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Hoanib Elephant Camp

Where the desert elephants roam.
Location
Kaokoland
No. of rooms
10 Rooms
Price Range
NAD 17,595 TO NAD 28,595
Dates Open
Year Round From May 2026
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Hoanib Elephant Camp

CONSIDERED COMFORT IN A RUGGED LANDSCAPE

In the rugged heart of Namibia’s Kaokoland, where towering mountains meet dry riverbeds, desert-adapted elephants roam freely, tracing ancient paths in search of water and food. Hoanib Elephant Camp, opening in May 2026, offers guests the rare opportunity to witness one of Africa’s most extraordinary adaptations and become fully immersed in the world of these resilient animals.

The under-canvas camp is set in one of the most remote and remarkable areas of Namibia’s untamed northwest and has been designed for adventured travellers who seek both wild desert immersion and exceptional comfort, all while treading lightly on the earth. Each of the 10 spacious rooms have been thoughtfully designed with sustainability and the vast desert landscape in mind. From every corner in camp there is the constant companionship of expansive desert views and endless skies.

Powered entirely by solar energy the building design includes rammed earth walls and insulated canvas roofs which offer natural climate control—cool in summer, warm in winter, and always comfortable.

Made for those who seek the road less travelled—this camp is your base for raw desert exploration. Whether tracking the elusive desert-adapted wildlife, engaging with the vibrant Himba tribe, driving to the Skeleton Coast, or simply taking in the magnitude of each sunset, here you’ll discover desert escapism, and the quiet comfort of understated luxury.

This is an ancient place carved by water and wind, where elephants roam the remote desert valleys, and only a privileged few get to follow.

 

Travel that Matters

Simply by making the choice to visit Hoanib Elephant Camp you are already leaving a positive impact on the conservation of the desert-adapted wildlife, and the livelihood of local northwest communities that live close to conservancy.

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Kaokoland

The Hoanib Valley in northwestern Namibia is one of the most remote safari destinations in Africa. Here you’ll find the Hoanib River an ephemeral river (seasonal, mostly dry) that runs through arid mountains and ancient dry riverbeds, occasionally flowing during the rainy season.

The camp itself is located on the northern bank of the Hoanib River, 70km southwest of Sesfontein and just 25km downriver from Hoanib Valley Camp. This new camp sits in the heart of the Sesfontein Community Conservancy in Kaokoland, a remote and rugged region in Namibia’s wild northwest. Although parts of the land have been designated ‘concession areas’ tourism is still limited, making a visit to this unspoiled corner rare.

Just beyond the mountains and shifting dunes lies the hauntingly beautiful Skeleton Coast—a place of fog-covered beaches, rusting shipwrecks, and colonies of Cape fur seals. This sweep of coastline along the Namibian Atlantic is both desolate and breathtaking and adds another layer of wonder, and the chance to explore a dramatic meeting point between desert and ocean.

For easy access to this remote area there will soon be a new airstrip – the proposed location 5 minuted from camp.

Open Year-Round

Hoanib Elephant Camp is open year-round, but the two seasons (green season and dry season) offer two remarkably different experiences.

The summer months of December to March are the green season. When the rain comes, the rocky landscapes are transformed into a rich, emerald carpet, and, depending on the level of rainfall, the dry riverbeds flow (albeit briefly) with life-giving water. Dramatic sunsets are littered with heavy clouds, and short bursts of rain clear the dust from the air. It’s fresh, vivid, and although temperatures can be high, it’s a lovely time of year to visit.

Then the rain stops, and the land dries slowly into its iconic, desert state. Midwinter (May to July), brings chilly temperatures in the mornings and evenings (that’s where the warm jacket comes in) but as the season progresses the temperatures rise steadily. By October, the land is at its driest and the temperature at its warmest, and as the desert-elephant begin to congregate around the last drops of water in the river valleys, you’ll be rewarded with some truly incredible sights.

Signature Experiences

Game Drives

Rhino Tracking

Cultural Visit

Nature Walks

Giraffe Sanctuary

Amenities

Plunge & Swimming Pool

Outside Dining

Wi-Fi

Air-Conditioning

Spa & Wellness Treatments

Get up close

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A Camp for the Conscious Adventurer

Why you'll Love It

Observe Desert-Adapted Wildlife

Observe rare desert-adapted elephant, giraffe and lion. It’s fascinating to witness how these creatures have evolved over time and manage to survive in these harsh desert conditions.

Raw nature and considered comfort

Explore the rugged landscape in search of rare wildlife before retreating to the camp and the quiet comforts of understated luxury.

Remote and Remarkable

One of the most starkly beautiful safari destinations in Africa, here in the rugged heart of Kaokoland you’ll find towering mountains, ancient river beds and a desert that meets the ocean.

Meet the Nomadic Himba

Spend a morning with the local Himba tribe who survive in this harsh desert environment. Their fascinating culture, traditions and semi-nomadic way of life will leave you captivated.

Conservation in Action

You stay has a positive impact on the conservation projects we focus on to help promote sustainable practices that benefit both elephants and local communities.

Supporting the Desert-Adapted Elephants

The camp supports conservation projects focused on the desert-adapted elephants who face unique challenges including human-wildlife conflict. Your stay here will have a positive impact on the work being done to promote sustainable practices that benefit both the elephants and local communities.
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A remote desert retreat with all the indulgence

Accommodations

Hoanib Elephant Camp is an under-canvas camp for the adventured traveller, one that craves both immersive desert adventure and understated luxury.

