Kuidas Camp: Our full report

This camp is only accessible with the Schoeman’s company, Skeleton Coast Safaris. It’s normally used as the first day on one of their trips which also visit Leylandsdrift Camp and Kunene River Camp.

After an exhilarating first day flying over dunes, shipwrecks and seal colonies, and stopping off on a remote beach and at the amazing Ugab formations, you arrive at Kuidas Camp (usually the first nights stop on our Skeleton Coast safari).

Situated in southern Damaraland, in the Huab River Valley, Kuidas Camp nestles in the reed-beds that line this ephemeral river. From here you can sit back with an afternoon sundowner drink overlooking the desert gravel plains and mountains that sum up classic Damaraland scenery.

The camp is very simply designed but is comfortable and well equipped. Its small central area, constructed out of local wood and reeds, is covered, but open at the front, to enable you to admire the wonderful views. This is where all meals are served, at large rustic wooden tables with safari chairs, lit at night by paraffin lamp and with a warming evening fire. There's also a small 'bush bar' where you can help yourself to a choice of drinks.

They have a powerful, digital tracking telescope here and on our last moonless visit here we clearly saw Venus, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter, beautiful cluster stars and a plethora of other night sights.

Through a narrow walkway cut into the reeds you get to the tents and communal facilities. Each of the dome tents is enclosed by reed walls and has a thatched reed roof. They have twin beds with neutral-coloured bedding, between which is a table with vanity mirror. There is a chemical loo at the bottom of one of the beds so that it isn't necessary to go outside of your tent to use the main toilet at night. Bottled water and tissues are provided as well as a large battery powered lamp. Housed in the same structure you have an en suite bucket shower with hot water provided on request. In front is a small area with a stone table and two director's chairs where you can sit quietly taking in the surroundings. A bowl is placed on the table for washing your hands and face; again hot water is provided on request. Shampoo/shower gel, insect-repellant cream and towels are provided.

There are two main flush toilets with hand basins in the camp, shared between the visitors.

Excursions around this camp usually include a short walk up the sandstone hill behind the camp. There is evidence of bushmen having lived in the area and there are some ancient rock engravings hidden between the rocks within easy walking distance of the camp.

You will also spend some time exploring the bed of the Huab River in a 4x4; optional roof seats offer a panoramic view of the surroundings. Here there are a number of springs that help to support the animals and birds in this area and on our last visit, amongst others, we saw Egyptian geese, hamerkop, red-billed francolin, pale-winged starling, mountain wheatear (chat) and a nesting pair of Abdim's stork. There are also some interesting geological features to learn about.

On the second day of your Skeleton Coast safari, visitors will usually have lunch here before departing from Kuidas Camp for Leylandsdrift Camp.

Our view

Kuidas Camp is a simple camp, however the Skeleton Coast safari is very much about the guiding and experience than the camps you stay at.

Geographics

Location: Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia

Ideal length of stay: A standard safari usually only has one night here.

Directions: By light aircraft only

Key personnel

Owner: Schoeman family

Staff: A member of the Schoeman family usually acts as your guide.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board

Food quality: The quality of meals on our last visit to Kuidas Camp was very good and accompanied by some good wine.
Breakfast is a buffet with a choice of cereal, freshly baked bread with meats, cheese and spreads , yoghurts and mielie pap (maize porridge).
Lunch is a good selection of cold salad dishes and dinner when we were last there was a great chicken curry with rice, broad beans and salad. (a vegetarian option was also available).

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Outdoor Dining

Cost of meal e.g. lunch: Included

Drinks included: All drinks included except for premium brand and imported wines and spirits.

Special interests

Birdwatching: On the journey up to Kuidas Camp you will get the chance to see a variety of birds living in vastly different environments. You will fly over flocks of brightly coloured flamingoes and see coastal, desert and mountain species from ground level as well.

See more ideas for Birdwatching in Namibia

Photographic: The nature of the fly-in safari lends beautifully to photography. You can get birds eye views of some truly dramatic landscapes from the air and, when on the ground you can photograph geological features, fauna and flora, such as the Welwitschia Mirabalis around Kuidas Camp.

See more ideas for Photographic in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: The Schoemans have a very good attitude towards children.

Generally recommended for children: Yes - if they are happy to fly in light aircraft. We would probably not recommend this trip for very young children as it is quite tiring and involves a lot of activities and flying.

Notes: Ages need to be notified in advance in order for the Schoemans to make any necessary arrangements.

Central communications

Power supply: None

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: Medi-rescue available. Doctors are available in towns nearest to camps.

Dangerous animals: Low Risk

Extras

Disabled access: Not Possible

Laundry facilities: Your stay in camp it not really long enough to do laundry, but it can be done if urgent.