Reviews of Serra Cafema
Wildlife sightings and reviews
36 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Serra Cafema and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
Wildlife sightings by our travellers
Starting in Oct-2018, 4 of our travellers have recorded their wildlife sightings at Serra Cafema.
Leopard
0% success
Cheetah
0% success
Oryx
75% success
Brown Hyena
0% success
Elephant
0% success
Giraffe
0% success
Meerkat
0% success
Spotted Hyena
0% success
Mr P&Mrs L
Derbyshire
"V interesting visit to Himba village"
2 nights Arrived 11 Sep 2017
"Spectacular location and welcome contrast to the desert regions. Views down the river and birdlife were a very positive aspect. The camp staff were particularly friendly and interesting to talk to.
I found the Himba village visit fascinating and a far more authentic experience than the Damara "Living Museum", especially since I was the only visitor, along with my guide, and the lingering low cloud meant that the cattle had not yet been taken to pasture." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
I found the Himba village visit fascinating and a far more authentic experience than the Damara "Living Museum", especially since I was the only visitor, along with my guide, and the lingering low cloud meant that the cattle had not yet been taken to pasture." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Good
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Good
Mr & Mrs S
Surrey
"Serra Cafema review"
4 nights Arrived 28 Jun 2017
"A beautiful remote location, again we had a great guide for the 4 days we were there.
However, the management was a bit hit and miss and we were never quite sure who was actually in charge.
There was also an issue with the hot water in the shower, pretty much showered in tepid water every day." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
However, the management was a bit hit and miss and we were never quite sure who was actually in charge.
There was also an issue with the hot water in the shower, pretty much showered in tepid water every day." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Good
N & R
Essex
"Serra Cafema review"
3 nights Arrived 25 Apr 2017
"Again a disappointing guide. All staff we spoke to at the various Wilderness Camps said what a wonderful employer they were So for all three guides to be not very good was surprising. Our experience of there camps previously was in Botswana where we had fantastic guide so it was really disappointing. I realize that a lot of what we were doing was about the scenery but there is still lots of other things that could have been pointed out and explained.
The visit to the village where you are expected to buy stuff is just not our cup of tea.
Again a couple of lovely surprise lunch locations." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
The visit to the village where you are expected to buy stuff is just not our cup of tea.
Again a couple of lovely surprise lunch locations." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr & Mss
Brussels
"Serra Cafema stay"
2 nights Arrived 14 Nov 2016
"Excellent experience.
Good service level, excellent guide (Darius)." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
Good service level, excellent guide (Darius)." See all these reviews: 6n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Good
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Good
Activities:
Good
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Mr Y & Mr T
San Fran
"Remote! Remote! Remote!"
3 nights Arrived 4 Jul 2016
"Though Serra Cafema is the oldest of the three Wilderness properties we visited, we liked the interior layout and design of its suites the best. Our suite's lounging areas (both interior and exterior) were spacious and comfortable and were smartly separating from the sleeping, dressing and bathing spaces. We understand, however, that Serra Cafema will undergo major renovations and perhaps relocation in a few months, so we will not dwell on its current features.
Activities-wise, we loved every moment of our Himba Village visit (our outstanding guide Timo is from a nearby Himba community and offered us unique personal insights); river cruise; and ATV adventures. Michael and Elroy were outstanding hosts. As well, deWald (who heads Wilderness Safari's Food and Beverage operations in Namibia) was on assignment at Serra Cafema, and we had the pleasure of learning first-hand the immense challenges of provisioning and preparing healthy, varied, and delicious meals in some of the world's most remote locations." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Rwanda
Activities-wise, we loved every moment of our Himba Village visit (our outstanding guide Timo is from a nearby Himba community and offered us unique personal insights); river cruise; and ATV adventures. Michael and Elroy were outstanding hosts. As well, deWald (who heads Wilderness Safari's Food and Beverage operations in Namibia) was on assignment at Serra Cafema, and we had the pleasure of learning first-hand the immense challenges of provisioning and preparing healthy, varied, and delicious meals in some of the world's most remote locations." See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia; 3n in Rwanda
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs L & Mr G
USA
"Remote Epic Serra Cafema"
2 nights Arrived 12 Jun 2016
"The drive from the airstrip through the Hartmann Valley to Serra Cafema is "epically" and spectacularly African! Arrival at the camp is equally as impressive - set alongside the Kunene River in amongst the reeds. This is truly a place to just be - at one with Namibia and with nature. This lodge beckons me back!
