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Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp
Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp


19°22’27.0"S 13°9’0.8"E

About Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

Opened in August 2014, Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is a beautiful camp in a very remote location of northern ...

... Damaraland, about 1km outside the boundary of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Built in a private concession, or reserve, close to the ephemeral Hoanib River, it is surrounded by gravel plains, mountains and large yellow sand dunes. It is viewed as a successor to the Skeleton Coast Camp, which closed a few years ago.

Hoanib isn’t for the budget conscious, but we think that the truly remote location, the chance to spend time in the Skeleton Coast National Park, and a scattering of really interesting desert-adapted wildlife combine to make it worth the money. Come for these rather than for the camp itself, no matter how stylish. But don’t expect a parade of animals – this is a tough environment in which to eke out an existence.

Accommodation
8 suites
Children
Best for 12+
Open
All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Night drive

Night drive

Private activities

Private activities

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp: Full Report

Safaris visiting Hoanib Skeleton Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari

9 days • 4 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Explore Namibia’s remotest wildernesses while staying at some of the most exclusive luxury camps in the country. This epic fly-in safari will deliver otherworldly landscapes, fascinating wildlife and genuine cultural experiences.

Visiting Damaraland, Skeleton Coast and 1 other area

US$10,750 - US$16,390 per person

Read more about the Ruppell's Korhaan Fly-in Safari

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Traveller reviews of Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp

43 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


100%
43 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
42
Good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Mr & Mrs HfromGuernsey

Arrived 28 Jan 2025, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"This was our favourite camp. It felt remote, but quite luxurious. …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Paul and JofromBath

Arrived 17 Sep 2024, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

Overall rating: Excellent

S FamilyfromCardiff

Arrived 26 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"Our stay in this camp was the highlight of our trip. …" Read S Family’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs HfromCambridge

Arrived 28 Apr 2024, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"impeccable... camp design; gorgeous staff; Excellent day trip to the coast …" Read Mr & Mrs H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs BfromChiswick

Arrived 16 Apr 2024, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

" see animals coming to a waterhole from our bed! - very luxurious, .. ship wreck …" Read Mr and Mrs B’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

RMN and ATfromLondon

Arrived 29 Oct 2022, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"This is a very luxurious lodge in a spectacular setting …" Read RMN and AT’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs & Mr PfromEssex

Arrived 14 Jul 2022, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review Luxury camp"

"Great location. Excellent wildlife sightings. Rooms are particularly spectacular …" Read Mrs & Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Ms & Mr PfromUSA

Arrived 30 May 2022, 3 nights

"Chic, Remote Camp"

"to encounter animals thriving in such a harsh environment was truly fascinating! …" Read Ms & Mr P’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs VfromYork

Arrived 27 May 2022, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"Wonderfully remote location, stylish, different types of wild life even Caracal …" Read Mr & Mrs V’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr KfromNew York

Arrived 29 Aug 2021, 3 nights

"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"

"my favorite camp of the trip - Beautiful rooms - superb location - great meals …" Read Mr K’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp reviews

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Hoanib Skeleton Camp

Click an animal to see our traveller's success in sighting them.
How we work this out.


Giraffe

100% success

Oryx

100% success

Elephant

90% success

Lion

87% success

Brown Hyena

36% success

Zebra

27% success

Wildebeest

17% success

Cheetah

10% success

Meerkat

9% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Hoanib Skeleton Camp.


When to go to Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Hoanib Skeleton Camp in Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in January

The Skeleton Coast experiences its rainy season in January, though precipitation remains sparse in this desert environment. The Ugab River and other ephemeral rivers may briefly come to life, creating a spectacle in the usually arid landscape. Despite the rain, temperatures can still reach around 30°C/86°F.

The greening landscape makes a refreshing change, especially in desert dune seas. Migrant species arrive in force, making it an excellent time for birdwatching along the coast and in areas like the Swakop River. In the northern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park, where rains are more reliable, desert animals look healthy, with shiny coats, due to the abundance of food.

  • Variable weather with fog common along coast
  • Cape fur seal pups growing rapidly at colonies
  • Wildlife looking well fed, with shiny coats
  • Few tourists, low rates at lodges and camps
  • Occasional thunderstorms inland from the coast

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in February

February is typically the wettest month on the Skeleton Coast, though rainfall remains patchy. The central highlands near the park's eastern border and the Kunene River region can see heavier rain. Some February days are clear and hot, while others are cooler with building clouds, sometimes culminating in short, spectacular thunderstorms. These storms can generate flash floods in the park's ephemeral rivers, bringing them dramatically to life.

The landscape feels green and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily seen. Many birds and animals in the Skeleton Coast National Park are raising their young during this time. However, the formation of small pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it challenging to spot larger wildlife as they disperse with easy to access water, especially in the northern sections of the park.

