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Hoanib Skeleton Coast

Our rating

9/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Stunning, unique landscape
- Contemporary, stylish accommodation
- Skeleton Coast excursions
- Opportunity to meet wildlife researchers

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Overview

Hoanib Skeleton Coast is an intimate, exclusive lodge situated in a remote corner of northern Damaraland, northwest Namibia. Accessible by light aircraft or self-drive, this high-end camp is tucked away in the private Palmwag concession, adjacent to the Skeleton Coast National Park. Constructed in 2014, the accommodation has a distinctly contemporary feel, and is situated close to the Hoanib River amidst a stunning landscape of contrasts comprising rugged mountains, gravel plains, and impressive sand dunes. Belying its frequently arid appearance, the riverbed supports a surprising diversity of bird and wildlife, including desert-adapted elephant and lion, plus giraffe, springbok, kudu, ostrich, brown hyena, and the elusive leopard. Hoanib is a fantastic upmarket option for any traveller wishing to experience the distinctive wildlife and isolated wilderness for which Namibia is renowned.

The main areas in camp comprise a spacious tented lounge and bar area featuring neutral décor and stylish, contemporary furnishings. Meals are served in the large dining room or alfresco, overlooking the Namib Desert, and both individual tables and communal dining can be accommodated. There is a modest swimming pool with loungers, and a campfire area where guests can relax with sundowners. An outside lounge area offers comfortable sofas and breath-taking views of the valley. The camp operates fully on solar power, and pursues an eco-friendly ethos. Internet access is available in the main area.

Activities include half and full day game drives with knowledgeable guides, nature walks, day trips to desert oases, and fly/drive excursions to the Skeleton Coast, famed for its colonies of Cape fur seals, and dramatic rocky coastline, littered with remains of shipwrecks. Guests also have the opportunity to meet wildlife researchers from the Hoanib Research Centre when they are in camp, and learn about their studies on the desert-adapted lion.

Accommodation consists of seven spacious, contemporary style tents, and one family unit. Each tent has either double or twin beds with bedside tables and reading lamps, plus clothes storage, and safe. All units have an ensuite bathroom with twin washbasins, toilet and shower. Outside is a private, shaded wooden veranda with comfortable seating and stunning views.

The camp welcomes children over 12 years of age. Families with children age 6 to 11 years may be accommodated, subject to hiring a private safari vehicle, at considerable additional cost. A two bedroom family unit is available, with one double and two single beds, plus two bathrooms and a lounge area. Note that the camp is not fenced, and adult supervision is therefore required at all times.

Suggested Itineraries for Hoanib Skeleton Coast

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 536 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • Trip was great and all the arrangements were excellent so thank you for all the help!

    Drivers and transfers were all good - on time and very good service on each trip.

    Accommodation was lovely - Douar Samra was amazing (weather could have been better but lovely regardless). Riad in Marrakesh was also great!

    All in all a great trip and we loved the variety of the mountains, Marrakesh and the coast.

    Thanks you once again!

    MissingHardeep S reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 15 April 2024

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

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