Namibia

Serra Cafema

Q: Who are the Himba people?

The inspirational Himba are a group of indigenous people, some 50 000 in number, who lead a semi-nomadic lifestyle in northern Namibia’s Kunene Region, formerly Kaokoland. At Serra Cafema, we are privileged to spend time in their communities in the desert.

Q: How do I get to Serra Cafema?

Wilderness Serra Cafema is one of the most remote lodges on Earth. This magnificent desert camp is only accessible by light aircraft operated by Wilderness Air. A unique experience and the best way to arrive in style while appreciating the vast beauty of the desert.

An Ancient Wonderland

Journey to Namibia’s Serra Cafema, the home of the Himba, and explore one of the most remote, untouched places on Earth.

Home Africa Namibia Kunene region Serra Cafema Camp

DESTINATIONS

Wilderness Serra Cafema

Land of contrasts.

Retreat to Namibia’s extraordinary desert and discover an astonishing landscape in one of Earth’s most secluded safari destinations. Against the backdrop of the vast Hartmann's Valley and its spectacular geology, redefine your concept of natural beauty. Gaze upon the lush Kunene riverine vegetation and look out for a multitude of wildlife, from desert-adapted oryx, to tiny desert chameleons.

NAMIBIA

Wilderness Serra Cafema Namibia Himba Cultures

Serra Cafema moments

Under verdant trees on the Kunene River’s banks, in an ancient landscape, discover Wilderness Serra Cafema.  A place to disconnect, unwinding to the sound of rushing water, and the silence of the desert. Explore the home of the Himba, Namibia’s last semi-nomads, and be amazed by desert-adapted oryx, zebras, and huge crocodiles in the river.

Wilderness Serra Cafema Gallery Namibia Aerial View

Wilderness Serra Cafema Namibia Deck Main Area

Wilderness Serra Cafema Namibia Oryx Running

Wilderness Serra Cafema Namibia Zebra Running

Serra Cafema moments

Under verdant trees on the Kunene River’s banks, in an ancient landscape, discover Wilderness Serra Cafema.  A place to disconnect, unwinding to the sound of rushing water, and the silence of the desert. Explore the home of the Himba, Namibia’s last semi-nomads, and be amazed by desert-adapted oryx, zebras, and huge crocodiles in the river.

Accommodation

Rest in your sublimely appointed suite, just one of eight, whose wood, canvas, thatch, and exquisite interior design pay homage to Himba culture.  Put your feet up and immerse yourself in the spectacular surrounds of Namibia’s Kunene Region, from your elevated deck. Wilderness Serra Cafema is a lodge where you can truly relax, the powerful silence of the desert restoring your soul.

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Cuisine

Serra Cafema’s food experience promises a feast for all senses. And supports Namibian farmers and artisans, and their local produce. Sample traditional Herero cuisine and culture with a village experience. Enjoy a delicious riverside breakfast on the Kunene, or retreat to your room for a tasting plate of African tapas overlooking the river.

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THE DETAILS

Wilderness Serra Cafema

Diverse and contrasting experiences abound at Serra Cafema, from dune-sensitive guided quad biking, nature drives, and walks amongst the fascinating geological formations, to seasonal boating on the Kunene. Respectful, authentic engagement with the Himba in one of their temporary villages is wondrous, a true privilege to spend time with people who live sustainably, as they have for centuries. 

Purpose

Facilities

Wildlife

Area

Activities

Wilderness Serra Cafema Namibia Purpose Impact

Impact-focused tourism model

Rugged, remote, and wild. Like you, we’re guests in this spectacular landscape. Its custodians, the local Himba people, share their space, wildlife, and culture with us. In turn, we support them with their expressed needs. Educational programmes. A mobile medical clinic. Continuous nutritional aid. It is our responsibility and privilege to help protect one of the most untouched places on Earth.

Family unit

A family unit ensures complete privacy for memorable moments.

Pool

Take a refreshing dip for some respite from the African sun.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family and share your sightings.

