Huab Under Canvas: Our full report

Huab Under Canvas is an exclusive semi-permanent tented camp located in the Huab Conservancy of Namibia’s Damaraland.

This is a remote and unique area, in which visitors are able to track black rhino and elephant, avoiding the often congested Twyfelfontein area. This seasonal camp focuses on a no-frills wilderness experience, with an emphasis on great guiding.

Please note that Huab under Canvas has now closed as a result of mining activity in the area. For alternative options in the area, please look at Camp Doros or Onduli Ridge.

No one from Expert Africa has visited Huab Under Canvas yet, but we are planning to do so as soon as possible. However, we have long known the experienced team behind this new camp and we expect to find a well run operation, with a focus on creating an unforgettable experience.

We understand that the camp is nestled in a mopane forest on the banks of the ephemeral Huab River. The camp has eight tents, each furnished with twin beds, a bedside table and an armoire for storage. The en-suite bathroom has a flushing toilet, washbasin and a bucket shower; towels and toiletries are complimentary. Additional blankets and hot water bottles are available on request for the cool winter nights. Alongside the tents is a patio, with comfortable chairs where you can relax and unwind.

The camp aims to have as low an environmental impact as possible, using solar power and low impact building techniques to achieve this. Where possible, they use local produce for guest's meals.

Activities at Huab under Canvas focuses on tracking rhino. The camp employs 'Rhino Rangers', and equips them with mountain bikes - their role is to help protect the resident rhino and assist in tracking them for guests. Other activities on offer from the camp include drives in search of desert elephants, nature walks, trips to see local Bushman rock art or a Himba cultural visit.

Its new sister camp Sossus Under Canvas is due to open in April 2018 and will be located in the Namib Naukluft National Park.

Our view

We pride ourselves in keeping up to date with as many as possible of Namibia's camps, new and old, in order to give you an impartial opinion based on personal experience. While we haven't yet had a chance to visit Huab Under Canvas, we expect it to be a very exclusive and authentic option for your safari holiday. It should be an ideal base for black rhino or elephant tracking. Once one of our team has visited, we’ll post more details here.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: 2-3 nights
Directions: The camp is only accessible with an Ultimate Guide
Accessible by

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Full Board & Activities
Drinks included: Drinks are included, excluding premium and imported brands.

Special interests

Private villas & houses: Booked on an exclusive basis as part of your safari staying at Huab under Canvas is the ultimate way to explore Damaraland and enjoy additional flexibility and privacy on your Namibian holiday.; See ideas for Private villas & houses

Children

Attitude towards children

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Huab Under Canvas

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Huab Under Canvas have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.