Skeleton Coast Safari: Day-by-day

A stunning hotel focused around the estate house of an old vineyard, the Weinberg Hotel is arguably Windhoek's hidden gem. In its 21st-century incarnation, the Weinberg Estate amounts to a luxurious self-contained village, with most amenities that you could need without having to venture into the city centre.

Enjoy a few hours of pampering and relaxation at the Soulstice Spa or a refreshing swim in its outdoor pool; settle down with a glass of wine in the library; sample the local cuisine at one of five restaurants on the estate; or take in the views of Windhoek from the Sky Lounge.

The on-site gym has a view too, softening the blow of exercising off those excess pounds, and there's a hair salon to help you prepare for an evening out. The estate even has its own ATM.

"Great dinner (nice Sushi) and easy access from airport"

R&EfromLondon

Arrived 16 Sep 2024, 1 night

And then there are the rooms. Just 41 of them make up this unusual hotel, in six different styles – some with views, some with kitchenettes (did we mention the on-site delicatessen?), some split level – and all very comfortable indeed. With so many options, the Weinberg works for individuals, couples, even families; what more could you ask? See our full report on Weinberg Hotel

A narrow walkway cut into the reeds barely hints at the camp hidden by the ephemeral Huab River. It's a minimal footprint, accentuated by the reed-and-pole enclosures around each dome tent at Kuidas Camp that blend into the setting. Beneath are gravel plains; all around are the red hills of Damaraland.

Used exclusively by Skeleton Coast Safaris, Kuidas is usually the first stop on your adventure through this rugged environment.

Despite the simplicity, you’ll sleep in comfortable twin beds, with an en-suite bucket shower (hot water on request!) and a view that beats any interior décor. Sit quietly outside your tent, listening to the sounds of nature, and you may get a feel for the world of the Himba.

These nomadic people have settlements throughout this area. Visiting with an expert guide from the Schoeman family is to gain a small understanding of their traditions, whose very existence is now under threat.

You’ll explore, too, along the bed of the Huab River, seeking out wildlife in a rugged 4WD, including perhaps desert-adapted elephant and plentiful birdlife. And then there’s a small gallery of ancient art, etched into the rocks within walking distance of camp.

Back at camp, help yourself to a drink around the campfire and round off the day with a home-cooked dinner, perhaps served under the stars. See our full report on Kuidas Camp

After a day flying over the Skeleton Coast and thrilling to the roaring dunes, Leylandsdrift represents an oasis of calm. That sense of an oasis is real, with the camp set on the banks of the Hoarusib Valley, where a ribbon of green vegetation threads through the arid terrain.

This in turn attracts desert-adapted wildlife, which – thanks to superb guiding - may be spotted from a 4WD on the third day of your Skeleton Coast Safari. You’ll also visit one of the nearby Himba settlements, where children and adults alike cling on to their traditional lifestyle.

The camp itself is exclusive to these safaris. Its walk-in tents – simple but comfortable – are set above the river. Freshen up with hot water prepared for your en-suite bucket shower. Take a nap on your comfortable bed.
Or simply settle down on your wooden veranda to take in the views down the valley and across the hills, and revel in nature’s grandeur.

Then help yourself to a drink in the simple reed-and-pole central area, perhaps mulling over the day’s adventures around the campfire. Dinner, served around a communal table, is a further chance to chat both to your guide and to fellow guests; this is a place to savour. See our full report on Leylandsdrift Camp

Perched on the rocks high above the Kunene River, your small tent feels dwarfed by the surrounding grandeur. Below, the perennial waters that form the border with Angola flow relentlessly towards the Skeleton Coast, a mecca for birds and animals. Behind rise gravel plains, for the river fringes the desert lands of northern Namibia.

At Kunene River Camp, on the final night of a Skeleton Coast Safari, the setting is integral to your stay. In the hands of the Schoeman family, whose entire lives have been immersed in this harsh environment, you’ll learn to understand and interpret through their expert eyes.

The camp itself is deceptively simple. Dome tents set within reed-and-pole enclosures make scarcely a dent on the landscape. Yet comfortable twin beds, a bedside table and an en-suite bucket shower ensure that creature comforts are not forgotten.

There’s a campfire for warmth and convivial drinks, a central table for dinner under the stars, and a help-yourself bar that instils a sense of belonging.

Explore the river by boat, watching out for monitor lizards and crocodiles basking on the banks. Take in the impressive birdlife – both desert and riverine species – and above all, enjoy the last chance to savour this extraordinary adventure through Namibia’s most challenging and diverse environment. See our full report on Kunene River Camp

A stunning hotel focused around the estate house of an old vineyard, the Weinberg Hotel is arguably Windhoek's hidden gem. In its 21st-century incarnation, the Weinberg Estate amounts to a luxurious self-contained village, with most amenities that you could need without having to venture into the city centre.

Enjoy a few hours of pampering and relaxation at the Soulstice Spa or a refreshing swim in its outdoor pool; settle down with a glass of wine in the library; sample the local cuisine at one of five restaurants on the estate; or take in the views of Windhoek from the Sky Lounge.

The on-site gym has a view too, softening the blow of exercising off those excess pounds, and there's a hair salon to help you prepare for an evening out. The estate even has its own ATM.

"A convenient hotel after a long flight."

Alan and DifromChippy

Arrived 6 Oct 2024, 1 night

And then there are the rooms. Just 41 of them make up this unusual hotel, in six different styles – some with views, some with kitchenettes (did we mention the on-site delicatessen?), some split level – and all very comfortable indeed. With so many options, the Weinberg works for individuals, couples, even families; what more could you ask? See our full report on Weinberg Hotel