Reviews of Hoanib Skeleton Camp

"This was the other of our top two locations and experiences. This is a very luxurious lodge in a spectacular setting with every facility except A/C, which is acceptable and understandable given the remote location and the all solar power supply. Also the best run of all the lodges we stayed at with a very varied programme of drives.

We were blessed with an excellent guide, Ben, and again had a very companionable couple from Belgium in the vehicle with us. Most of the driving is done in the river bed of the Hoanib river, dry at this season but which last rainy season had been in full flood for several months due to heavy rains many miles in to the interior. The evidence of the flood were everywhere: uprooted trees, crumbling banks, but it was hard to imagine so much water in an area now so arid.

Key species here are desert elephant and desert lion and we saw a total of 12 elephant and four lion, which is about as good as it gets. Both are small and the lion more scrawny than their identical fellows in non desert areas, and the behaviour of the elephant much more restrained than their fellows elsewhere. They walked more slowly, went to a waterhole and had a drink, no playfulness, before moving slowly on to pull down some tree branches to eat. Ben found the lion for us after very skilful tracking which in itself was exciting, given that there are so few in the area. He also magnificently tracked a snake for us and found a puff adder under a bush lying in wait for prey.

The other highlight of the lodge is a drive to the coast, about 60kms and three hours away to the west where there are seal colonies. The drive itself was splendid, with lots of flowers in some areas. and the rocky and sandy coastline was a treat. Elegant picnic lunch on the beach. The journey ends with a 15 minute flight back to camp.

I would unhesitatingly recommend this place." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"Great location. Excellent wildlife sightings. Excellent guiding by Joas who had a good eye for the right angles for photos and for predicting where animals would move to. Great trip to Skeleton Coast. Helpful staff.

Rooms are particularly spectacular here.

Saw a wildcat and lots of jackals." See all these reviews: 11n in Botswana; 7n in Namibia

"My husband and I had a fantastic time at this chic, remote camp, which blends perfectly with the surrounding rugged terrain. Being able to encounter animals thriving in such a harsh environment was truly fascinating! Our guide Michael was very engaging and knowledgeable and shared a wealth of information about the area and various animal adaptations; he truly made our experience so memorable, particularly the drive out to the Skeleton Coast! We actually preferred the drive over the flight back given the ability to better appreciate the changing landscapes.

As for the camp, the staff are incredibly friendly and accommodating. The main lodge is comfortable and inviting, with an ice cold pool offering relief during the hot afternoons. The tents are spacious, powered by solar, and smartly appointed. The only downside was the lack of air conditioning, which made lounging in the room during the afternoon as well as sleeping a challenge; it took very long for the room temperature to drop at night and opening the windows was not an option given small holes in the screen, which allowed a considerable number of bugs to enter. (And we traveled in winter; I cannot imagine visiting in summer!) That said, our only suggestion is to include air conditioning units (similar to those at Little Kulala), or at least address the holes in the screens to allow ventilation at night without inviting bugs in the room.

Overall though, we loved the camp and would highly recommend!" See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia

"Wonderfully remote location in the Hoanib valley, accessible only by light aircraft. The camp is very stylish, a sort of Bedouin / Scandinavian chic , comfortable and spacious . The staff were outstanding, nothing too much trouble. They work as a team, from laundry worker and waitress to management, and on one memorable occasion clearly enjoyed dancing and singing together for our entertainment.

We came to immerse ourselves in a desert landscape and environment but were very surprised to see so many different types of wild life , in addition to desert adapted elephants . A photographer's dream . Even spotted a Caracal. The full day excursion to the Skeleton Coast, where we saw a seal colony being watched over by a hyena and a couple of jackals, is a must.

Our guide throughout our stay, Joas, was great company, having great social and professional skills." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"This was my favorite camp of the trip.

Beautiful rooms, superb location, great meals. Staff was wonderful.

Really enjoyed the day trip to the coast, lunch at the beach and then the flight back." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"We felt we were on the moon, landscape spectacular. Very clean and comfortable accommodation, food excellent and staff very pleasant and helpful.

Really good guide and enjoyed our safari trips, especially the one down to the Atlantic coast where we had lunch on the beach.

Lots of elephants, giraffe, oryx etc. No lions as not in the area.

Loved it." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia

"Loved the whole experience.

We set off on the 4 hour safari with trepidation due to the the length of time but absolutely loved the trip with the diversity of the land and the wildlife seen. Very special.

Having come from a Wilderness Camp we were disappointed to be eating the same menu as the last camp." See all these reviews: 7n in Namibia

"The landscape is stark, but the lodge and rooms are far from that. This is the most striking Wilderness Safaris camp we have stayed at. The camp design is other worldly and accommodations luxurious. Rooms are very large and comfortable with views over a wide valley. En-suite bathroom includes double sinks, large open shower and separate toilet. Each "tent" includes a large, raised, covered stating area that includes a sofa, table and chairs and an outdoor refrigerator.

A highlight of this trip is a drive along the Hoanib River bed to the Skeleton Coast. The landscape changes constantly during the several-hour drive. The ocean along the skeleton coast is spectacular. I could have done without the stinky visit to the fur seal colony.

Evening and morning game drives along the Hoanib River bed were really beautiful and we saw many more animals than we expected. We saw all three of the resident elephant families, many oryx, a large tower of giraffe (that happened to amble by during one sundowner) and steenbok. We also enjoyed a presentation by a local brown hyena researcher. This camp has so much to offer." See all these reviews: 19n in Namibia

"Very luxurious.

Modern and well appointed.

Good food and varied activities." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is stylish and luxurious but in my opinion lacked the atmosphere and hosting of the smaller bush camps.

However the location is wonderful and the activities really gave an insight into the arid, harsh landscape.

The day trip to the coast was excellent. It was amazing to see so much wildlife in such an environment." See all these reviews: 16n in Namibia