A fascinating cultural adventure of Botswana and Namibia's remote desert coast
Personalised journeys from start to finish
Every trip helps support Conservation
Every detail taken care of
What's included
- Skeleton Coast fly in excursion
- Himba Cultural experience
- Private tour options in Windhoek
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Meet and greet airport service
- Full support from your Travel Concierge before, during and after your trip
At a glance
Experience the world of tribal Africa on this specialised and immersive adventure. Three nights in the remote wilderness of Botswana’s Kalahari offers spectacles such as safari with the legendary black-maned lion, luxury lodging and sleep outs under a glittering night sky. Meet the resident Bushmen as you dip into their traditional way of life on interpretive walks, before heading to Namibia’s desolate but dazzling Skeleton Coast.
Flying tours over the formidable coastline and sand dunes, plus game drives to discover the desert adapted elephant await you here, while the last portion of your trip takes you to the remote Serra Cafema for an authentic and hands-on Himba tribe encounter.
Book-ended with flights in and out of Johannesburg, this trip promises complete travelling ease, with private transfers and expert guides taking care of you every step of the way.
Example trip itinerary
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
On arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be met airside by a Jacada representative as you enter the terminal building. You will be fast-tracked through immigration, assisted with baggage collection and assisted to your onward arrangements.
Flight
Flight from Johannesburg to Maun
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Maun to the Kalahari Plains airstrip
Spend your days here in the remote wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve on amazing safari activities and sleep outs under the dazzling stars. Look out for unusual animals such as honey badgers, take a visit to Deception Valley and learn the traditions of the resident Bushmen.
Experience the astonishing wildlife of the Kalahari semi-arid sandy savannah with a game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle lead by an expert guide. You'll be on the look out for the area's star attraction, the legendary Kalahari black-maned lion and will have the chance to see black rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes and warthogs as well as other smaller mammals and migratory birds.
Start the day early for an exceptional experience: an interpretive Bushman walk. This unique excursion is lead by camp staff members who hail from an ancient Bushman clan and will give you an insight into their daily life with a fascinating walk in the immediate camp area, their tribal home. You'll come away with an understanding of traditional Bushman dress, hunting techniques using bows and poisoned arrows and explanations of the various uses of the plants and animals found in the area, revealing their long standing culture and connection with the wild bush.
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Kalahari Plains airstrip to Maun
Flight
Flight from Maun to Windhoek
Windhoek
Transfer
Arrive in Windhoek
Transfer
Private transfer from Windhoek airport to Windhoek hotel
Accommodation in Windhoek
Windhoek
Overview
Your home before you venture off into the barren and beautiful Namibian Desert, this stylish boutique hotel is hidden away in the Eastern corner of Namibia’s capital and only proclaimed city, Windhoek.
The city itself is the seat of the country’s cultural and administrative powers but despite this, it remains one of the smallest capitals in the world with just 250,000 residents. The Olive reflects Windhoek’s small size, providing a cosy but luxurious bolt-hole with great access to the surrounding wilderness.
Reminders of the prevalent Namibian culture are spread throughout the hotel as the modern is combined with the traditional. Rough-hewn wooden benches sit on plush carpets around sculpted granite coffee tables, animal-skin rugs lay beneath large beds covered in crisp white cotton and wide glass doors lead out onto your personal terrace for a view across the small city.
→ Find out moreTransfer
Private transfer from hotel to Windhoek airport
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Windhoek International to Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast
Accommodation in The Skeleton Coast
The Skeleton Coast
Highlights
- Seven twin-bedded suites and one family unit
- Shaded, private outdoor decks
- Laundry services
- Wildlife activities on foot and by jeep
- Cultural experiences
Overview
Placed at the confluence of two tributaries in a broad valley of the Kaokoveld Desert, the camp offers an unforgettable gateway from which to experience both the thrillingly desolate Skeleton Coast and the private Palmwag Concession, alive with desert-adapted wildlife.
You’ll get a feel for the exclusivity and wonderful remoteness of your accommodation as you fly in by light aircraft – the only way to access the camp. The imitate, luxury tented camp consists of just seven twin-bedded suites and one family unit, each complete with shaded outdoors decks from which to contemplate the valley’s starkly stunning, moon-like landscape.
Scenic flights over desert shores reveal lonely shipwrecks, massive dunefields, floodplains and the Auses Spring.
Explore the Hoanib Riverbed for sightings of elephant, lion, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok, shaggy brown hyaena and opportunistic black-backed jackal, or head to the rocky shoreline to get an earful of the noisy Cape fur seal colony.
