Kaokoveld , Namibia
The remote and tranquil Serra Cafema is hidden within the enormous Hartmann Valley, overlooking the bubbling rapids of the Kunene River and yet surrounded by the lunar-like landscapes of the Namib Desert. Eight intimate, peaceful canvas chalets offer rustic luxury among the shady trees of the riverbank. En suite bathrooms, ceiling fans and mosquito nets cater for guest comfort.
The main guest areas feature indoor and outdoor dining areas, a sunken lounge, river bar, library and curio shop. A swimming pool overlooking the Kunene River adds to guest delight. Adventures from the lodge include informative nature drives and carefully guided quad bike excursions through the sand dunes, as well as boating on the Kunene River, walks through the remote mountains and river valleys, and visits to a Himba settlement.
It takes about 3 hours to get to Serra Cafema from Windhoek by plane.
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, unwinding to the sound of rushing water, and beyond, to the desert’s silence. The eight chalets and the common areas are set on elevated decks and crafted in wood, canvas, and thatch, at one with the environment, paying homage to Himba culture.
In the country’s far north, the Kunene River — the only permanent source of water in the region and the border between Namibia and Angola — is lined with a narrow belt of riverine vegetation and palm trees. Perpendicular to this northern border lie the enormous Hartmann’s and Marienfluss Valleys, which comprise part of the vast 303
These valleys run for miles between the Hartmann and Otjihipa Mountains, largely folded, dark metamorphic rock which, when exposed over time to the sun, wind and temperature extremes, cracks and rusts into reddish-brown gravel plains. In rainy years, the enormous Marienfluss and Hartmann’s valleys become grassy expanses, but generally their flat topographies are covered by sand broken only by a few tough grasses, toxic euphorbias, mysterious ’fairy circles’ and sheer granite inselbergs.
The principal, albeit minimal, source of water comes from the famous Namibian early morning mists, generated when the icy water of the Atlantic Ocean meets 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 sun burns it off.
Wildlife such as gemsbok (oryx), springbok, brown hyaena, Hartmann’s mountain zebra and Cape fox occur sporadically, while smaller creatures abound in this surreal setting. The Kunene River also harbours a population of Nile crocodile and vibrant birdlife. Desert plated lizard, Kunene racer, Namaqua chameleon and horned adder are some of the reptiles to be seen here. Burchell’s courser, bokmakierie, pririt batis, Stark’s lark, Rüppell’s korhaan and Benguela long-billed lark are among the characteristic bird species to be found in this area.
Tune in, tune out in one of the most untouched places on Earth, along a rushing river amidst an ochre desert — one of the world’s oldest. Respectfully engage with a community of Himba, Namibia’s last semi-nomads still living traditionally, and local custodians. Hear their stories, and share yours. When water levels permit, boat on the Kunene, with Angola’s craggy mountains in the distance and plenty of Nile crocs on the banks and in the water. Explore the dunes on foot and in game vehicles, perhaps spotting oryxes, springbok, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, or tiny desert chameleons. Along specially allocated, low-impact pathways, quad bike across the untamed, lunar landscape.
Boating on the Kunene River ( water levels permitting ) provides our guests with the opportunity to venture through the lush riverside oases. Crocodiles and water birds seem out of place in this surreal, lunar-like landscape. One of our highlights, guided quad bike excursions through the fragile environs, is conducted with the utmost care along specifically allocated pathways, so as to tread lightly on the dunes and preserve the unique and delicate habitat of this landscape.
In this isolated area, the Himba people continue their traditional semi-nomadic way of life and, when they are in the area, guests have an opportunity to learn about their lifestyle and customs. Informative nature drives in open Land Rovers allow guests to experience the true Namib in its unbridled glory, while walking provides unique opportunities to see the smaller denizens of the desert, from the famous fairy circles to the desert chameleon.
November 2018 — Wilderness Safaris’ Serra Cafema Head Chef, Mathew Shanyenge, and his team have raised the bar on the company’s newly-rebuilt Namibian camp’s food offering, celebrating a revival of local culinary flavours. Set on the edge of the Kunene River between Namibia and Angola, Serra Cafema features a team of experienced chefs who take pride in serving guests the most appetising and delicious meals.
At Serra Cafema there is a meal experience for every mood; simply put, we want our guests to be as happy as possible. A beautiful setting under lush ana trees lends itself to long alfresco lunches, produced from the freshest ingredients, including local game, and seafood from the waters of the Skeleton Coast — such as chardonnay mussels. An absolute favourite is the kingklip wrapped in Black Forest ham, served on a bed of Niçoise. Then there’s the luxury of sipping on locally-distilled gin flavoured with new favourites such as juniper berries, cucumber or cinnamon and lemon, and served with canapés enjoyed on a dune overlooking the Kunene River", says Mathew.
Other popular choices include the succulent game kebab chimichurri, churros served with Amarula hot chocolate sauce, delicious homemade ice-cream, and many vegetarian dishes, including Mathew’s signature roasted cauliflower and chickpea tomato bowls, and handmade pastas.