At the heart of this eco-friendly camp is the main area which includes a lounge and dining room, spacious outdoor deck with a swimming pool, a small wellness spa, and a fire-pit under the stars—perfect for gathering and storytelling.

The 10 spacious guest rooms (comprising of 8 twin and 2 family units) are each thoughtfully designed with exceptional comfort, stunning desert views and sustainability in mind. The room design includes rammed earth walls and heavily insulated canvas roofs that offer natural climate control—cool in summer and warm in winter.

Elevated on low wooden decks, the tents are equipped with all the modern conveniences for the desert environment including air-conditioned rooms and private plunge pools. The ensuite bathrooms have double vanities, as well as both indoor and outdoor showers.

Powered entirely by solar energy and supported by a full water treatment system, the camp runs sustainably and is built using eco-conscious materials and methods to maintain a gentle footprint.

At a Glance
  • 10 spacious tents: 8 twins, 2 family
  • Each with a private deck and plunge pool
  • Ensuite bathrooms with indoor and outdoor showers
  • Air-conditioning
  • 100% Solar Powered
  • Swimming Pool
  • Wi-Fi available: Yes
  • Hairdryers: Yes
  • Battery charging facilities: In the main area & in rooms
  • Complimentary laundry service
  • Child policy: We welcome children of all ages
  • Disabled access: Please enquire with reservations
Amazing Encounters

Wildlife

The wildlife of the Hoanib Valley is perfectly at home in the semi-arid environment, and learning about their survival techniques is fascinating. Game drives will reveal a remarkable array of desert-adapted elephant, as well as stately desert-adapted giraffe, and, if you’re very lucky, desert lion. Zebra, klipspringer and kudu move freely through the mountains, and you’ll find hardy herds of springbok and oryx, as well as steenbok picking their way across the dust-blown landscapes.

The region is also home to free-ranging black rhino, and a day (or even a morning or an afternoon) tracking the magnificent beasts is an absolute must. Bird watchers, keep your eyes peeled for Monteiro’s hornbills or Ruppell’s korhaans in the valleys, and the imperious Verreaux’s eagle in the mountains.

Near the camp there is a thriving waterhole that draws an array of wildlife, including desert lion, giraffe, oryx, and the elusive brown hyena—each sighting a testament to nature’s resilience and the incredible adaptability of life in the desert.

Along the Skeleton Coast’s raw and rugged sweep of coastline, the towering dunes and wind-swept plains are buffeted by the icy Atlantic seas and beneath the seemingly barren exterior lies a vibrant tapestry of flora and fauna that has adapted to thrive here, along with the many desert-adapted creatures, and enchanting desert succulents and lichens that thrive here.

Experiences

What to see and do

Get access to a range of experiences that can be enjoyed during your stay

Game Drives

Go on morning and evening game drives in search of the desert-wildlife, and rare fauna and flora who have been clever enough to adapted to survive in the desert.

Cultural visit

Visit the local Himba tribe, to understand how they have adapted to survive in the desert. Their traditions and cultures are fascinating.

Nature Walks

Experience this remote and wild landscape on foot, seeing first-hand how the desert-adapted animals survive in this harsh environment.

Rhino Tracking

Our rangers will take you to find the resident black rhino that live here. Learn how to track them and how they are kept safe.

Scenic Sundowners

Behind ancient riverbeds and towering mountains you’ll stop to witness how every single day the sun has a way of taking your breath away!

Stargazing

Experience some of the clearest, darkest night skies in Africa whilst dining under the stars – a reminder of just how remote and wild this corner of the world is.
Namibia Activities PDF
Making a difference

Our impact

When you visit, you will be directly supporting the following Natural Selection conservation initatives:

Black Rhino Relocation Programme

We support black rhino relocation in Namibia’s Kunene region, expanding their range and working with Save the Rhino Trust to protect this critically endangered species into the future.
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Desert-Dwelling Giraffe Conservation

Focusing on the awareness of giraffe declines in Africa and the continued conservation of desert-dwelling giraffes in Northwest Namibia.
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Desert Lion Early Warning Conflict Mitigation System

Implementing an automatic monitoring and early warning system with the desert lion, to reduce conflict with livestock herders in the hope that human-wildlife-conflict is mitigated.
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Northwest Namibia Community Outreach

Through strong partnerships in northwest Namibia, we have been helping the local communities through various local school and community support initiatives.
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A camp rooted in regenerative tourism practices

Hoanib Elephant Camp story

Built in partnership with the Sesfontein Conservancy, Hoanib Elephant Camp is part of a long-term vision to protect this fragile ecosystem while creating meaningful opportunities for the surrounding communities through regenerative tourism practices.

The camp strongly supports conservation projects focused on the desert elephants who face unique challenges, including habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. Your stay will contribute directly to conservation efforts and community upliftment, ensuring that both people and wildlife benefit from your presence.

 

Special Offers

Explore hidden Gems

Honeymoon Special Offer

We’re feeling the love! Honeymoon with us and one spouse stays for 50% off in participating camps.
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Long Stay Combination Rates

Book now and enjoy incredible savings with our Long Stay Rates in Botswana and Namibia!
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Reservations

  • reservations@naturalselection.travel
  • Tel: +27 21 001 1574

Marketing

  • marketing@naturalselection.travel
  • Tel: +27 21 001 1574
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