Serra Cafema Camp
Kunene River, Namibia
SERRA CAFEMA CAMP - KUNENE RIVER,
NAMIBIA
Serra Cafema Camp is one of the most remote camps in all of Southern Africa and offers one of the most memorable experiences in Namibia. Inspired by the pioneering spirit of the area and the remote explorer aesthetic, Serra Cafema is an unexpected oasis of luxury and sumptuous spaciousness perched on the Kunene River which forms Namibia's northernmost border.
The camp's
Portuguese name comes from the mountains to the north
that dominate
the skyline. The region is shared with wonderful Himba people who are some
of the last true nomadic people in Africa. The Kunene River is the only
permanent source of water in the whole region and the river creates a lush
oasis along it's banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes. In
some ways, being at Serra Cafema is a bit like being on the banks of
the Nile as the Kunene River meanders through the desert. Serra Cafema
Camp is owned by Wilderness Safaris and Jockel and Monica Gruettemeyer. The Landlords are the local Himba Community.
Accommodation 
For images of Serra Cafema Camp, click Serra
Images
Situated under big shady Albida trees overlooking the Kunene River the camp comprises 8 raised canvas and thatch chalets (one a 200m2 family unit) complete with en-suite bathroom, retractable glass facade with abundant outdoor lounging, dining and shower decks. The sounds of the rapids just downstream from camp contrast starkly with the views of the sand dunes of one of the driest deserts on Earth.
The Ozonganda, or public homestead area, comprises indoor and outdoor dining areas, sunken lounge, river bar, library, shop and swimming pool. Perched on the cool waters of the Kunene River, this area is a celebration of Himba style. Serra Cafema shares this region with the wonderful and colourful Himba people who are some of the last true nomadic people of Africa. The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water and creates an oasis along its banks surrounded by rugged mountains and sand dunes.
Activities
Activities include enjoying the breathtaking landscape scenes with springbok, ostrich and gemsbok (oryx) dotted here and there, traversing the sand dunes in 4x4 Land Rovers and boating on the Kunene River where one can watch for the Kunene crocodiles. Walking in the remote mountain and river valleys is also a highlight. Serra Cafema is often visited by the native Ovahimba families who live in the nearby vicinity, which gives guests the opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and traditions. One of the highlights of Serra Cafema is the carefully guided quad-bike excursions that tread lightly on the dunes, while allowing guests to experience a true desert.
Guests will 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. Game drives amongst the
sand dunes on 4x4 vehicles and boating on the Kunene River are
the focus
for
the
area.
Walking trails in the remote mountain and river valleys will always be
a highlight for those who enjoy foot safaris.
Serra 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.
A popular activity is
a quad bike route through the sand dunes. Guests will travel out in formation
with a guide and head for the dunes. The excursions will be carefully
controlled to ensure that there is no environmental damage – and
will get guests into some wonderful areas while having a lot of fun.
Wildlife
Game viewing in this area is limited to herds of Oryx, springbok and Hartmann's Zebra. The Kunene River has a large population of Nile Crocodiles. Burchell's courser and Benguella 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.
Top 
Return to Map of Namibia Camps
For
further information about the National Parks of Namibia, click Nam
Parks
For
History and General information about Namibia, click More
Namibia
|
