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Serra Cafema

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travel to the edge of the earth…

SERRA CAFEMA

Explore our
Portfolio

We value efficiency and sustainability through our design principles.

projects

Serra cafema

Set under verdant trees on the banks of the Kunene River, Serra Cafema is one of the most remote camps in Southern Africa.

The remote and tranquil Serra Cafema is hidden within the enormous Hartmann Valley, overlooking the bubbling rapids of the Kunene River and yet surrounded by the lunar-like landscapes of the Namib Desert.

OZONGANDA

The Ozonganda (Herero, meaning “main area”) affords spectacular views over the Kunene River.

Respectful interaction with the semi-nomadic Himba community and fascinating nature walking excursions complete the experience.

Sunrise at Serra Cafema Camp

Outdoor Lounge at Serra Cafema Camp

Magestic views over the river

Himba Culture

For the OvaHimba, hairstyle & jewelery symbolise age & social status.

Each family has its own Sacred Ancestral Fire,
kept by the Fire-keeper.

'ohumba' necklace: symbol of fertility

'otjize' body paste: butter, fat and red ochre - protects from the sun and extreme heat but also helps keep away troublesome mosquitos

explore the Chalet interiors

The eight chalets are set on elevated decks.

Crafted in wood, canvas and thatch to create a unique camp

that is at one with its surroundings and celebrates the culture of the Himba people.

01.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "yellow straw"

TEXTURES: straw/grass lighting feature

02.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "olive sand"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

03.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "ochre"

TEXTURES: recycled copper

04.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "stone"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

05.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "masculine blue/grey"

TEXTURES: masculine wire

06.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "strong teal"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

07.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "mustard clay"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

08.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "sage dust"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

01.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "yellow straw"

TEXTURES: straw/grass lighting feature

The thatched roof and Light Fittings, made of raw straw, introduces warm, golden hues that complement the wooden elements throughout the room contributing to the natural, organic feel.

02.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "olive sand"

TEXTURES: straw/grass lighting feature

The bed is adorned with complementary shades, including textured throws and patterned scatters. These textiles add layers of comfort and visual interest while maintaining the room's cohesive colour scheme.

03.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "ochre"

TEXTURES: recycled copper

Natural light floods the room through large windows and sliding glass doors, enhancing the connection with the outdoor environment.

The interior lighting includes subtle, well-placed fixtures that provide adequate illumination without overpowering the natural ambiance.

04.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "stone"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

The large mural of a Himba child, depicted in Monochromatic tones, serves as a striking focal point. This artwork not only adds cultural depth but also harmonises with the room's neutral colour scheme.

05.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "masculine blue/grey"

TEXTURES: masculine wire

The large, full wall mural of a smiling Himba man adds a deeply personal and cultural touch to the room.

This artistic focal point imbues the space with a sense of warmth and connection to the local culture.

06.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "strong teal"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

The mural prominently displays an image of an elderly Himba woman smoking. This image is powerful and evocative, capturing the wisdom, strength, and cultural richness of the Himba people.

07.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "mustard clay"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

Inspiration from the clay used in traditional Himba huts, integrating elements that reflect the rich cultural heritage and natural materials typical of these structures while echoing the natural tones of the clay.

Just as Himba huts are constructed from natural materials like clay, wood, and straw, the room incorporates these elements to create a harmonious and authentic aesthetic.

08.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "sage dust"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

The combination of raw straw, wooden elements, and a warm, earthy colour palette creates a room that feels both luxurious and deeply connected to its natural surroundings. offering guests a comfortable and culturally enriching experience.

01.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "yellow straw"

TEXTURES: straw/grass lighting feature

The thatched roof and Light Fittings, made of raw straw, introduces warm, golden hues that complement the wooden elements throughout the room contributing to the natural, organic feel.

02.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "olive sand"

TEXTURES: straw/grass lighting feature

03.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "ochre"

TEXTURES: recycled copper

Natural light floods the room through large windows and sliding glass doors, enhancing the connection with the outdoor environment.

The interior lighting includes subtle, well-placed fixtures that provide adequate illumination without overpowering the natural ambiance.

03.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "ochre"

TEXTURES: recycled copper

Natural light floods the room through large windows and sliding glass doors, enhancing the connection with the outdoor environment.

The interior lighting includes subtle, well-placed fixtures that provide adequate illumination without overpowering the natural ambiance.

04.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "stone"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

05.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "masculine blue/grey"

TEXTURES: masculine wire

The large, full wall mural of a smiling Himba man adds a deeply personal and cultural touch to the room.

This artistic focal point imbues the space with a sense of warmth and connection to the local culture.

06.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "strong teal"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

The mural prominently displays an image of an elderly Himba woman smoking. This image is powerful and evocative, capturing the wisdom, strength, and cultural richness of the Himba people.

07.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "mustard clay"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

Just as Himba huts are constructed from natural materials like clay, wood, and straw, the room incorporates these elements to create a harmonious and authentic aesthetic.

08.

Chalet Theme

COLOUR: "sage dust"

TEXTURES: straw lighting feature

Property Gallery

Subtle Ambiance

through soft lighting

Open Spaces

for your luxury stay

Chalet Desk

overlooking the river

Family Chalet

with shared Lounge

Private Bathroom

extending to outdoor shower

Tree Study

Serra Cafema revels in its relationship with the spectacular natural world around it

Ana tree

(Faidherbia albida = Acacia albida)

Set beneath a stand of large shady Albida trees on the edge of the rushing Kunene.

In the Kunene region the branches and strips of the bark are used for the construction of traditional huts, while hollowed trunks serve as drinking troughs.

Tree Study

PRESERVING TREES DURING CONSTRUCTION

Successful development requires careful planning. Tree preservation is an important part of any project’s master plan. It should be contemplated at the very first stage of the process, before any work is done on the site.