Our guide Darius was just brilliant, he was very attentive to our needs and continually amazed us with driving us to vistas better than the previous which we didn't think possible! Taking in the breathtaking landscape whilst having our sundowners on our first night there was the highlight of our Namibian trip! Our boat trip up the along the Kunene river spotting Crocs and having sundowners on the Angolan side of the river was special too.
The staff were very pleasant and accommodating - we were given an upgrade (huge thanks!) and a special, surprise, private lunch right on the river. The tents are very spacious and gorgeous.
The lodge will be undergoing a revamp later this year - can't wait to go back :-)" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Our guide Darius was just brilliant, he was very attentive to our needs and continually amazed us with driving us to vistas better than the previous which we didn't think possible! Taking in the breathtaking landscape whilst having our sundowners on our first night there was the highlight of our Namibian trip! Our boat trip up the along the Kunene river spotting Crocs and having sundowners on the Angolan side of the river was special too.
The staff were very pleasant and accommodating - we were given an upgrade (huge thanks!) and a special, surprise, private lunch right on the river. The tents are very spacious and gorgeous.
The lodge will be undergoing a revamp later this year - can't wait to go back :-)" See all these reviews: 9n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Mrs K
Netherlands
"Unforgettable!!"
2 nights Arrived 9 Jun 2016
"The main reason to go to Serra Cafema was based on my wish to interact with the Himba's in there natrual environment. But it became so much more. To fly in, surrounded by magnificent mountains, where the quide was waiting with something to drink and to eat gave me the first glance how beautiful it would be.
To the remote lodge it takes about 50 minutes. I enoyed every minute of it. With beautiful scenery and the mountains of Angola in the background.
There was a warm and personal welcome when I arrived. My chalet was overwhelming big, beautifully furnished and very clean. Outside a wooden deck with comfortable chairs. And a vieuw over the river! Wow!!! In the evening before diner, somethimes around the pool litted by candellight, I sat at the fireplace, With a drink and some bites. My faverite spot in the main area. The decorations were very stylish.
The food was more then excellent. My complements to the chef!
The excursion to the Himba was excactally what I had hoped for. My guide (a Himba himself) got me on a very respectfully way in contact with them. Before there was a very extensively explenation about there style of life.
The boat excursion and the sundowner on Angolian territory was fun (crocodiles) but not special.
But what a stay!!!!!! What a beautiful remote area with a stunning environment. It is one of the most extra ordinary places I ever have been. It is unforgettable." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
To the remote lodge it takes about 50 minutes. I enoyed every minute of it. With beautiful scenery and the mountains of Angola in the background.
There was a warm and personal welcome when I arrived. My chalet was overwhelming big, beautifully furnished and very clean. Outside a wooden deck with comfortable chairs. And a vieuw over the river! Wow!!! In the evening before diner, somethimes around the pool litted by candellight, I sat at the fireplace, With a drink and some bites. My faverite spot in the main area. The decorations were very stylish.
The food was more then excellent. My complements to the chef!
The excursion to the Himba was excactally what I had hoped for. My guide (a Himba himself) got me on a very respectfully way in contact with them. Before there was a very extensively explenation about there style of life.
The boat excursion and the sundowner on Angolian territory was fun (crocodiles) but not special.
