Serra Cafema is an oasis amid the moon-like setting of the Namib desert. Surrounded by arid plains and rugged mountains, the camp enjoys a remote riverside location with rustic luxury in bounds. With breathtaking landscapes and just six tents, Serra Cafema is ideal for those who enjoy truly wild places.
Awarded: Silver
Location
The camp perches on the banks of the Kunene River surrounded by desert and a mountainous backdrop within the Hartmann Valley. Serra Cafema is one of Southern Africa’s most remote camp in the extreme northwest of Namibia. Its location just inland from the ocean and Skeleton Coast means the camp is kept cool by ocean winds blowing from the Atlantic. The area is shared with the Himba people, the last of Africa’s nomads.
Rooms
Eight Meru-style thatched villas are raised on wooden decks with spacious interiors. The large double beds are surrounded by mosquito netting, there’s a separate lounge area and large glass doors along the front of the space open out to a private veranda and excellent views across the river to Angola beyond.
Communal Areas
Sitting on the banks of the river, the main area is open and light with all the indoor spaces opening up with sliding glass doors. There’s a sunken lounge facing the bubbling rapids of the river, a big outdoor deck where meals can be enjoyed, a bar and an indoor dining room. Lanterns light up the space at night and décor is simple with lots of light wood, soft colours and some African inspired furnishings. There’s a small plunge pool for cooling off in the midday sun and a curio shop for desert essentials and souvenirs.
Activities
Drive or quad bike across the rolling dunes of the Namib Desert and discover the breathtaking scenery in Hatmann’s mountains on drives or walking excursions. Guests can also take boat trips along the Kunene to see water birds and crocodiles or visit with the local Himba community to learn of their traditions and nomadic lifestyle. Game viewing is possible but limited with herds of Gemsbok, springbok, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebra and large populations of crocodile.
Fully inclusive
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 22°C/72°F, while night temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 26°C/29°F, it is however not uncommon for much warmer days than this.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 26°C/29°F, it is however not uncommon for much warmer days than this.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 26°C/29°F midday, but can occasionally rise well above this. Night time lows average a comfortable 17°C/63°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Kaokoland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur, the rest of the year is dry. Although Kaokoland can be visited throughout the year, it is at its best during the peak of the dry season when day time temperatures are a little more pleasant. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery and fantastic birding make for a wonderful and unique experience.
Explore Kaokoland Properties
Kunene River Lodge
Kunene River Lodge
Kunene River Lodge is an adventurous camp enjoying an idyllic setting by the Kunene River. With a simple design and plenty of comforts, this remote camp makes an ..
What People Say
-
The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
-
We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
-
Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
-
Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
-
Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
-
Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
-
Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
-
We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
-
Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