  • Coastal fog persists, creating eerie atmosphere
  • Seal colonies bustling with activity
  • Desert-adapted wildlife more dispersed
  • Low tourist numbers, great deals available
  • Possible inland thunderstorms, coast stays dry

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in March

March usually sees the Skeleton Coast's main rains tailing off, though precipitation varies across the park. Many days are clear with strong sun, while others may end with short, spectacular thunderstorms, particularly in the inland areas. These storms reduce in frequency as the month progresses.

The landscape often appears vivid and green, especially around the Ugab and Hoanib rivers. Many birds and animals are finishing raising their young, so smaller animals and insects are in evidence. In the northern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park, where rains are generally heavier, pools in the bush and thicker vegetation can make it difficult to spot larger animals. However, this is an excellent time to observe desert-adapted wildlife thriving in the temporarily lush environment.

  • Weather becoming more stable along coast
  • Seal pups learning to swim at Cape Cross
  • Animals well-fed after inland rainy season
  • Wildlife harder to spot in expansive desert
  • Few tourists, ideal for solitude seekers

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in April

April typically brings dry weather to the Skeleton Coast, with an ever-decreasing chance of rain. Temperatures fall below their summer peak but remain pleasant and warm during the day. Nights might have a slight chill, especially in desert areas. The rains usually leave many parts of the park verdant and green, so animals are in fantastic condition, often with fast-growing young in attendance.

With less dust in the atmosphere, photographers can capture clear shots of spectacular landscapes and healthy animals. Stargazing becomes increasingly rewarding as the month progresses. In the northern sections of the Skeleton Coast National Park, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding big game can be trickier than later in the year. However, this is an excellent time for observing a wide variety of wildlife.

  • Cooler nights, pleasant daytime temperatures
  • Migrant birds begin departing the coast
  • Desert flora starting to dry out inland
  • Easter brings slight increase in visitors
  • Clear conditions for sharp photographs

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in May

By May, the Skeleton Coast is usually drying out fast. If the rains have been good, the land remains green, but wildlife starts to congregate at more permanent water sources like the Hoanib and Uniab rivers. Typical days are warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are usually cool, with temperatures potentially dipping below 10°C/50°F overnight, especially in desert areas.

The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography of the park's dramatic landscapes. Many lodges still charge low season prices, although some have started to introduce higher shoulder season rates. May's good-value rates, increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear air combine to make this one of the best months to visit the Skeleton Coast.

  • Mild days, cool nights ideal for exploration
  • Excellent clarity for coastal photography
  • Wildlife starting to congregate near water
  • Lodges still offer good rates
  • Great sea kayaking as seal pups take to water

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in June

June brings dry conditions to the Skeleton Coast. Skies are blue and usually largely cloudless. Days are lovely, warm, and dry; nights are cold, sometimes below freezing in desert areas. Most swimming pools at lodges are outdoors and too cold for all except the very dedicated. Warm clothing is essential for early morning and late evening nature drives.

In the northern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park, wildlife viewing enters its dry-season pattern, focusing around water sources. Photographers come to the area for the superb air clarity, with minimal dust or smoke. The Cape Cross Seal Colony becomes increasingly active as the young seals join parents on fishing trips. Historically, June rates have been low, but with increasing popularity, many lodges now count it amongst their high-season months.

  • Clear, bright days with cold nights
  • Prime time for scenic flights over coastline
  • Wildlife gravitating to scarce water sources
  • Most lodges move to high season rates
  • Fishing season kicks off with great catch opportunities

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in July

July brings usually warm daytime temperatures upwards of 20°C/68°F to the Skeleton Coast, along with good sightings of desert-adapted wildlife such as elephants, giraffe, oryx, jackals and perhaps even lion. Watching elephants climb hillside dunes is often a highlight! Rain is very unusual, and clear skies make for great photographs of the stark desert landscapes.

Once the sun sets, temperatures cool rapidly, bringing cold nights that may dip below freezing in desert areas. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for cold early-morning and late-afternoon drives. Across the park, lodges charge high season rates; many are fully booked a year or more in advance, especially during European school holidays from the latter half of July to late August.

  • Dry days, cold nights perfect for stargazing
  • Whale watching season begins off the coast
  • Excellent time to view desert wildlife
  • Peak season rates at coastal accommodation options
  • Cool temperatures for nature walks

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in August

August marks the height of winter on the Skeleton Coast. Expect cloudless skies and plenty of warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas. Visitors should dress in layers and bring warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings. It's usually been 3-4 months since any significant rain, so the land is dry with only specialist desert plants standing out in their greenery. Many landscapes appear sparse and harsh, showcasing the raw beauty of the Skeleton Coast. Desert-adapted wildlife stays close to available water sources, helping to guarantee good animal sightings, particularly in the northern part of the park.

