Huab Under Canvas

Huab under Canvas in Damaraland is an exclusive base camp for tracking desert adapted black rhino in an area which has the highest rate of tracking success in north-west Namibia. The semi-mobile tented camp is also located in a gloriously remote area, on a private concession, hidden among trees on the banks of a tributary of the Huab River. Getting to //Huab under Canvas is a 4x4 adventure in itself as the changing flow of the ephemeral rivers in Damaraland means that the routes are never quite the same twice! Guests arrive with their private guide and each party of guests has the whole camp to themselves, looked after by a multi-skilled team of four staff, drawn from the local community.

The punctuation of //Huab denotes the particular form of click that locals use to correctly pronounce the word, a feat that visitors are unlikely to manage!

Accommodation

//Huab under Canvas is a ‘first’ for Namibia, in that it is more comfortable and stylish than a typical mobile camp but much more light-weight and with a lower environmental footprint than a permanent tented camp. The size of the camp is variable but there can be up to 8 en-suite tents on decks overlooking the generally dry riverbed. We think “glamping” is an apt description as there are flush loos and solar-powered electricity but bucket showers and pitchers rather than running water. The tents have twin beds, twin luggage racks, a bedside table and a hanging wardrobe so they are what we enjoy as classic “old school” luxury tents, with en suite bathrooms open to the skies so you can take a safari shower in fresh air.

The main mess area is small but very attractive and there is now even a compact but cute plunge pool with a couple of easy chairs under shade. The overall feeling is remote, tranquil and yet adventurous. The camp team are very attentive but guests can help themselves to hot or chilled drinks at any time. There is a charging station and the all-important open fire around which to gather at the start and end of every adventurous day.

Families

Children can be accommodated but we think it is best suited to groups with children over 10 years of age due to the minimal railings and the steeply sloping terrain below the decks.

Activities

The main activity from here is tracking black rhino but guests can also use HUC as a base for searching for desert-adapted elephant and for nature drives and nature walks.

The //Huab Under Canvas Camp works together with the Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) - an NGO that has been has been instrumental in the preservation of the rare, endangered, desert adapted black rhino. Having barely survived the slaughter in many parts of Africa during the '80s and '90s, the black rhino population of Namibia increased substantially since the formation of SRT. You will spend an exciting and memorable morning out rhino tracking, before returning to camp for a freshly prepared brunch and with time to relax at camp during the heat of the day. Later in the afternoon you head out again for a scenic nature drive or walk to explore this vast and astounding ecosystem.

Other activities on offer from the camp include 4x4 scenic excursions along the ephemeral rivers of the Damaraland to explore this remarkable region and to search for specially adapted game such as desert elephant if they are in the area, as well as fascinating guided walks.

Location

The nearest town is Khorixas, 90km to the south-east.