Unravel the mysterious history of the original ancient Strandloper people and the enigmatic stone circles they left behind and encounter the Welwitschia on a nature walk – one of the oldest and strangest plants on the planet.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Wilderness Hoanib Camp collaborates with three neighbouring conservancies. Within these conservancies, land is leased from the local community under a sustainable conservation agreement. This provides a unique and exclusive setting for incredible animal sightings while simultaneously fostering social and environmental benefits.
- In rural areas of Namibia, like the Skeleton Coast, poaching is frequently tied to poverty. To address the underlying causes of poaching, Wilderness has established programmes for empowerment, enterprise, and skills training. These encompass initiatives such as small-scale farmer development, business training, mentorship, and school scholarships.
- Wilderness’s impact in Namibia spans a cumulative area of around 167,310 hectares. Under the Namibia Large Fauna Programme, they conduct continuous conservation initiatives for desert-adapted wildlife species, encompassing large predators such as lions, leopards, brown and spotted hyenas, as well as desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes and other ungulates.
Placed at the confluence of two tributaries in a broad valley of the Kaokoveld Desert, the camp offers an unforgettable gateway from which to experience both the thrillingly desolate Skeleton Coast and the private Palmwag Concession, alive with desert-adapted wildlife.
You'll get a feel for the exclusivity and wonderful remoteness of your accommodation as you fly in by light aircraft - the only way to access the camp. The imitate, luxury tented camp consists of just seven twin-bedded suites and one family unit, each complete with shaded outdoors decks from which to contemplate the valley's starkly stunning, moon-like landscape.
Scenic flights over desert shores reveal massive dunefields, floodplains and the Auses Spring.
Explore the Hoanib Riverbed for sightings of elephant, lion, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok, shaggy brown hyaena and opportunistic black-backed jackal, or head to the rocky shoreline to get an earful of the noisy Cape fur seal colony. You can also see the rusted remains of the Suiderkus shipwreck.
This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and a few shipwreck remains. Weather dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.?
Today you will enjoy game drives throughout Namibia's desolate skeleton coast to find the rare desert adapted elephant.
Flight
Light aircraft flight from the Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema
Kunene River
Accommodation in Kunene River
Kunene River
Highlights
- Seven luxury canvas tents
- One luxury canvas family unit
- Ceiling fans in each tent
- In-room massage
- Stargazing
- Nature drives in open Land Rovers
Overview
Wilderness Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the Kunene River in the Hartmann Valley. Undoubtedly amongst the most remote camps in Southern Africa, Serra Cafema is only reachable by light aircraft which adds to the exclusivity of this beautiful property.
Wilderness Serra Cafema is an intimate, peaceful camp with a unique mix of rustic and luxury elements nestled amongst the shady Albida trees on the banks of the Kunene. Rapids just below camp provide a calming ambiance with guests often lulled into dreamland by the gurgling waters after a day exploring one of the driest, starkly beautiful regions in the world.
Accommodation at here consists of eight riverside Meru-style canvas and thatched villas on spacious, elevated decks blended smoothly into the picturesque surroundings. Each fully furnished tent has an en-suite bathroom, ceiling fan and mosquito nets. A late afternoon spent lounging on the front deck soaking up the breathtaking vistas of this contrasting wilderness is an absolute must.
→ Find out moreThe impact of your stay:
- Serra Cafema is located in the Marienfluss Conservancy, an area leased from the Himba community, a semi-nomadic tribe rooted in this region for centuries. These conservancies serve as protective shields, preserving the land and environment from threats like industrial farming while ensuring the well-being of local communities. The strong bond with the Himba led to continuous pandemic support, funding a community garden, providing seeds, and installing a solar borehole.
- Wilderness has established Children in the Wilderness Namibia, a programme focused on community engagement and educational impact. The initiative promotes sustainable conservation through the leadership development and education of children in Africa. This goal is achieved through activities like eco-club programmes at local schools and annual camps for children in rural communities on the outskirts of Africa’s wild areas.
- Wilderness’s impact in Namibia spans a cumulative area of around 167,310 hectares. Operating under the Namibia Large Fauna Programme, they engage in continuous conservation efforts for desert-adapted wildlife species. These initiatives encompass large predators such as lions, leopards, brown and spotted hyenas, as well as desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, giraffes and other ungulates.
Enjoy days in the stunning Serra Cafema region, in the oasis of this mostly desolate and arid region, one of the remotest places on Earth, with nature drives, guided walks, quad bike rides and even visits to the local villages of this extraordinary nomadic Himba people.
Today you will enjoy a fascinating Himba cultural experience. Meet the ancient indigenous tribe with their red-hued skin and learn about their traditional lifestyle during this unique, hands-on interaction.
