Damaraland

Summary

Damaraland

Damaraland is typified by displays of colour, magnificent table topped mountains, rock formations and bizarre-looking vegetation. The present-day landscape has been formed by the erosion of wind, water and geological forces which have created rolling hills, dunes, gravel plains and ancient river terraces. It is the variety and loneliness of the area as well as the scenic splendour which will reward and astound you, giving one an authentic understanding of the word ‘wilderness’. Damaraland is largely communal land in which wildlife conservancies have been developed to encourage local people to protect and value the animals with which they share this region. Desert adapted wildlife that can be seen includes oryx, steenbok, springbok, ostrich, bat-eared fox, cheetah, black rhino and the elusive desert-adapted elephant. The ephemeral rivers that traverse the desert plains also create an oasis for other game that browses more vegetated habitats, such as kudu and giraffe.

Planning an African Safari?

Whether you are thinking about planning your first African safari or your fifth African safari, our safari specialists are here to help.

All our specialists have travelled extensively or lived in their specialist regions.

The same specialist will handle your safari from start to finish.

We will make the most of your time and budget.

Damaraland Photo Gallery

Twyfelfontien Rock Art, Damaraland, Namibia

Map

Click to display the map

From price: NZD0Rooms: 55Type: LodgeSpoken Languages: Afrikaans, EnglishSpecial Interests: Birding, Hiking, Indigenous Culture Art, Wildlife, WineLocation: Namibia

Built in a labyrinth design, Damara Mopane Lodge has 55 chalets, each with its own vegetable garden. Savour the charm from your step where sunflowers peep over walls, refresh in the pool, visit the Twyfelfontein rock engravings 100km away and watch the sun sink into mopane woodland.

From price: NZD0Type: Mobile SafariLocation: Namibia

Namibia's spectacular scenic beauty and diverse flora and fauna can only be truly appreciated on an adventurous camping safari into the remote and isolated regions far off the normal tourist route. Daylight hours are filled with exploring the surrounds and the nights are spent under a blanket of stars with the unique sound of the African bush for company.All our safaris are offered on a non-participating basis with the entire camping equipment supplied by us. Standard equipment includes: comfortable dome tents, sleeping rolls with comfortable mattress, proper duvets, cushion, towels and linen, camping fold up beds, electric tent lantern and bedside table, solar bucket showers (1x for every 4 guests) as well as long-drop bush toilets (1x for every 4 guests).Three wholesome meals are served daily at table. Breakfast is "full English" style. Lunch consists of cold meats, cheese, salads, pickles, fresh vegetables and fruit. Dinner is a tasty warm meal cooked on open fire. At dinner, wine and beer are included.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 1Type: HotelLocation: Namibia

//Huab Under Canvas: //Huab Under Canvas is located in a core desert adapted black rhino area in the //Huab Conservancy in Damaraland, approximately 90 km north west of Khorixas, and it is nestled in a grove of Mopane trees on the banks of a tributary of the //Huab River. Protected from all the prevailing winds and sun, the semi-mobile camp is virtually invisible from anywhere around and it carries arguably the lowest environmental footprint of any camp in Namibia. The camp is non-participatory and is serviced and equipped to ensure that guests can stay in great comfort while allowing them to relax and revel in the feeling of space and solitude that makes Namibia so special. Good food and wine are an important part of the overall experience, so our camp catering is of a suitably high standard - even in dry, desolate areas where this can be hard to maintain. Our camp chefs have their own unique specialties so delicious, wholesome meals and local delicacies are prepared for each meal using fresh local produce wherever possible. Tents are raised on mobile platforms and have basic infrastructure that allows for important comforts such as en suite flush toilets, but the essence of the camp remains Under Canvas, mobile and experiential. With provision for up to eight tents, this camp is booked on an exclusive basis for each group staying in it. Our Under Canvas camps use large rectangular Meru tents (4m x 3m and 2.5 m high) with built in groundsheets and mosquito screens on all doors and windows. Each spacious tent is equipped with standard height camp beds, solar lighting, and storage for clothing and other belongings that need to be accessible. Each also has a bathroom which has its own toilet, bucket shower and washbasin. A small table, mirror, towels and toiletries as well as solar lighting are also provided in the bathroom, and chairs on the patio allow guests to relax and enjoy the surrounding view. Activities include tracking desert adapted rhino which is completely private and done in an area that has the highest tracking success rate in north western Namibia; exploring the upper and less crowded //Huab River in search of desert adapted elephants; nature walks and scenic game drives; as well as the possibility of visiting some nearby prehistoric rock engravings should wildlife movements bring you within reach of those.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 2Type: LodgeLocation: Namibia

Ugab Terrace Lodge is set deep in the heart of a rare and untouched mystery situated within Namibia’s famous tourist attractions. The lodge provides a unique African experience with friendly staff and delicious cuisine that will make visitors feel at home. Indulge in the breathtaking view while enjoying a refreshing drink and overwhelming experiences of bathing in a splash pool constructed in the natural rocks at the top of the mountain surrounded by unspoilt valleys and bush.Book an adventure tour such as a guided walk in nature to experience the lustrous vegetation, a thrill ride on the 15th longest zip line in the world, a nature drive to the historical Vinger klip and much more. Ugab Terrace Lodge's accommodation comprises of 16 chalets set in a semi-circle on the edge of the mountain with a panoramic view over open valleys and the ancient terraces formed by water corrosion millions of years ago. There's also a restaurant and bar overlooking the Rock Vinger and beautiful Ugab Terraces valley.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 2Type: Luxury Tented CampLocation: Namibia

Onduli Ridge is named after the resident giraffe of the area. It is built at the base of two south-facing granite outcrops which are connected by a ridge. This location allows for magnificent views of Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg, to the south and the dispersed cathedral-like granite inselbergs to the north. The six suites are hidden amongst the granite boulders that nestle the camp and the more temperate climate of central Damaraland allows for naturally ventilated suites, partial open-air bathrooms and largely open communal areas. The camp exudes character and meticulous attention to detail meeting all requirements, from large rooms to libraries, rain showers, infinity pool and plenty of places to laze. Food to tantalize the palate after enjoying exceptional activities combines a genuinely unforgettable stay with exceptional quality while blending effortlessly into the natural surroundings.

Activities available include Elephant Tracking, Rhino Activity (only with extended stays) Rock Art Excursion to Twyfelfontein, Nature Drives, Nature Walks and Star beds.

From price: NZD0Rooms: 1Type: Campsite

Camp Doros is purposefully small and intimate, and it is positioned in a hotspot for desert-adapted black rhino. Activities centre on tracking black rhino with an experienced and qualified Rhino Ranger staff, and the option to look for Desert elephant. The camp is located on a high bank in the midst of Damaraland, overlooking a (usually) dry riverbed and forests of Mopane trees. Because the camp is shielded from the prevailing winds, it has one of the smallest environmental footprints of any camp in Namibia.

There are six guest tents (one of which is a family unit) on platforms. Each tent has twin or double bed(s), cabinets, solar electricity for lights and charging points, hot running showers, and flush toilets. The camp also offers a large common area with a bar, dining room, lounge with fires and a campfire terrace. There is also a plunge pool and sun deck. Camp Doros focuses on personalised service, which includes scrumptous meals produced in a solar and wood-fired kitchen.