
Home » PlacesToStay » Nature Reserve » Serra Cafema

COUNTRY: Namibia
AREA: Namibia
Summary
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 hard day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
As part of the Wilderness Safaris Group, your stay at Serra Cafema will be as all-inclusive as possible, with the core activities such as game drives, nature walks, boating and all meals included in the price of accommodation.
Accommodation
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.
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 the Kunene River.
Food
There are set daily menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner with tea/coffee available throughout the day.
Environment Info
Serra Cafema is located in the extreme, remote north of Namibia, where mountains of largely folded metamorphic rock are cut through by rivers - including the Kunene River, the border between Namibia and Angola. In rainy years, the large Marienfluss and Hartmann's valleys become grassy expanses, but generally their flat topographies are covered by sand broken only by a few tough grasses, shrubs and the mysterious 'fairy circles'. In this isolated region, the Himba people continue their nomadic, traditional way of life.
The principle, albeit minimal, source of water in the here comes from the infamous Namibian early morning mists - generated by the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean colliding with the hot desert air of the Skeleton Coast. This daily cycle of airborne moisture rolls inland along the various depressions and canyons formed by ancient rivers. As the dew settles it is eagerly harvested by plants, animals and insects before the burning Namibian sun climbs into the sky.
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, an anomaly in a desert. 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 chameleon being a particular specialty.
Activities
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.
Rates Comment
Rates available on enquiry.
Core activities such as game drives, nature walks, boating and all meals included in the price of accommodation.

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