Reviews of Hoanib Skeleton Camp
Wildlife sightings and reviews
42 independent comments and wildlife information from our travellers who have visited Hoanib Skeleton Camp and kindly agreed to share their thoughts. They do not necessarily represent the views of Expert Africa
86% success
0% success
0% success
100% success
100% success
89% success
30% success
30% success
20% success
10% success
0% success
0% success
"Fantastic safari to the coast"
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
Giraffe
Multiple sightings
Lion
3 sightings
Oryx
Multiple sightings
"Dry riverbeds, ocean and desert"
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
Giraffe
5 sightings
Oryx
4 sightings
"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"
Modern and well appointed.
Good food and varied activities." See all these reviews: 17n in Namibia
Giraffe
3 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
1 sighting
"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp"
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
Giraffe
6 sightings
Lion
1 sighting
Oryx
8 sightings
"Hoanib was a highlight of our Namibian trip"
Our day trip drive to the coast was amazing as you went along the river bed to the marshes, then the sand dunes with the oasis coming out to the coast with its ship wreck, museum and seal colony. this was followed by a good lunch before a low level flight back to the camp.
The game viewing was far better than expected with desert lion, desert elephant, numerous giraffes (Including two fighting) and lots of jackals made better by having Harunga with us who was a great guide" See all these reviews: 24n in Namibia
Giraffe
10 sightings
Lion
2 sightings
Oryx
10 sightings
Zebra
5 sightings
"Amazing Place"
Breakfast was fine but lunch and dinner were poor comparison with previous lodges we had stayed at.
We were not only ones who felt that way." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Wow! Great experience at Hoanib."
The food was delicious, as we found throughout our visit to Namibia. The only thing we would have liked in hindsight was a mosquito net. The mosquitos were a bit pesky despite the insect repellant and 'Doom' spray, and I got quite badly bitten. That aside we would have loved to have stayed longer." See all these reviews: 18n in Namibia
"Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp review"
The day trip to the coast is well worth.
We also enjoyed that we could go on walks at this camp.
It was very busy and the staff looked a bit stressed." See all these reviews: 15n in Namibia
"The smartest of the camps"
This arose because the couple I had been with chose not to go out on the final afternoon and this, in turn, triggered a sudden, (strategic?) illness in our guide, leaving me to join a newly-arrived couple, without any advance notice. This was the only time in the Wilderness camps that my status as a single traveller left me feeling slightly spare, possibly not unrelated to the fact that the (excellent and very enthusiastic) camp manager and her husband had earlier left, on their leave." See all these reviews: 14n in Namibia
"Amazing 3 days at Hoanib"
We had a wonderful guide here who had just moved from Kulala desert camp, Joas, he was lovely guy to spend a few days with.
The camp still feels very new and pristine, I loved the decor and the spectacular tents, great shower rooms and decks to view the camp water hole.
The atmosphere at this camp is quieter than some, you are seated as couples unless you ask otherwise and don't eat with the guides.
The landscape is extraordinary. The trip to the Skeleton Coast itself is unforgettable, 5 hour drive through constantly changing habitats ( we saw a pair of honey badgers, elephant, giraffe, springbok, a lioness at a distance) and then lunch on what felt like the worlds most desolate beach. Wonderful 15 min flight back to camp.
We also loved walking in the Hoanib river bed for a couple of hours, learning about the desert plants, identifying tracks, observing giraffe and elephants.
Could easily have stayed longer here and would love to go back. They are also running an interesting international study on brown hyena, the professor in charge was visiting while we were there , and one of the female hyenas turned up for a drink at the water hole during breakfast one morning." See all these reviews: 10n in Namibia
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.
Terrace Bay
Terrace Bay is bleak. However, those that stay here come to experience the remote and inhospitable nature of the Skeleton Coast.
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.
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 Ele. Lodge
Tucked away in Namibia's far northwest Okahirongo Elephant Lodge offers luxurious chalets, 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.
