harsh desert conditions prevail in this area with regards to heat, fog rolling in from the sea, high winds and flooding rivers. On occasion, these conditions may affect the duration and routing of the excursion, with guests being driven both ways or – as is the case when it rains and the floodplains fill with water – flown both ways.

Day Excursions *
Operating within this concession area and on offer to all guests, these trips leave camp early in the morning, include a picnic lunch, and return to camp in the mid to late afternoon. It includes Mudorib Springs, exploring remote areas in the south of this allocated exclusive concession area, with the red basalt landscapes of the Damaraland. Amongst other general game species, guests have the chance of seeing Hartmann's mountain zebra and the desert-adapted rhino. In the northern and eastern area of the Hoanib, the valleys offer spectacular scenery. * Subject to private vehicle availability, to guarantee this excursion a private vehicle needs to be booked and paid for.

Interaction with Wildlife Researchers *
At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These valuable insights cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion. Learn about the tragic Vanishing Kings lion coalition, as well as the ancient stories and legends of the Skeleton Coast. * Subject to the availability of researchers when in camp, and conducted in the research centre.

Birding
Birding enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the diverse avifauna of the northern Palmwag Concession, from soaring raptors to charming Namaqua sandgrouse; as well as other regular endemics including Rüppell's korhaan, Benguela long-billed lark and Verreauxs' eagle.

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Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

| Namibia | Namib Desert | Skeleton Coast |

Summary

Location

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Videos

Menu

Search

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

| Namibia | Namib Desert | Skeleton Coast |

Map

Summary

Location

Facilities

Experiences - activities

Videos