Home of the Himba

Wilderness Serra Cafema’s home is the 300,000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, owned primarily by the Himba. Venture to the heart of this unique wilderness area, where the ruggedly scenic Hartmann’s Mountains and the Kunene River form an astonishingly beautiful backdrop.

Purpose

Impact-focused tourism model

Rugged, remote, and wild. Like you, we’re guests in this spectacular landscape. Its custodians, the local Himba people, share their space, wildlife, and culture with us. In turn, we support them with their expressed needs. Educational programmes. A mobile medical clinic. Continuous nutritional aid. It is our responsibility and privilege to help protect one of the most untouched places on Earth.

Facilities

Family unit

A family unit ensures complete privacy for memorable moments.

Pool

Take a refreshing dip for some respite from the African sun.

Wi-Fi

Stay in touch with friends and family and share your sightings.

Wildlife

Area

Home of the Himba

Wilderness Serra Cafema’s home is the 300,000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy, owned primarily by the Himba. Venture to the heart of this unique wilderness area, where the ruggedly scenic Hartmann’s Mountains and the Kunene River form an astonishingly beautiful backdrop.

Activities

EXPERIENCES

Serra Cafema experiences

Experiences aplenty await at Wilderness Serra Cafema. Observe the fascinating lifestyle of the Himba. Hear their stories, share yours. Water levels permitting, boat on the river, with plenty of Nile crocs about. Travel the dunes on foot and by quad bike, spotting desert-adapted wildlife. Look out for an astonishing array of birds in and on the Kunene River. Discover stars you’ve never seen before.

Explore all Experiences

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Map

Explore camps in Kunene

From the quaint German colonial town of Swakopmund north to the Angolan border, an untamed stretch of desert beckons. From Serra Cafema, gaze onto the Angolan mountain peaks in the distance from which the camp takes its name. Like the animals, the plants here are well adapted to the lack of rain, with unusual fauna and flora at every turn.

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Serra Cafema

Standard Season

From USD 830 per person, per night

Premium Season

From USD 1,470 per person, per night

Travel with us

Journey with Wilderness

Africa’s ever-changing landscapes bring shifts in wildlife through the seasons. You could embark on our safari activities multiple times, and each time have a unique experience in the wild. From the desert dreams of Namibia to the wonderful waterscapes of the Okavango, let us take you wherever your heart desires.

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Couple

Namibia - from desert to sea

Explore the otherworldly vibrant Namibia. From a sea of dunes, past a seal colony by the ocean, to an oasis inthe Kunene.

9 nights

3 camps

From USD 10,620 per person

Explore Journey

Namibia - from desert to sea

Explore the otherworldly vibrant Namibia. From a sea of dunes, past a seal colony by the ocean, to an oasis inthe Kunene.

9 nights

3 camps

From USD 10620 per person

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Family

Desert Exploration

The enduring romance of Namibia’s vast open spaces. Insights into unique desert-adapted species. Discover these desert secrets over ten days in three spectacular Wilderness camps.

9 nights

3 camps

From USD 28,100 per person

Explore Journey

Desert Exploration

The enduring romance of Namibia’s vast open spaces. Insights into unique desert-adapted species. Discover these desert secrets over ten days in three spectacular Wilderness camps.

9 nights

3 camps

From USD 28100 per person

Explore Journey

Family

Serene Seclusion

Fascinating people, ancient traditions, spectacular desert scenery. A rich cultural tapestry explored over thirteen days, the ultimate Namibian experience with Wilderness.

12 nights

4 camps

From USD 19,290 per person

Explore Journey

Serene Seclusion

Fascinating people, ancient traditions, spectacular desert scenery. A rich cultural tapestry explored over thirteen days, the ultimate Namibian experience with Wilderness.

12 nights

4 camps

From USD 19290 per person

Explore Journey

See all journeys

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FAQs

General

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Journal

Serra Cafema featured stories

Many who visit Wilderness’ Serra Cafema lodge think twice about sharing their adventures, content to keep this special piece of Africa to themselves. We think Serra Cafema’s majestic beauty and abundant wildlife experiences are simply too good not to share. Here are a few stories.

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