Blink and you could miss Hoanib Valley Camp; it merges so unobtrusively with its surroundings. But you really don’t want to overlook Hoanib Valley Camp because it is special and alluring for so many reasons. Much more than a luxurious safari lodge, it deeply honours the environment, pays homage to the natural heritage of Namibia, respects the local community and supports ground breaking conservation efforts.
Hoanib Valley Camp is am exclusive, off grid, child friendly tented safari camp, with views of the ephemeral Hoanib River. It is operated in joint partnership with the local Sesfontein Community who also staff the camp.
The interior décor of the camp reflects the colours and textures of the surrounding dunes and jagged mountains, along with influences from the local Himba people.
Materials for the camp were all sourced locally and furniture and basketware were carefully crafted by local hands. The entire camp is solar-powered with virtually no footprint; it’s built on decks and these too are mostly of recycled material.
In Kaokoland, all life is adapted to desert conditions. So game drives reveal desert-adapted elephant and giraffe, and on occasion desert-adapted rhino and lion may be spotted too. Zebra, kudu, springbok and oryx also live in this sandscape, all having learnt to live lean in the desert.
Even the camp is heat adapted, with opening tent flaps to catch the breeze on hot days if you’re not cooling off in the pool.
A hidden getaway offering unique adventures
Wondering how you will spend your time at this unique holiday accommodation? Should you be up early, climb the little hill behind the camp and watch the sunrise right before you and bathe the valley in honey hues.
After an early morning coffee, imagine how you’d like to spend your day: seeing rare desert wildlife on a game drive; communing with the local Himba people and learning their ancient ways; tracking the desert-adapted rhino of the area; going on a walking safari and stretching your legs across the sand on a nature walk. There is a groundbreaking giraffe research project based in the area too, just ask about it.
Or you could lie low at the lodge and take your own soul safari, staring into the distant desert and clearing your mind completely. Maybe take a desert walk on your own. If ever there was a place to wipe away your worries and instil peace and happiness, it is here. In this place of empty space, yet brimming with rare life, you will feel invigorated, renewed and forever grateful for having been at Hoanib Valley Camp.
Reviewed by Keri Harvey
Edited by Dawn Kennedy