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. The
Kunene 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 the Namib 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 day exploring one of the
driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
Accommodation at Serra Cafema consists of 8 riverside Meru-style canvas and
thatched villas on spacious, elevated decks blended smoothly into the
picturesque surroundings. Each fully furnished tent has an en-suite bathroom,
ceiling fan and mosquito nets. A late afternoon spent lounging 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 villa, with possibly the
best view of all. Early booking is essential owing to its popularity. Families
can be accommodated by opening up adjoining units.
YouTube
video: Swakopmund - Epupa Falls flight to Himba village:
The Serra Cafema Ozonganda, or main area, comprises indoor and outdoor dining
areas, sunken lounge, library, curio shop and swimming pool, all sharing views
of the Kunene River.
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 River provides
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 the Hartmann's
Valley.
Under big, shady Albida trees you
will find a small, rustic and peaceful camp with all the comforts in fully
furnished Meru tents with en-suite bathroom facilities. The camp's six tents are
raised off the ground. The camp has a small swimming pool, dining room and bar.
The camp is located just inland from the Atlantic Ocean and the Skeleton Coast.
The cool winds that blow from the Atlantic help to keep the camp cool even in
summer.
Activities at Serra Cafema
We spend time in breath-taking landscape scenes in the Hartmann Valley, to the
south of the camp, with herds of springbok, ostrich and even leopard. We
traverse sand dunes on 4x4 safaris and boat on the Kunene River that becomes the
focus for the area. On the boat trips, one can watch Kunene crocodiles basking
the river banks. Walking trails in the remote mountain and river valleys will
always be a highlight for those who enjoy foot safaris. Cafema is often visited
by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity which give the
guests the chance to learn all about their lifestyles and traditions.
Serra Cafema Camp is accessible by light aircraft, for which there is a landing
strip relatively close by, and by 4x4 vehicles. A minimum of 2 days stay is
recommended.
AIRSTRIP DETAILS Hartmann Valley and following are the airstrip details:
Latitude: S17 22 37.0
Longitude: E012 15 22.0
Altitude: 1900ft
Length: 850m
Heading: 02/20
Rates
per night per person - FI: on request
Please note the following
children and family unit policy:
Minimum age limit 8 years.
8 – 12 years sharing with
parents or in family unit: 33% off per person rate and activities.
13 years and above: full rate
even if sharing with parents.
Notes:
Rates are subject to change without prior notice should tax be
increased or Government levies introduced. Rates include Value Added Tax.
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 the Namib Desert
which stretches to the Serra Cafema mountain range in the north.
