- Overview
- Facilities
- Rooms
- From R5970 P/P sharing
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Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by a three hour light aircraft trip from Windhoek. |
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TheKunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating a lush oasis along its banks - a winding band of green surrounded by the lunar like landscape of theNamib Desert which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north. Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a hard day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world. The Serra Cafema Ozonganda, or main area, comprises indoor and outdoor dining areas, sunken lounge, river bar, library, curio shop and swimming pool, all sharing views of theKunene River. There are set daily menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee available throughout the day. Activities at Serra Cafema revolve around the exploration of surrounding Namib Desert sands and the lush oases along the river, a journey of contrasts. Informative nature drives and carefully guided quad bike excursions through the fragile dunes allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory. The utmost care is taken to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitats of this landscape. Boating on the Kunene Riverprovides guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Crocodiles and waterbirds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape. Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys is also a highlight, as is a visit to a Himba settlement - one of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The fairy circle phenomenon is also best viewed in theHartmann's Valley. |
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Camp Description
- Situated under large, shady albida trees with uninterrupted views of the Kunene River valley.
- The camp is elevated on wooden decks with walkways to each tent.
- Main area comprises various dining areas, sunken lounge, library, bar and viewing decks.
- Plunge pool
Game Viewing
Game viewing in this area is limited to herds of gemsbok, springbok and Hartmann’s mountain zebra. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile crocodiles. Burchell’s Courser and Benguela Long-billed Lark are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area. There are also a number of endemic reptiles and the fairy circle phenomenon is best viewed in the Hartmann’s Valley.
Activities
- Nature drives in Hartmann’s Valley in open Land Rovers.
- Guided quad biking - No children under 16 years of age.
- Boating & fishing on the Kunene River
- Walks in the valleys and at the waterfalls
- Visit to a working Himba village (small denominations of local currencycash should be carried if guests wish to purchase curio items from the Himba settlement as foreign currency, credit cards and travellers cheques are not accepted).
- A full-day outing can be arranged to Marienfluss Valley with a picnic lunch.
- Star Gazing and Back of House Tours.
- Camp chats on area geology, CITW, Kunene people and the conservancy.
Suggested Daily Activity Schedule
- 06h30 - Wake up
- 07h30 - Depart on outing: a choice between scenic drives, walking, visiting a nearby Himba village, quad biking and boating on the Kunene River.
- Breakfast is either served in camp prior to departure or a picnic breakfast basket accompanies guests on the morning activity.
- 12h00 - Lunch served at the camp
- 15h00 - Tea time
- 15h30 - Depart on the afternoon activity which again is a choice of scenic drives, walking, visiting a nearby Himba village, quad biking or boating on the Kunene River.
- 20h00 - A three-course dinner is served in camp
- Stargazing
Electricity And Water
· 220v power with facility to charge video and camera batteries in your unit; please bring spare battery and adaptors.
· 220v power for lighting and fans in the units.
Drinks Policy
Local drinks and house-wines are included.
Laundry Policy
Daily service is included in the nightly tariff. Due to local custom, undergarments are not laundered in the camp. The camp does not recommend that whites/light colours be laundered at certain times of the year when the water carries more red silt from upstream.
Extras Payment
Payment can be by cash, travellers' cheques or Visa/MasterCard.
Flying Time
- Windhoek 3hrs 20 mins
- Swakopmund 2hrs 30 mins
Airstrip Details
- Hartmann Valley airstrip
- Coordinates: S17 22 37.0 E012 15 22.0
- Altitude: 1900ft
- Length: 850m
- Heading: 02/20
Gratuity Schedule
The following is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards:
- Guides - US$10.00 per person per day
- General Camp Staff - US$5.00 per person per day to be placed in the communal box in reception
- Specialist Guides (if applicable) - US$10.00 per person per day
Accommodation at Serra Cafema consists of 8 riverside Meru-style canvas and thatched chalets on spacious, elevated decks blended craftily into the picturesque surroundings. Each fully furnished tent has an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan and mosquito nets as well as bug repellent. A late afternoon spent lounging in the hammock on the front deck soaking up the breathtaking vistas of this contrasting wilderness is an absolute must. Serra Cafema also has a intimate, luxurious honeymoon chalet, with possibly the best view of all. Early booking is essential owing to its popularity. Families can be accommodated by opening up adjoining chalets.
Number of units:
8 units comprising:
- 1 x family unit – accommodates 4 guests in 2 separate rooms each with its own bathroom facility
- 6 x twin units (can be converted into doubles on request)
- 1 x honeymoon unit
- 2 x twin guide / pilot tents (not the same standard as guest accommodation)
This camp can accommodate 18 guests plus tour leaders.
Accommodation details
- Large luxuriously thatched canvas tents raised off the ground.
- En-suite bathrooms with flush toilet, double basin, indoor and outdoor shower.
- Private viewing decks overlooking the dunes, hills or the river valley.
- Ceiling fans – up to 3 per room.
- Mosquito nets.
- Soaps, shampoos, body lotion, torch and insect repellents are supplied in each tent.
- Safe in each unit.
Location Seasons / Child Policy
request quote
Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by a three hour light aircraft trip from Windhoek.
