Hartley’s Featured Lodge - Hoanib Skeleton Coast

Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp is scenically located in a broad valley at the confluence of two tributaries of the dry Hoanib River in the northern part of the private Palmwag Concession. Its location thus straddles the Palmwag area and the iconic Skeleton Coast National Park, in one of the most remote areas of the Kaokoveld.

The camp consists of seven large tents and one family unit, each comprising stylish en-suite bedrooms with shaded outdoor decks. Flanked to the east and west by rugged hills, the camp looks out over stunning, starkly beautiful scenery and offers guests all the luxuries and amenities for an unforgettable stay.

Things to do at Hoanib Skeleton Coast

Game drives:
Nature drives showcase the magnitude of the landscape and offer the best possibilities of seeing desert-adapted wildlife. Morning or afternoon drives are available as well as full-day excursions.

Nature walks:
Nature walks from camp take in the magnificent surrounds as well as glimpse the vestiges of who dwelt here hundreds of years ago: the Strandlopers (Beachcombers). It is also a good opportunity to study the smaller creatures and the fascinating plant life of the concession.

Skeleton Coast excursion:
On a stay of three nights (or more) full-day excursions to the Skeleton Coast are offered. The fascinating 4x4 trip to the coast takes you via the wilderness and wildlife of the Hoanib River and floodplain, the dune fields and Klein Oasis, while the Skeleton Coast itself reveals a rocky coastline with its huge Cape fur seal colony and a few shipwreck remains. Weather dependent, a scenic flight back to camp offers a magnificent perspective of your journey from the air.

Day trips to Desert Oases:
Day trips to Klein Oase and Auses Spring can be organised. These oases are a fascinating respite from the dry surrounds of the desert and offer the chance of seeing wildlife coming to drink as well as plenty of birdlife. These full-day trips are done in our semi-closed game drive vehicles, with a stop for a picnic at a scenic spot along the way.

Interaction with wildlife researchers:
Presentations and interaction with wildlife researchers at the Hoanib Research Centre are on offer when researchers are in camp. These cover all current research being supported at Hoanib, in particular the vital work being done by Dr Flip Stander and his team on the unique desert-adapted lion.