Wilderness Namibia camp newsletters – January 2025

Landscape and weather

We actually experienced a little bit of rain in January at Hoanib Skeleton Coast Camp, though not enough to be recorded. It was warm to hot during the afternoons, after starting with cool and sometimes overcast mornings. 

It was even a little too cool in the evenings sometimes – so much so, that dinner was served indoors on those days. The clouds made for beautiful sunsets, and the rain that fell in the north-east catchment area caused the Hoanib River to flow briefly.

Wildlife in the Hoanib

An abundance of wildlife was spotted around camp, as far as Okongwe. We had the privilege of hosting repeat guests who were returning after 10 years. Anne Marie was concluding her book about the desert-adapted elephants and human conflict. They stayed for 7 nights and shared some wonderful pictures and experiences with us. They also went on a full-day drive, and successfully found black rhino.

Opie and Charlie (two desert-adapted lions) were seen around the camp a lot, and sometimes provided our wake-up calls in the mornings.

Guest comments

This place is truly magical. The food is unbelievably fresh and diverse, especially impressive since it travels so far. Each and every staff member is so incredibly welcoming and warm. You can tell each person loves working here and it’s a joy to be a guest. We will be back. Thank you!

Super professional, seamless experience! Loved everyone!
So many things! Most memorable was the spectacular lunch at the coast. Bernard, our guide, knowledgeable and amazing! Food has been wonderful!

Staff News

The Kitchen and Front-of House teams had a cross-training workshop when Siobhan (Wilderness Namibia Food Experience Manager) was here. Our Chefs also received training on preparation and presentation.

Landscape and weather

In January, we experienced hot and humid weather, with the start of the ‘rainy season’. Clear skies with high temperatures of around 30°C (86°F) gave way to potentially dramatic afternoon downpours; essentially, we had a mix of sunny days and cloudy weather, but no rain.

The landscapes are looking beautiful as almost all the trees are green.

Clearer skies towards the end of the month made for excellent star gazing.

Wildlife at Desert Rhino Camp

Apart from rhino sightings on our tracking activities, a few giraffes were also spotted, some notably close to camp, with a variety of birds seen around camp too.

Communities, culture & conservation

We continue to support and empower our local community through the procurement of fresh veggies such as eggplant and lemons, as well as wood. 

Camp news

Being low season, our focus was on deep cleaning and catching up on maintenance jobs. Our current project is our new bush dinner spot close to the main area, which is nearing completion.

Landscape and weather

The festive season had quite unpredictable weather – from overcast with a little rain to windy afternoons bringing sand storms.

The afternoons have been very hot, with temperatures reaching 38/40° Celsius, though it cooled down noticeably in the evenings.  

The reserve is still very dry, but we are hoping for some more rain so we can get to see the beautiful flowers that emerge in the desert after these much-appreciated events.

Wildlife and Birds

Around camp, guests are entertained by daily visits from the black-backed jackals, which are comfortable spending time around the camp, even making quick visits when we are dining outside.

Ruppel’s korhaans have been seen lately around the waterhole in front of camp, as have ostriches.

Camp news

For Christmas lunch we had a beautiful oasis setup and guests really enjoyed the scenery. The food was excellent. Christmas dinner was served close to the waterhole under the stars, and again, all went well.

Guest comments

We enjoyed the activities. Sundowner drinks were a highlight. Staff are very friendly and accommodating. AC in the rooms is appreciated.
The staff, guide, the landscape, the lodge, the food. Everything was wonderful, thank you.

Everything was flawless & spectacular. We are truly speechless. Staff rocks.

Staff News

Siobhan (Wilderness Namibia Food Experience Manager) was in camp to go through the festive season menus and set ups for the big days.

Munya (Front-of-House & Housekeeping Trainer) made a quick stop-over, and worked through some of the cocktails with the FOH team.

Newsletter by Wellen (F&B Manager)