But what a stay!!!!!! What a beautiful remote area with a stunning environment. It is one of the most extra ordinary places I ever have been. It is unforgettable." See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
J&V
Florida
"Beautiful site with extraordinary outings"
2 nights Arrived 27 Apr 2016
"We must rate the experience extraordinary in spite of some management observations or actions that were less than excellent. The general manager & visiting food manager were sometimes less than fully engaged in their interactions with guests. The later seemed much more attentive to pilots staying over than he did to some guests.
Door closing practices in our room (at turndown) were a bit confusing to us but 2 nights we ended up having a gerbil in our room (who would dash under the platform bed). We did not find this particularly disturbing but my husband went for assistance our first night The visiting manager did not appear to be successful but seemed confident we would have no other problems. On night 2 (somewhat cute) Mr. Gerbil was back in our room. We successfully chased him out. By day 3 one of our ceiling fans was not working. Eventually we were told that would require an "outside" service.
Upon our arrival in our next camp we discovered that Mr. Gerbil had made considerable headway into a woven cloth bag with bagged snacks enclosed." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Door closing practices in our room (at turndown) were a bit confusing to us but 2 nights we ended up having a gerbil in our room (who would dash under the platform bed). We did not find this particularly disturbing but my husband went for assistance our first night The visiting manager did not appear to be successful but seemed confident we would have no other problems. On night 2 (somewhat cute) Mr. Gerbil was back in our room. We successfully chased him out. By day 3 one of our ceiling fans was not working. Eventually we were told that would require an "outside" service.
Upon our arrival in our next camp we discovered that Mr. Gerbil had made considerable headway into a woven cloth bag with bagged snacks enclosed." See all these reviews: 12n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Average
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Good
Facilities:
Excellent
Drs B
Pennsylvania
"Perfect!"
3 nights Arrived 21 Jul 2015
"Amazing place in a very isolated location. The staff is fantastic!
Thank you!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Thank you!" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Activities:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
PV
Ireland
"Serra Cafema review"
3 nights Arrived 24 May 2015
"Exquisite remote location
Fabulous guide .
Food superb
Activities thoroughly enjoyable
Marvellous staff" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Fabulous guide .
Food superb
Activities thoroughly enjoyable
Marvellous staff" See all these reviews: 13n in Namibia
Experience Report
Overall Rating:
Excellent
Location:
Excellent
Service:
Excellent
Rooms:
Excellent
Food:
Excellent
Facilities:
Excellent
Holiday styles & special interests in Namibia
From birdwatching breaks to walking holidays, find great ideas for your trip in Namibia.
Other lodges in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland
Alternative places to stay in this same area.
Cape Cross Lodge
Right on the Skeleton Coast, between Swakopmund and Damaraland, Cape Cross Lodge has easy access to Cape Cross Seal Reserve.
Hoanib Skeleton Camp Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is actually situated 42km inland in Kaokoland, this said they offer a superb guided day trip to the coast.
Terrace Bay
Terrace Bay is bleak. However, those that stay here come to experience the remote and inhospitable nature of the Skeleton Coast.
Skeleton Coast Safaris
Skeleton Coast Safaris is a small, family-run operation that has organised inspirational trips to this remote area of Namibia for nearly 50 years.
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.
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
Opuwo Country Lodge
Opuwo Country Hotel provides comfortable accommodation is well situated for a night's stop before travelling into remote parts of Kaokoland.
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.
Leylandsdrift Camp
Used exclusively on the second night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, Leylandsdrift is in a beautiful location and is a good place to track desert-adapted elephants.
Kunene River Camp
Used exclusively on the final night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, the simple Kunene River Camp occupies a dramatic riverside location with some excellent birding.
Okahirongo Elephant Lodge
Tucked away in Namibia's remote north-west, Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers an unexpected level of luxury, with stunning views and plenty of activities.
Kuidas Camp
Usually the first-night stop on a Schoeman Skeleton Coast safari, Kuidas is a very simple camp with stunning views of the Huab River valley.
