After an environmentally-sensitive rebuild, Wilderness Safaris’ Serra Cafema Camp, in Namibia’s extreme north-west, has reopened.
Located in one of the most remote regions in southern Africa, on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann’s Valley, Serra Cafema offers journeys to this extraordinary desert location.
As part of a joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the 300 000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy – owned primarily by the Himba people who are among the last semi-nomadic peoples on the planet – Serra Cafema is strongly rooted in a core purpose or reason for being.
“It’s not just about luxurious accommodation and superlative local hospitality – that’s a given; it’s about exploring and conserving the vast, wild space of the Kunene area, gaining insight into the ancient, yet evolving culture of the Himba people, and looking inward, where guests are given the chance to reconnect with the earth and themselves.
“These elements define the luxury of space and the value of unique experiences,” said Alexandra Margull, Wilderness Safaris Namibia managing director.
Each incarnation of Serra Cafema has explored and enhanced its relationship with the spectacular natural world around it.
The new Serra Cafema takes this to the next level, where the concept for the camp is done with reverence and respect for the Himba community.
The camp is comfortable, updated and modern, incorporating fresh elements, while retaining the heart and soul of Serra Cafema.
It is also 100 per cent solar powered, in line with Wilderness Safaris’ commitment to operating with as light an eco-footprint as possible.
Natural materials that reflect the surrounding landscape have been used throughout the camp, with stone sourced from the adjacent valley used for feature walls and prominent defining structures.
Each of the eight luxuriously-spacious guest rooms overlook the Kunene River and mountains of Angola beyond, and include a sunken seating area, an extra-large bed with a canopy and netting, indoor and outdoor showers, and a large private deck for private dining, and from which guests can enjoy the surreal sight of a river in the midst of a desert.
The main central area also overlooks the river and has a lower-level oval seated area that is ideal for night-time star gazing.
“These are just a few examples of our commitment to growing local talent and changing lives by providing support and encouragement to local suppliers, local artists and local culture,” Alexandra added.
“Serra Cafema is a truly unique destination and we can’t wait to reveal the new camp to our partners and guests.
“Namibia threw all her formidable strength at us during this rebuild, and we never faltered.
“I am extremely proud of the passion and commitment from our team who pulled together and pushed through to ensure that Serra Cafema will continue to surpass our guests’ expectations, whilst changing their perspective of the world, and their place in it,” concluded Alexandra.