Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp lies in the Kaokoveld, one of the most remote corners of north-western Namibia, where the dry bed of the Hoanib River winds between dunes, gravel plains and ancient mountains on its way to the Atlantic. The country looks empty at first glance and turns out to be full of life: desert-adapted elephants follow the riverbed, Angolan giraffe, oryx and brown hyena move through it, and the plains draw desert-adapted lions.

The camp is small — eight tented suites in pale olive canvas, a main lounge and a pool — and runs entirely on solar power. The Palmwag Concession on which it partly stands is a joint venture between Wilderness and the Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein community conservancies, giving local communities a say in how their own wildlife is managed. Stays are fully inclusive: all meals, two activities a day, laundry and local drinks, with premium imported brands and champagne the exception.

Activities at the camp:

• nature drives along the Hoanib riverbed and across the surrounding plains, looking for desert-adapted elephants and lions, Angolan giraffe, oryx and brown hyena;
• a day trip to the Skeleton Coast at Möwe Bay — by light aircraft or by road, depending on the weather — with Cape fur seal colonies, Atlantic breakers against the dunes and lunch on a remote beach; included in stays of three nights or more;
• presentations on research into the region’s desert-adapted predators;
• hikes over rocky outcrops, descents down huge dunes and visits to desert oases;
• stargazing.

The cooler months from May to September are the best time for wildlife, when animals keep close to the Hoanib River.