Flight
Light aircraft flight from Wilderness Serra Cafema to Windhoek airport
Flight
Flight from Windhoek to Johannesburg
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Luxe Cultural Safari: Meet the Bushmen and the Himba
How we work
Experience the world of tribal Africa on this specialised and immersive adventure. Three nights in the remote wilderness of Botswana’s Kalahari offers spectacles such as safari with the legendary black-maned lion, luxury lodging and sleep outs under a glittering night sky. Meet the resident Bushmen as you dip into their traditional way of life on interpretive walks, before heading to Namibia’s desolate but dazzling Skeleton Coast. Flying tours over the formidable coastline and sand dunes, plus game drives to discover the desert adapted elephant await you here, while the last portion of your trip takes you to the remote Serra Cafema for an authentic and hands-on Himba tribe encounter. Book-ended with flights in and out of Johannesburg, this trip promises complete travelling ease, with private transfers and expert guides taking care of you every step of the way.
| Whats included?
|
Days 1-4 |
Central Kalahari Game Reserve |
Meet and greet at Johannesburg Airport On arrival at Johannesburg airport you will be met airside by a Jacada representative as you enter the terminal building. You will be fast-tracked through immigration, assisted with baggage collection and assisted to your onward arrangements. |
|
Flights & transfers
Flight from Johannesburg to Maun |
|
Light aircraft flight from Maun to the Kalahari Plains airstrip | |
Three days on safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve Spend your days here in the remote wilderness of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve on amazing safari activities and sleep outs under the dazzling stars. Look out for unusual animals such as honey badgers, take a visit to Deception Valley and learn the traditions of the resident Bushmen. |
|
Kalahari game drive Experience the astonishing wildlife of the Kalahari semi-arid sandy savannah with a game drive in an open 4x4 vehicle lead by an expert guide. You'll be on the look out for the area's star attraction, the legendary Kalahari black-maned lion and will have the chance to see black rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, giraffes and warthogs as well as other smaller mammals and migratory birds. |
|
Interpretive walk with Kalahari Bushmen Start the day early for an exceptional experience: an interpretive Bushman walk. This unique excursion is lead by camp staff members who hail from an ancient Bushman clan and will give you an insight into their daily life with a fascinating walk in the immediate camp area, their tribal home. You'll come away with an understanding of traditional Bushman dress, hunting techniques using bows and poisoned arrows and explanations of the various uses of the plants and animals found in the area, revealing their long standing culture and connection with the wild bush. |
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Light aircraft flight from Kalahari Plains airstrip to Maun | |
Flight from Maun to Windhoek | |
Days 4-5 |
Windhoek |
Flights & transfers
Arrive in Windhoek |
|
Private transfer from Windhoek airport to Windhoek hotel | |
Accommodation in Windhoek
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The Olive Exclusive - $$$$$
Your home before you venture off into the barren and beautiful Namibian Desert, this stylish...
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Flights & transfers
Private transfer from hotel to Windhoek airport |
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Light aircraft flight from Windhoek International to Skeleton Coast | |
Days 5-8 |
The Skeleton Coast |
Accommodation in The Skeleton Coast
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Wilderness Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp - $$$$$
Placed at the confluence of two tributaries in a broad valley of the Kaokoveld Desert, the...
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Three days at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp Placed at the confluence of two tributaries in a broad valley of the Kaokoveld Desert, the camp offers an unforgettable gateway from which to experience both the thrillingly desolate Skeleton Coast and the private Palmwag Concession, alive with desert-adapted wildlife.
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Skeleton Coast Excursion This fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and a few shipwreck remains. Weather dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.? |
|
Game Drives to find the Desert Adapted Elephant Today you will enjoy game drives throughout Namibia's desolate skeleton coast to find the rare desert adapted elephant. |
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Flights & transfers
Light aircraft flight from the Skeleton Coast to Serra Cafema |
|
Days 8-11 |
Kunene River |
Accommodation in Kunene River
•
Wilderness Serra Cafema - $$$$$
Wilderness Serra Cafema is located in the extreme north-west of Namibia on the banks of the...
|
|
Three days in Serra Cafema Enjoy days in the stunning Serra Cafema region, in the oasis of this mostly desolate and arid region, one of the remotest places on Earth, with nature drives, guided walks, quad bike rides and even visits to the local villages of this extraordinary nomadic Himba people. |
|
Himba Cultural Experience Today you will enjoy a fascinating Himba cultural experience. Meet the ancient indigenous tribe with their red-hued skin and learn about their traditional lifestyle during this unique, hands-on interaction. |
|
Flights & transfers
Light aircraft flight from Wilderness Serra Cafema to Windhoek airport |
|
Flight from Windhoek to Johannesburg |