Damaraland – Bespoke Namibia Itineraries

South of the Skeleton Coast and Hoanib River lies Damaraland, one of the most interesting and beautiful areas of Namibia.

In the past, hunting in this area threatened wildlife populations, but today ecotourism projects and community-run concessions thrive, helping to restore this region. These projects, such as Damaraland Camp, provide benefits to the local communities and make them active partners in wildlife preservation. As a result of these projects, rare desert-adapted species of lions, rhinos, and elephants are thriving in the area. Bird life can also be quite prolific, although it is mostly concentrated along the dry river beds.

Desert-adapted elephant family walking through golden grassland in Damaraland, Namibia

Herd of oryx antelope grazing in front of rugged mountains in Damaraland, Namibia

Outdoor dining table set for two overlooking the desert landscape at Damaraland Camp, Namibia

Why visit Damaraland?

In addition to the rare mammals and birds you will see on game drives through the desert, Damaraland boasts a wealth of anthropologic and geologic wonders. Strewn over a hillside at Twyfelfontein in the southern Kaokoveld, boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs.

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In addition to the rare mammals and birds you will see on game drives through the desert, Damaraland boasts a wealth of anthropologic and geologic wonders. Strewn over a hillside at Twyfelfontein in the southern Kaokoveld, boulders and slabs of red sandstone hold some 2,500 prehistoric engravings that depict wildlife, animal spoor and abstract motifs.
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The rounded hill southwest of the Petrified Forest, known as the Burnt Mountain, appears to catch fire at both sunrise and sunset. The fantastic range of colors comes from a chemical reaction that took place 132 million years ago when molten lava penetrated shale and limestone deposits. In ordinary sunlight, it is a dull black with blackened rubble lying to one side like cinders from the original fire.
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Wildlife in Damaraland includes desert-adapted elephants, lions, and rhinos. Myriad hikes and walking safaris follow rivers carved through the lunar landscape, so you might spot these animals on foot.

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Other areas to explore

A visit to Damaraland puts you within easy reach of many other beautiful and fascinating parts of Namibia.

Windhoek

Windhoek, Namibia‘s capital city, is located in a basin between the Khomas Highlands and the Auas and Eros mountains.

Namibia's Central Highlands

Between Namibia’s capital of Windhoek and Etosha National Park lies the Central Highlands, a region of gentle rolling hills and private game reserves.

Etosha National Park

Etosha National Park is Namibia’s premier wildlife destination. At almost 9000 square miles, it is also one of Africa’s largest national parks.

A group of greater flamingos stands in warm-toned shallow water at Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Swakopmund and Walvis Bay

Swakopmund is Namibia‘s second biggest town and one of the most surreal and unique destinations in the country. Think: Germany meeting the African desert next to the ocean.

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