Kuidas Camp: Our full report

Nestled within the reed-beds of Namibia’s Huab River valley, Kuidas Camp is accessible only with Skeleton Coast Safaris.

The most southerly of the Schoeman family’s camps, it is normally used for the first night of their trips, before continuing north towards the Angolan border. The surrounding landscape is typical of southwestern Damaraland, with some Bushman rock art within walking distance of the camp.

After an exhilarating first day flying over dunes and shipwrecks, stopping off at a seal colony and on a remote beach, you’ll continue over the extraordinary Ugab formations to Kuidas Camp, where you’ll spend.your first night.

Although simply designed, the camp is comfortable and well equipped, entered along a narrow walkway that is cut into the reeds.

Reed walls enclose each of the eight dome tents, with a reed-thatched roof. Proper twin beds, made up with neutral-coloured bedding, are set up either side of a table with vanity mirror. A large battery-powered lamp is provided, along with tissues and insect repellent.

Housed within the same structure is an en-suite bucket shower, with hot water supplied on request, and shampoo/shower gel on hand. The camp has two flush toilets with handbasins, shared between visitors, but you’ll also find a chemical toilet at the foot of one of the beds so that it isn't necessary to go outside at night.

In front of each tent is a small area with a stone table and two directors’ chairs where you can sit and take in the surroundings. A bowl is placed on the table for washing your hands and face; again hot water is provided on request.

Kuidas’ small central area is constructed of local wood and reeds, and is open at the front, offering views over the ephemeral Huab River to the mountains and gravel plains of Damaraland. Meals are served at large rustic wooden tables with safari chairs, lit at night by paraffin lamps and with a warming evening fire. There's also a small “bush bar” where you can help yourself to a choice of drinks.

The camp has a powerful tracking telescope and on our last moonless visit we clearly saw Venus, the rings of Saturn, Jupiter, beautiful cluster stars and a plethora of other night sights.

During your stay you will spend time exploring the bed of the Huab River by 4WD with an expert and knowledgeable guide; the more adventurous might opt for the roof seats for a panoramic view of the surroundings. Extraordinary Welwitschia mirabilis plants punctuate the plains, while animals and birds are drawn to the river’s natural springs. When we visited, we spotted Egyptian geese, hamerkop, red-billed spurfowl, pale-winged starling, mountain wheatear (chat) and a nesting pair of Abdim's storks.

You may also be offered a short walk up the sandstone hill behind the camp, where some ancient rock engravings are hidden between the rocks.

After lunch at Kuidas Camp on the second day of your Skeleton Coast Safari, you’ll continue north with your guide by light aircraft, taking in Terrace Bay, then stopping to experience the roaring dunes by 4WD, and to explore a mineral-rich beach. The day ends with a flight north to Leylandsdrift Camp, on the Hoarusib River.

Our view

The simplicity of Kuidas Camp blends into the vast landscape of southern Damaraland, a fitting stop after a first day exploring the Skeleton Coast. With Bushman rock art near camp and the natural beauty of the Huab River, it’s also a destination in its own right. Above all, though, a Skeleton Coast Safari is about the experience, enhanced by some of the country’s best guides who have spent their lives immersed in this remote region.

Tom Morris

Country manager: Namibia

Geographics

Location: Skeleton Coast & Kaokoland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay: A Skeleton Coast Safari usually includes just one night at Kuidas Camp, the first in a three-day safari. The other two nights are spent at Leylandsdrift Camp, on the Hoarusib River, and Kunene River Camp.
Directions: Accessed by light aircraft as part of an organised safari
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.

Breakfast is a buffet with a choice of cereal, mealie pap (maize porridge) and yoghurts, along with freshly baked bread with meats, cheese and spreads.

Lunch is typically a good selection of salad dishes.

For dinner we enjoyed a great chicken curry with rice, broad beans and salad accompanied by some good wine. A vegetarian option was also available.
Dining style: Group Meals
Dining locations: Outdoor Dining
Drinks included: All drinks are included except premium-brand and imported wines and spirits. Both bottled and filtered or borehole water is available.

Special interests

Photography holidays: A Skeleton Coast Safari adds significantly to a photographic holiday in Namibia. From the air you can get bird’s eye views of some truly dramatic landscapes, while on-the-ground images range from extraordinary geological features to fauna and flora, such as the Welwitschia mirabalis around Kuidas Camp.; See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Cultural experiences: A short walk from Kuidas Camp in Namibia’s Damaraland brings you to some ancient Bushman rock art that’s hidden among the rocks. Rarely visited except by guests at the camp, it’s an opportunity to view evidence of this traditional Namibian culture.; See ideas for Cultural experiences in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children: The Schoemans welcome children of any age.
Property’s age restrictions: There are no age restrictions for this trip.
Special activities & services: None
Equipment: None
Generally recommended for children: Although the individual activities during this safari and at Kuidas Camp might appeal to children, the days are long and involve quite a lot of flying. We would generally recommend it only for older children and those with a genuine interest in the environment.
Notes: Ages of children need to be notified in advance in order for the Schoemans to make any necessary arrangements.

Communications

Communications: None
TV & radio: None
Water supply: Borehole
Water supply notes: Water is filtered for bucket showers. There is a chemical toilet in each tent, and two flush for the use of all guests. Hot water is provided on request for washing and showers.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended: Yes
Medical care: There are doctors in the towns nearest to Kuidas Camp, which are most easily accessible by air. In an emergency, medical evacuation by air can be arranged.
Dangerous animals: Low Risk
Security measures: Both your guide and the camp staff stay on site.
Fire safety

Activities

4WD Safari
Birdwatching

Extras

Disabled access: On Request
Laundry facilities: Your stay at Kuidas is not really long enough to do laundry, but it can be handled if urgent.
Accepted payment on location: Cash is needed only for tips to camp staff.