In line with Wilderness Safaris' commitment to the government of Namibia's far-sighted Community-based Natural Resource Management policy, the twenty-year concession is a joint venture with the neighbouring Anabeb, Torra and Sesfontein conservancies. The conservancy joint venture tourism model, embraced by Wilderness Safaris from the outset, provides communities with sustainable tourism development, income, skills development, a reason to conserve and a voice in their future.
The new Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is set in a landscape of rugged scenery, mountains, vast plains, and dry riverbeds inhabited by incredible desert-adapted plant and animal life. Here, despite the arid environs, elephant, giraffe and many antelope thrive. Lion, leopard and cheetah - some visible, others sensed, sometimes come close to the camp at night.
Exploring the territory on foot, by vehicle and by air, small groups, led by trained safari guides, can look forward to unravelling the enigmatic history of the original Strandlopers (Beachcombers), their stone circles lying in hidden valleys, marvelling at the ancient Welwitschia plant, following the herds of antelope and savouring the endless unfolding landscapes untouched for hundreds of kilometres.
Weather conditions permitting, forays into the Hoanib floodplains (previously restricted inside the Skeleton Coast National Park) can be undertaken. Extended day trips will explore the north of the concession, meeting Himba communities around Puros as well as Sesfontein Village, while longer excursions may be undertaken towards the Atlantic Coast.
The Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, comprising just seven twin-bedded tents and one family unit, will be a classic camp with all the attendant luxuries and amenities, and is expected to open in June 2013. Along with a dedicated airfield in the vicinity granting improved access, we look forward to doing this magnificent landscape justice with a low-impact camp, design sensitive to the fragile desert environment, and the application of Wilderness Safaris' high standards for guest experience and community involvement.
