Serra Cafema
Situated on the banks of the Kunene River, which forms Namibia's border with Angola, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote destinations in southern Africa.
The camp comprises nine canvas and thatched chalets, built on raised decks beneath large, shady trees. Each has an en-suite bathroom and a private deck with views of the river valley and the nearby hills. Walkways link the chalets to the dining area, bar and small swimming pool.
Activities at Serra Cafema include exploring the beautiful desert landscape in open 4x4 vehicles. Oryx, springbok and ostrich are a common sight, while the river has a large population of crocodiles, and the thin strip of greenery either side attracts many bird species. Other highlights are quad-biking on the dunes, boating on the river and guided walks in the mountain and river valleys.
Why We Love It
The surrounding area is home to the Himba people, a semi-nomadic tribe who still live a largely traditional lifestyle - guests can visit a Himba village for a glimpse of their way of life.
Schoeman Skeleton Coast Flying Safaris
A flying safari along Namibia's wonderfully wild Skeleton Coast is one of the most unique and off the beaten track safari experiences out there, and is a real Original Travel favourite.
Over the course of one of the three, four or five night safaris you will spend your days flying between vast, unexplored areas and your nights staying in small remote camps. Named after the shipwrecks that litter the shore the Skeleton Coast is also home to some incredibly diverse landscapes and rare flora and fauna. Exploring via light aircraft means you'll really grasp the size and beauty of these areas and will have the best possible views.
The low level flights provide amazing bird's-eye views of the coast's shipwrecks, diverse geological formations, resident seal colonies and desert-adapted elephants, among more. Once on the ground, 4x4's are used so that you can explore the landscapes closer up, getting out of the car to climb enormous sand dunes, visit ancient Bushman rock art sites and meet the local nomadic Himba people.
That said, these safaris are not just about the wildlife and the culture, but are also chance to embrace the total freedom, beauty and strange solitude of the area.
Why We Love It
Travelling by plane means you'll explore remote areas that very few ever get to experience - it's the perfect digital detox.
Okahirongo River Camp
Okahirongo River Camp looks out over the Kunene River, Namibia's border with neighbouring Angola.
Six wood and canvas tents (four doubles, one twin and one for families) sit unobtrusively on the rocky valley slopes with wonderful views out across the river, and next to a communal area consisting of lounges, a dining room and small library. The kitchen serves up delicious 'Afritalian' food inspired by the Camp's Italian owners, and there is a fine selection of South African wines to compliment the food.
Activities on offer include guided morning walks, scenic 4x4 excursions or boat trips on the Kunene River in search of the region's famous birdlife and to spot huge resident crocodiles.
Back at Camp, there is a sizeable pool surrounded by elegant decking where guests can while away an afternoon appreciating the views of the surrounding landscape.
Why We Love It
We adore the Schoeman Skeleton Coast safaris but they are not - with love - the most luxurious experience. Okahiringo River Camp is the perfect place for some post-flying safari R&R.
Hoanib Valley Camp
Straddling the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park and the remote Kaokoland region, Hoanib Valley Camp is only accessible by light aircraft. Providing a true wilderness experience in one of the most stunning locations in Namibia this is a really special place.
There are just six tents at camp, including one family tent. Each tent features an eye catching sloping roof, an en suite bathroom with both an indoor and outdoor shower, and a private shaded deck. Inside, the tents are incredibly stylish, exuding an understated bohemian luxury thanks to the soft ochre colours, exposed hardwood and various textures - including hand woven furniture from the local communities.
The main camp area includes a dining room, inside and outside lounge areas, a bar, a library and a plunge pool. All meals and drinks are fully inclusive and as with the tents, the central area is incredibly stylish and perfectly designed to make the most of its striking desert location.
Flanked by beautifully stark scenery and surrounded by unique wildlife, the main activities here are game drives to track desert adapted lion, elephant and giraffe, and excursions into the Skeleton Coast National Park. Guests can also enjoy nature walks, specialised rhino tracking experiences, visits to the nearby Giraffe Conservation Foundation, and authentic cultural encounters with the local Himba and Herero people.
Why We Love It
Sitting on your private terrace, sipping a G&T and gazing across your vast desert surroundings you'd be forgiven for forgetting anyone else ever existed.