August is the most popular time to visit, especially for families. Advance booking is essential, often over a year in advance, for stays at the best lodges within the Skeleton Coast National Park.

  • Clear skies, cold nights, warm days
  • Marine mammals often seen on boat cruises
  • Wildlife concentrated close to water points
  • Busier season, advanced bookings recommended
  • Ideal conditions for coastal adventure activities

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in September

September brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic desert-adapted wildlife viewing to the Skeleton Coast. Rain is almost unheard of during this month. As September progresses, both days and nights get warmer. In some areas, daily maximums can reach the low 30s Celsius / mid 80s Fahrenheit, although low humidity ensures this feels comfortable.

The air becomes dustier, occasionally augmented by smoke from distant fires, creating a hazy atmosphere that can challenge photographers - though atmospheric sunsets are a delight. In the Skeleton Coast National Park, animals stay close to remaining water sources, making September one of the best months for viewing desert animals such as elephants, oryx and even lion. Consequently, September is one of the Skeleton Coast's most popular months for visitors. Seeing how remote communities exist in this barren setting is often a highlight.

  • Quickly warming temperatures, still clear skies
  • Fascinating insights to Himba communities
  • Fantastic desert wildlife viewing in river valleys
  • High season rates, lodges often fully booked
  • Occasionally dusty skies create spectacular sunsets

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in October

October is usually the hottest and driest month on the Skeleton Coast. Temperatures build as the month progresses; towards the end, daily highs may exceed 40°C/104°F, though the low humidity makes even this heat bearable. In exceptional years, isolated rain showers may fall in late October. More usually, the end of the dry season sees wildlife watching at its best, particularly in the northern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park. Sightings of unusual species such as brown hyena and desert lion become more regular as the animals have limited water sources.

October is popular among landscape and unique wildlife enthusiasts and commands peak-season prices, even if dust and smoke may make the air hazy, challenging photographers. Visitor numbers can fade towards the end of the month, allowing a window for last-minute bookings at some lodges.

  • Hot, dry conditions prevail along coast
  • Marine wildlife abundant in coastal waters
  • Exceptional desert game viewing in Hoanib area
  • Still peak visitor time, book accommodations early
  • Dining under stars on balmy nights in the desert is special

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in November

November is unpredictable on the Skeleton Coast; sometimes dry and hot, sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and cloudless, with clouds appearing in the afternoon. Humidity builds and eventually breaks, resulting in spectacular thunderstorms that bring convection rainfall in late afternoons. Such storms are typically sparsely distributed and highly localised, being completely absent from the most arid desert areas. Places that do get good rain, like the Hoanib and Uniab river valleys, flush green with a tangible feeling of new life, softening the harsh landscapes.

Many mammals give birth to their young during this period. Once the rains come, wildlife disperses in search of food, and game viewing in the northern part of the Skeleton Coast National Park becomes more challenging. However, this is a great time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving in breeding plumage.

  • Variable weather as summer approaches
  • Cape fur seals begin breeding season
  • Wildlife dispersing with first inland rains
  • Shoulder season begins, rates become moderate
  • Landscapes transforming with possible rain

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland in December

December is often a drier period between the short and long rainy season. Clear mornings can give way to building clouds and spectacular evening thunderstorms, but often with little to no rain. These storms make for atmospheric skies and an interesting time for photographers. But even relatively short showers enable plant life to erupt, carpeting this thirsty land in green and providing food for the young animals as they grow. Animals disperse widely across the Skeleton Coast National Park, which can make game viewing more challenging than in the dry season. Many birds are breeding and sporting their most colourful plumage.

Christmas and New Year fall within local summer holidays, so accommodations can be surprisingly busy, especially in and around the park's coastal areas where temperatures are cooler.

  • Warmer temperatures, chance of coastal fog
  • Seal breeding season peaks at colonies
  • Desert-adapted wildlife often have young
  • Holiday period brings more visitors to coast
  • Possible inland rains create lush landscapes

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

Namibia fact file

Useful information and advice to help you prepare for a trip including Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp


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.


87% (64 reviews)
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.


79% (38 reviews)
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.


97% (35 reviews)
Schoeman's Skeleton Coast Safaris

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.


99% (29 reviews)
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.


97% (12 reviews)
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


96% (10 reviews)
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.


83% (6 reviews)
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)
Leylandsdrift Camp

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.


100% (1 review)
Kunene River Camp

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.


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)
Kuidas Camp

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.


100% (1 review)

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