Nhoma Safari camp is situated in the north-east of Namibia, 80 kms from Tsumkwe and 280 kms from Grootfontein. It is set on a dune, vegetated with Zambezi Teak trees, with a 180 degree view over the Nhoma Omuramba (fossil river bed.) It is adjacent to the Ju/'hoan Bushman/San village by the name of //nhoq’ma, on whose culture the activities are based. It is only 60 km, or a one-and-a-half hour drive on 4WD track, from the Khaudum National Park.

Nhoma Safari Camp is a small activity oriented, luxury tented camp. It is run by Arno and Estelle Oosthuysen. The //nhoq'ma community, of about 50 adults and 100 children, has earned between N$'s 60 000 and N$'s 140 000 per year since 2000 from cultural activities, as well as accommodation in the camp. It allows them to buy food and supplies not provided by the surrounding environment. Without tourism, the community would have left their ancestral land and moved to settled areas such as Tsumkwe, where alcoholism is rife.

At the highest point of the hillside overlooking the river valley, is the pole-and-thatch shelter, where all meals are served buffet style. Tea and coffee is available throughout the day. Beyond this is the camp-fire, a popular gathering point before and after dinner, to exchange the day's experiences.

There are presently 5 standing tents, each with solar lights, bath, toilet and wash basin, and private verandah. Fitted to the tents is a gauze netting. 5 additional tents will be completed by the beginning of July 2009. These tents will have their own shower/wash basin and toilet, but outside of the tent. All tents are walk-in Meru-style, on wooden decks. All of the furniture is made by the owner Arno with the help of the community, with throw rugs to cover the floor and linens in creams and browns with san motifs, to cover the beds.

Activities centre around the Bushmen and the village. Visitors are encouraged to spend most of their time with the local hunters – 3 or 4 men whose job it is to hunt in the traditional way – who provide meat for the village. The hunt is guided by Arno, who also acts as an interpreter. Along the way the Bushmen stop to point out various plants and explain their traditional use for food or medicine. A hunt could follow porcupine, spring hare, kudu or even wildebeest. Any meat, berries or nuts, will be prepared by the hunters on their return.

Other activities in the village include cooking, making crafts and medicines. Hunting skills such as preparing hides, setting traps for birds and animals, the production of arrows and quivers, are also demonstrated regularly. Head to the village in the evenings for traditional giraffe or elephant healing dances.

Ask about their day tours to Khaudum National Park and the Nyae Nyae Conservancy.

Nhoma Camp accommodation is by reservation only.

A unique and incredible Namibian, Bushman land experience.

Activities in the village

this depends on what the villagers are doing, you have a chance to experience their daily routines be it cooking, creating jewelry, preparing hides, making hunting equipment such as quivers or arrows, preparing medicine. Afternoon activities start at 3 pm in winter and 4 pm in summer. There may or may not be a healing dance in the evening.

Cultural experience

guests are taken on a hunting/gathering excursion with four hunters. Skills such as fire making, rope making and trapping

Khaudum National Park

Day tours to this unfenced and unspoilt park (60 km away, but one and a half hour drive with a 4WD vehicle), is only recommended from July till October

Day tour to the Nyae Nyae pan

interesting bird life and the fascinating baobab trees to the east. (The area can become inaccessible from February to April as it may become water-logged).

Directions:

Take the B8 from Grootfontein to Rundu for 59km and turn off onto the C44, which is a good gravel road. The turn-off to Nhoma is approximately 185 km down the road and the sign reads Nhoma/Aasvoelnes (to the north). Nhoma is 40km further on. This is a proclaimed road, normally in good condition, but it may deteriorate unexpectedly and it is advisable to keep below a speed of 80kmh. There is a parking area below the dune on which the camp is situated where you will be met. Fuel is not available and guests should bring enough to reach their next destination!

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