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Kuidas Camp
Kuidas Camp
Kuidas Camp

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.

Tom Morris

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location
Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
A standard safari usually only has one night here.
Directions
By light aircraft only
Accessible by
Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
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
Drinks included
All drinks included except for premium brand and imported wines and spirits.

Special interests

Photography holidays
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 ideas for Photography holidays

Children

Attitude towards children
The Schoemans have a very good attitude towards children.
Property’s age restrictions
There are no age restrictions for this trip.
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.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
Medi-rescue available.
Doctors are available in towns nearest to camps.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Fire safety

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

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.
Accepted payment on location
Cash is only needed for camp staff tips.

Other lodges in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

Alternative places to stay in this same area.


Cape Cross Lodge

Cape Cross Lodge

Right on the Skeleton Coast, between Swakopmund and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge has easy access to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.


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Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Hoanib Skeleton Camp

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is actually situated 42km inland in Kaokoland, this said they offer a superb guided day trip to the coast.


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Terrace Bay

Terrace Bay

Terrace Bay is bleak. However, those that stay here come to experience the remote and inhospitable nature of the Skeleton Coast.


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Serra Cafema

Serra Cafema

The luxurious Serra Cafema is in the most remote corner of Namibia - at the north end of Hartmann's Valley, across the Kunene River from Angola.


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Schoeman's Skeleton Coast Safaris

Skeleton Coast Safaris

Skeleton Coast Safaris is a small, family-run operation that has organized trips here for 20 years.


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Hoanib Valley Camp

Hoanib Valley Camp

The intimate and remote Hoanib Valley Camp offers a rare chance to explore this dramatic corner of Namibia and to search for its sparse desert-adapted wildlife.


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Skeleton Coast Shipwreck Lodge

Shipwreck Lodge

The only property on this desolate stretch of coastline, the extraordinary Shipwreck Lodge opens up a new section of the Skeleton Coast National Park


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Opuwo Country Lodge

Opuwo Country Lodge

Opuwo Country Hotel provides comfortable accommodation is well situated for a night's stop before travelling into remote parts of Kaokoland.


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Epupa Camp

Epupa Camp

Epupa Camp is a welcoming oasis set on the palm-fringed banks of the Kunene River in north-west Namibia and close to Epupa Falls.


87% (3 reviews)
Kunene River Camp

Kunene River Camp

Used exclusively on Schoeman's Skeleton Coast Safaris, Kunene River Camp occupies a pretty location on the banks of the Kunene River.


100% (1 review)
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge

Okahirongo Ele. Lodge

Tucked away in Namibia's far northwest Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers luxurious chalets, with stunning views and plenty of activities.


80% (1 review)
Leylandsdrift Camp

Leylandsdrift Camp

Used exclusively on the Schoeman's skeleton cost safaris, Leylandsdrift Camp is a great place to track desert elephant.


100% (1 review)

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