Hoanib Skeleton Coast Namibia
Hoanib Skeleton Coast
Northern Palmwag Concession,
bordering the Skeleton Coast National Park
Namibia
https://wilderness-safaris.com/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Wilderness Safaris
Shareholders
Listed on the Stock Exchange
Date of Creation
2014
Hotel Positioning
Exclusive Luxury Tented Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast
History & Story
In a remote area of the Kaokoveld, with gravel-strewn plains and dry riverbeds that draw fascinating wildlife, lies Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp. Game drives explore this isolated area, moving along the riverbed’s narrow ribbon of vegetation, where a surprising wealth of desert-adapted animals can be found; in camp the research centre provides even more insights. The unforgiving Skeleton Coast, with its shipwreck remains and noisy colonies of Cape fur seals, is accessed either by a fascinating drive or scenic flight, depending on the weather.
Eight large en-suite tents (including one family tent) and the main area and pool look out over a wide, rugged valley that slopes down to the almost-always dry Hoanib River.
Main Strengths, Special Touch
• Dry riverbed yields good desert adapted game: from elephant tooccasional lion and brown hyaena
• Access to Skeleton Coast with its hugeCape fur seal colony and shipwreck remains
• Insights into the area and its wildlife atthe Research Centre
Location
Hoanib Skeleton Coast is in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld, straddling the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park. The camp is scenically located in a broad valley near the confluence of two tributaries of the Hoanib River in the northern Palmwag Concession.
The area is inhabited by wildlife that has adapted superbly to its environs. One of the greatest concentrations of desert-adapted elephant can be found along with Hartmann’s zebra, gemsbok (oryx), giraffe, springbok, and even lion and brown hyaena. Trips to the Skeleton Coast also reveal Cape fur seal colonies and other coastal life.
Key sites/activities in the area
• Coastal Excursion: included in the rate and available to all guests staying for 3 nights or more. This extended excursion includes the Klein Oasis Spring, dune drives, visit to seal colonies, exploring the coastline, viewing shipwreck remains plus a picnic lunch. After exploring the coast followed by a picnic lunch, fly back to the camp.
• Presentations from, and interaction with, wildlife researchers when they are in camp conducted in the research centre. (research participation subject to availability of researcher)
• Morning or afternoon nature drives include the Hoanib Riverbed and floodplains within our allocated concession area.
• Guided nature walks (seasonal and subject to the availability of a qualified walking guide).
• Pre-dinner and fireside discussions by staff on research being conducted in the area.
• Star-gazing with a laser pointer.
• Day Excursions to Muborib Springs and North & Eastern Hoanib Area (subject to availability of vehicle and guide)
Fun Facts
Purpose: This camp is fully solar powered, is a joint venture with the neighbouring Conservancies of Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein, and hosts researchers committed to conserving desert-adapted lion, brown hyaena and more.
Children’s Corner
• Children of 06 years and older are accommodated.
• For families travelling with children between 06 and 12 years, private activities need to be booked and paid for.
• Children between 06 and 16 years must share with an adult/s in the same tent.
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 8 units in total comprising:
• 7 twin-bedded units with two three quarter beds
• 1 family unit consisting of 2 tents, each with their own en-suite facilities (main bedroom with two three quarter beds which can be converted into king-size bed on request, the second bedroom with two three quarter beds).
Mattress converters are available that transforms twin beds into king-size beds. To be arranged prior to arrival.
Plus guide/pilot/tour leader accommodation comprising:
• 2 Double occupancy tents with shared en-suite facilities – four beds in total (not of the same standard as a guest tent).
TENT DESCRIPTION
• Stylish well-insulated accommodation with free flow stretch canvas roofing and on a floating cement foundation on stilts, linked with sandy pathways on the ground. En-suite facilities with separate toilet, writing desk and chair, easy chairs and ottoman, luggage rack, electronic safe, and tea and coffee making facilities.
• Private viewing deck with shaded outdoor lounge area with mini-bar.
• No air-conditioning, however, a pedestal fan is provided in all the tents.
• Amenities include: bathrobes, liquid soap, body wash, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, room spray, insect repellents, tissues dispenser, and laundry basket are supplied in each tent. Available on request: washing powder (for smalls), sewing kit, shower caps, cotton tip swabs and cotton balls.
Restaurants & Bars
Fully Inclusive offering
• Low-impact design sensitive to the fragile desert environment. Outdoorlounge, dining and bar areas undercanvas and on a floatingconcretefoundation on stilts.
• Waterhole in front of camp.
• Research centre for talks and presentations.
• Camp fire.
Wellness
Pool in main area
Extra Notable Features
At the Hoanib Research Centre, presentations by, and interactions with, wildlife researchers are possible when they are in camp. These cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work conducted by Dr Philip Stander and his team studying the unique desert-adapted lion.
Skeleton Coast Excursion: On a stay of three or more nights, full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. The fascinating 4×4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals huge Cape fur seal colonies and shipwreck remains. Weather-dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.
Hotel and restaurant Awards
• January 2017 – Eco-Awards Namibia lists Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp as a Responsible Tourism Award finalist
• May 2016 – ‘Vanishing Kings – Lions of the Namib’ filmed at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is shortlisted for a LE Miami REBEL Award
• May 2015 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp listed in UK Condé Nast Traveller’s 2015 Hot List
• April 2015 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp included in US Condé Nast Traveler’s 2015 Hot List
• April 2015 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp wins Silver African Responsible Tourism Award
• February 2015 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp listed in the US Travel + Leisure It List
• November 2014 – Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp wins Tatler Travel Award
Number of employees
N/A