A remote camp on the banks of the Kunene River.
Nestled on the luscious banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the finest and most remote camps in all of Southern Africa.
Location: Tucked away in Namibia’s remote northwest, Serra Cafema lies on the banks of the Kunene River, deep within the 300,000-hectare Marienfluss Conservancy. Backed by the Hartmann Mountains and facing Angola, this is one of Africa’s most secluded safari locations. Rich riverine forests contrast starkly with the surrounding desert, creating a truly unique wilderness.
Rooms: Serra Cafema offers eight beautifully designed suites, including a private family unit. Built from canvas, wood, and thatch, the suites are inspired by Himba design and culture. Each one features a private deck with panoramic views and interiors reflecting elegance and local tradition, a tranquil retreat in a wild and ancient setting.
Amenities: The lodge provides everything needed for a restful stay: a riverside pool to cool off from the desert heat, Wi-Fi to stay connected, and shaded communal areas for relaxation. Locally sourced cuisine celebrates Namibian flavours, and meals can be enjoyed on your deck, by the river, or as part of a traditional Herero experience.
Activities: Explore the surrounding desert on nature drives, guided walks, and low-impact quad bike routes. Boat along the Kunene when water levels allow, and encounter desert-adapted wildlife like oryx and crocodiles. A highlight is a respectful visit to a Himba village, a rare chance to engage with one of Namibia’s last semi-nomadic communities.
Sustainability: As part of the Marienfluss Conservancy, Serra Cafema supports the Himba through education, healthcare, and food security initiatives. The lodge operates with deep respect for the land and its people, ensuring that tourism directly benefits the community while preserving one of Earth’s last great wildernesses.
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Best places to stay in Kunene River
Kunene River Trip Inspiration
When to go to Namibia
Find out the best time to visit Namibia with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
Bring your umbrella, it's rainy season. January is mid-summer in Namibia with the possibility of torrential downpours mid afternoon, but with temperatures of 30-35 degrees it tends to be hot and humid.
February
Similar to January, it is hot and humid with the chance of a downpour in the afternoon.
March
In March, rainfall starts to decrease and temperatures lower with nights becoming increasingly cool. Although daytime temperatures remain hot reaching up to 30 degrees.
April
April is predominantly dry and hot, although there can be a couple of sporadic rainy days across the month
May
Winter is coming. May has little or no rainfall and the humidity is low, in northern regions around Etosha you'll find fresher, greener landscapes with wildlife gathering around depleting watering holes.
- If you're looking to tackle the Fish River Canyon Hike this is the best time to visit Namibia.
June
In June the nights are cold and temperatures can drop below 10 degrees, whilst in the Namib desert it can reach below freezing. There is no chance of rain as the dry season is in full flow.
July
Visitors in July will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly.
August
Like July, visitors in August will experience one of Namibia's coldest months, be sure to pack warm clothing as game drives can be chilly and night time temperatures can drop below freezing both at the coast and inland.
September
Considered the best month to travel to Namibia, September is temperate with clear dry skies and low humidity levels.
October
In October game viewing is at its best, the vegetation is fading with temperatures rising up to 29 degrees.
November
Heat continues to rise, with humidity levels remaining low, however there is a chance of rain in the afternoons.
December
December brings the first rains of the season, bringing everything to life as animals start to disperse as more water becomes available.
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