Place: Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River looking across to Angola, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa. Guests can truly disconnect, unwind and relax to the sound of rushing water, and explore one of the driest deserts in the world. Respectful interaction with the  Himba community, fascinating guided nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact eco-sensitive guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience.

Wildlife: The Kunene River is the only permanent source of water in this region, the river creating an 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. Game viewing in this area is limited to small 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, the desert plated lizard being a particular speciality.

Accommodation: Sublimely appointed Serra Cafema is a place where guests can truly disconnect to the powerful silence of the desert. The eight luxury canvas tented accommodations (seven twins and one family unit) are set on elevated decks and crafted in wood, canvas and thatch to create a unique camp that is at one with its surroundings and celebrates the culture of the Himba people. The Ozonganda (Herero, meaning “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River.

Purpose: The land on which Serra Cafema is constructed is leased from the 300 000-hectare (741 316-acre) Marienfluss Conservancy, which is owned primarily by the Himba people, who are amongst  the last semi-nomadic peoples on the planet. This mutually beneficial partnership includes lease fees, employment and skills transfers.

Unique Selling Points

• This is an extraordinary desert retreat, and one of the most remote in Namibia, straddling an astonishingly contrasting landscape in one of the most secluded and untouched areas in Southern Africa
• The lush Kunene riverine vegetation, set against the vast Hartmann’s Valley and its spectacular geology, provides a new interpretation of the concept of natural beauty
• Impactful, respectful interactions with a neighbouring Himba community allow them to continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life when they are in the area