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Serra Cafema

from US $979

Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, 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 semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience.

  • Reviews
    5/6
  • Vacation Style Adult Group
    Premier/Luxury Camp
  • Camp Size 16 guests and 2 children
All about Serra Cafema

We have a mutually-beneficial partnership with the Marienfluss Conservancy, which is owned primarily by the Himba people; the benefits include lease fees, employment and skills transfers.

Set under trees on the banks of the Kunene River, 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 semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience

Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, 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 semi-nomadic Himba community, fascinating nature walks, boating (water levels permitting), and low-impact guided quad-bike excursions complete the experience.

The eight chalets 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.

We have a mutually-beneficial partnership with the Marienfluss Conservancy, which is owned primarily by the Himba people, the benefits of which include lease fees, employment and skills transfer

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.

About the camp
Activities
  • Nature drives in Hartmann’s Valley in 05 x 10-seater open Land Cruisers each accommodating a maximum of 07 guests. In cooler weather conditions hot water bottles and lined ponchos are provided on nature drives.
  • Private activities available on request (subject to availability and additional cost).
  • Guided quad biking - no children under 16 years of age (subject to availability) x 09 quad bikes.
  • Guided nature walks – no children under 13 years of age (weather permitting and subject to the availability of a qualified guide).
  • Boating on the Kunene River (water levels permitting) in 01 x 06-seater boats.
  • Interacting with the Himba people - a group of semi-nomadic pastoralists who live in the Kaokoveld area
  • Stargazing with a laser pointer, weather permitting and according to the lunar phases (not offered around full moon).
  • Back of house tours.
  • Camp chats about the area and its geology, the Children in the Wilderness programme, the Kunene people and their conservancy.
  • Wilderness Safaris and Olympus Photo Hub experience.
Camp Facilities
  • Situated under large, shady albida trees with uninterrupted views of the Kunene River valley and/or the desert.
  • Main area comprises various dining and lounge areas, sunken viewing decks and bar under thatch and on an elevated wooden deck.
  • Safari Trading Store.
  • Reading area with a selection of reference books.
  • Pool in main area.
  • In-tent massage treatments (at an additional cost).
  • During winter months a gas heater is stationed in the main area and chenille blankets are provided during dinner.
  • Guest toilets in main area.
Accomodation

The eight chalets 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.

Number of tents
  • 08 x units in total comprising:
  • 07 x twin-bedded luxury tents each with two three quarter beds.
  • 01 x family unit consisting of two bedrooms each with two three quarter beds, in each tent and each with their own en-suite facilities. Main bathroom and second bathroom each with an indoor shower, outdoor shower, double basin vanity and separate toilet. Separate entrances, however, shared outdoor deck and outdoor sunken lounge area/outdoor sala.
  • Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.
Tent Descriptions
  • Luxury canvas tents on an elevated deck, with elevated wooden walkways and private viewing decks overlooking the river valley.
  • Each tent comprises, en-suite facilities with separate toilet, double vanity basin, indoor shower and outdoor shower, indoor lounge area, private viewing deck with outdoor sala and shaded seating area with loungers, luggage rack, mosquito net, electronic safe, hairdryer, Olympus equipment (includes a pair of binoculars), writing desk and chair, mini-bar and tea and coffee making facilities.
  • No air-conditioning, however, each room consists of one pedestal fan and a ceiling fan.
  • Complimentary in-Tent Wi-Fi.
  • Amenities include; bath robes, slippers, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, washing powder (for smalls) on request, sewing kit, shower caps, vanity kit with two cotton tipped swabs and cotton balls, tissues dispensers and laundry bag are supplied in each tent.
Electricity & Water

100% solar powered.

220V multi-plug adaptor charging facilities for mobile devices. Additional charging facilities (available on request) for the use of sleep apnoea machines (guests to provide own device, spare batteries, charging unit and adaptors).

220V power for lighting and fans in the units.

Solar geysers.

Child Policy

Children of 06 years and older are accommodated.

For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.

Children between 06 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same room.

The minimum age for walking activities is 13 years and for quad biking activities is 16 years.

Laundry Facilities

Laundry services are provided on a daily basis (weather permitting) and included on the FI rate basis, however, it is also available for guests on DB1 rate basis at an extra charge. A mesh laundry bag is supplied for ‘smalls’ so that guests may place their underwear in this bag which will be machine washed and returned in the mesh bag. Environmentally friendly detergent available in the rooms or provided on request. Note that laundry services may be limited as a result of water shortages.

Gratuities Guidelines

We would like to reiterate that tipping is not compulsory. Guests should not feel obliged to do so. Tipping should be undertaken only by choice, subject to the service received. In addition, guests may wish to add a nominal amount for incidentals, ranging between USD 15.00 to USD 30.00 per day (subject to personal budget choice) - i.e. if additional activities are booked once on their journey, if travel arrangements change for any reason, in acknowledgement of good service received in another area, etc.

Guide and Specialist Guide - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day and may be tipped directly.

The General Safari Camp Staff - We recommend about USD 10.00 per guest per day for safari camps. This should be placed in the communal tipping box to be distributed equally amongst all the staff.

With regards to being hosted by Camp Management and/or Assistant Camp Management, tipping separately for said staff is purely optional and per guests’ discretion.

Departure Dates Confirmed Dates Trip Status Trip Status Price (PP) Including Flights Price (PP) Excluding Flights  
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,779
$3,170
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$2,679
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$1,779
$3,470
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available
$2,779
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$3,779
$4,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,879
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,679
$1,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Booked & Guaranteed
$4,779
$3,970
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$5,779
$3,270
Fri 18 Oct '16 - Sun 04 Nov '16
Available & Guaranteed
$2,779
$3,970