Serra Cafema

Serra Cafema is a remote, luxurious safari camp on the banks of the flowing Kunene River in the remote Hartmann Valley of the northwest. The river marks the border with Angola, so you can’t go much further north in Namibia. The accommodation is in eight elegant thatched, canvas-sided villas offering plenty of space with living area, private bathroom, ceiling fan and mosquito net. The villas have smart traditional décor inspired by the local Himba people and an outside raised decking area, ideal for relaxing after a day of desert exploration.

The main building has both indoor and outdoor dining tables, a comfortable lounge and small library and local craft shop. There is a communal decking area with a small swimming pool with far reaching views down the river valley. Families can be catered for and there is also a special honeymoon suite with outstanding river views.

The lodge is one of the remotest in Namibia – indeed, in southern Africa – and enables deep exploration of the wilderness of the Namib Desert. Many excursions are offered as part of a stay at the lodge including visits to the local Himba settlements, birding walks, four-wheel drive and quad biking safaris across the vast sand dunes, and boat trips along the Kunene River in search of birds, baboons and large Nile crocodiles (you might even embark briefly on the Angolan side for snacks, but no need for your passport).

A speciality of the lodge is its al fresco breakfast atop rocky outcrops with unforgettable views across the desert landscape. Guided walks in the Marienfluss Mountains in search of the fascinating Namaqua chameleon are also available.