In a country jam-packed with vast, spectacularly beautiful landscapes, Kaokoland may just be the most incredible of them all. Deep in north-western Namibia, the area is a melee of towering mountains, sand dunes, and huge expanses of desert, scattered with unique wildlife and nomadic Himba settlements. It’s also one of Namibia’s most remote and wild environments, and one that not many will get the chance to discover in a lifetime.
And that’s exactly why Hoanib Valley Camp was built. A joint venture between the local communities and the Giraffe Conservation Foundation, the world’s only Africa-wide giraffe conservation organisation, the camp is an elegant, intimate affair that immerses you into the wilds of the desert.
Giraffe Conservation Foundation (GCF) are the longest running giraffe conservation charity in Africa and are the leaders in cutting edge giraffe research. In Hoanib, their research not only focusses on the desert-adapted giraffe in the area, but also helps to monitor elephant and general game. Very few people realise the giraffe are endangered and they are often over-shadowed by the larger species such as rhino and elephant. Through their genetic work, the GCF have discovered 4 distinct species of giraffe across Africa, instead of what was formally thought to be sub-species - crucial information concerning the future of giraffe populations across the continent. When in camp there are opportunities to meet the researchers and learn about the critical work going on in the area.
The 6 rooms blend seamlessly with the environment, offering a simple aesthetic that matches the rugged landscape down to a tee. Days are spent tracking endangered rhino, desert-adapted elephant and lion, and of course desert-adapted giraffe, before retiring to your private veranda to marvel at the magnitude of your surroundings (with a gin and tonic or a cold beer in your hand). As well as game drives, guests can also experience cultural interactions with the local Herero and Himba people.
The camp is entirely solar powered to ensure carbon emissions are kept to a minimum, and the tents sit on decks made of a wood, bamboo and 70% recycled-material composite.
Because of the location, a journey by road from Windhoek would take 8 hours (or 7 hours from Swakopmund), so most people choose to fly in via light aircraft.
Rates Include
Full Board Package: All meals are included. Activities are an additional cost.
Fully Inclusive Package: All meals; local beverages; and daily activities are included.
Children Policy
Children of any age are welcome. Private vehicles must be booked for families with children 12 years and younger.
