Last year, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp won Tatler's "Most Out Of This World" award. I reckon it would have been a tough choice for this between Hoanib Camp and Serra Cafema, two of the most remote and wild-feeling places you're ever likely to visit, both of them run by Wilderness Safaris.
That's why my May 2016 safari focuses on these very two camps. Because I reckon they're both awesome and, frankly, I want to go back there! I want you to feel the magic of Namibia's wild spaces with me and go home feeling like you've just touched the moon.
The truth is, in the modern world there's not many places you can go where you are truly away from it all, hundreds of kilometres from civilisation and the things that own us (television, smart phones, meetings, commuting...). You won't get a better escape than among the desert-dwelling animals and plants of Namibia's North West region.
Right now I'm recruiting for my safari there in May next year (2016), which is already half full (up to a maximum of 12). Read on if you'd like to know more and get in touch with me here to sign up.
Can you see yourself here? (I can!) Serra Cafema Camp is set in the middle of the desert on the Kunene River
Namibia - Desert Dreaming Safari
If you've never experienced Namibia's north west then you've got something special to look forward to! If you've ever dreamed of visiting the spectacular Skeleton Coast, meeting Namibia's traditional Himba people, and spending time with desert dwelling elephants and lions in an environment that is wild, remote and pure adventure, then this is the safari for you.
Dates: 20- 27 May 2016
This luxury, conservation-focused safari kicks off on 20th May in Windhoek with a night at the Kalahari Sands Hotel, and then we're off the next day by plane to Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp for 3 nights. On our second day, we'll do a full day fly-in excursion to the Skeleton Coast itself, where we'll see shipwrecks, desert dunes, seals and so much more. I'll spend time telling you about the behaviour and ecological functions of the elephants and other species in this unique, fragile region.
Desert elephants at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, Namibia
On 24th May, we'll fly to Africa's most remote and my favourite camp, Serra Cafema and spend 3 amazing nights there. I don't know how to describe this luxurious camp - it's so much more than an oasis in the desert. You just have to see it to believe it. A community partnership with the local Himba community is one of the unique features, meaning it really makes a meaningful contribution to the locals and hence to conservation. You'll see how the Himbas live and breathe in landscapes so big you will feel like the tiniest of insects in this vast landscape. Serra Cafema camp also made the Top 50 in "Africa's Finest" for its contribution to conservation.
Serra Cafema area, north west Namibia
Luxury rooms at Serra Cafema overlook the Kunene River, bordering Angola
Finally on 27th May, we'll all fly back to Windhoek and bid farewell.
Price: SING$10,000/person sharing (approx AUD$9350 at current exchange rate on 3/3/15)
All meals and drinks are included in these safaris (with the one exception of the first night in Windhoek on the Namibian safari), all luxury accommodation, all park and community fees, two activities daily, internal flights between camps, laundry, and donations to relevant conservationists we spend time with. Travel insurance is compulsory and can be added separately. International flights to and from your home town are not included.
The local Himba people benefit from the community partnership with Wilderness Safaris that is Serra Cafema Camp
Remember that the price also contributes to local conservation projects and keeps the wildlife and traditional communities you meet along the way afloat - so it's really as good as a donation to charity. You're also keeping my conservation work going, as my safari company is what pays the bills and allows me to do my conservation work for free.
Group size is limited to 12 people and this trip is currently half full. Family groups are welcome. Please get in touch with me now if you'd like to sign up for this amazing adventure!
