Where is Damaraland?
Damaraland is located in the northwestern part of Namibia, between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park. It stretches across parts of the Kunene and Erongo Regions, covering a vast and remote area of dry mountains, open plains, rocky hills, and ancient riverbeds. The landscape is wild and dramatic, filled with natural beauty that feels untouched by time.
The People of Damaraland
The people who live in Damaraland are mainly from the Damara ethnic group, one of the oldest cultural groups in Namibia. They have lived in harmony with the land for centuries, passing down their traditions through stories, music, and crafts. You will also find Herero and Himba communities in this region, each with their own unique way of life. The local people are kind and welcoming, and many enjoy sharing their culture and wisdom with visitors through guided village visits and cultural experiences.
Climate and Seasons
Damaraland has a dry, desert-like climate for most of the year. The weather is usually hot during the day and cool at night. Rain is rare, but when it comes—mainly between January and March—the land bursts into green for a short time. The long dry season, from May to November, is the best time for wildlife viewing and travel, as the skies are clear and the days are bright.
Flora – Life in the Dry Land
Even though the climate is tough, many strong and interesting plants grow in Damaraland. You will see thorny bushes, small desert trees, dry grasses, and the famous Welwitschia mirabilis, a plant that can live for over a thousand years. These desert plants are adapted to survive with very little water, and they help support the entire ecosystem of the area.
Fauna – Desert Wildlife
Damaraland is known for its special desert-adapted animals. These animals have learned how to live in hot, dry places with little water. The region is home to desert elephants, black rhinos, giraffes, oryx, springbok, and even lions. These animals roam freely, often moving along dry riverbeds in search of food and water. Birdwatchers will also enjoy seeing many desert birds, including eagles, larks, and colorful bee-eaters.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |
Things to See and Do in Damaraland
This page gives a quick look at what you can see and do in Damaraland, a rugged and special part of Namibia. Visitors can explore Brandberg, the country’s tallest mountain, view ancient rock carvings at Twyfelfontein, walk through a petrified forest, see a giant rock spire, and visit a Living Museum that showcases the traditional way of life of the Damara people.
Accommodations in Damaraland
Damaraland, a captivating region in northwestern Namibia, offers a diverse range of accommodations that blend seamlessly with its rugged landscapes and rich cultural heritage. From luxurious lodges to comfortable campsites, visitors can find the perfect base to explore the area's unique attractions.
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp sits near Twyfelfontein and is famous for its dramatic setting among giant granite boulders. It features twelve luxury tents and one private suite. Visitors can explore nearby rock art sites, take nature drives to spot wildlife, enjoy sundowners with mountain views, and experience the quiet beauty of the desert.
Camp Kipwe
is located in the Aba Huab Valley close to Twyfelfontein. It offers nine dome-shaped rooms and one luxury suite, all nestled between rocks to create a natural look. Activities at Camp Kipwe include guided excursions to see desert elephants, nature walks, and visits to Twyfelfontein and the Organ Pipes.
Doro Nawas Camp
lies in the Aba Huab River Valley and features sixteen spacious units, some of which are family-friendly. Guests can go on nature drives, guided hikes, cultural visits to local Damara communities, and explore the famous rock engravings nearby.
Desert Rhino Camp
is found deep in the Palmwag Concession, where you can stay in one of eight canvas tents. The camp is well-known for its rhino tracking on foot or by vehicle, nature drives, and excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing in one of Namibia’s most remote areas.
Etendeka Mountain Camp
is located at the foot of the Grootberg massif. It has ten eco-friendly tents with en-suite bathrooms. Guests can enjoy guided walking safaris, nature drives, and evenings of stargazing in an unspoiled wilderness.
Grootberg Lodge
sits atop the Etendeka Plateau in northern Damaraland. It has fifteen comfortable chalets with panoramic views of the Klip River Valley. Activities include rhino tracking, elephant tracking, visits to local Himba communities, and nature walks through the plateau’s rugged terrain.
Huab Lodge
is found on a private nature reserve in Damaraland. It offers eight large stone-and-thatch bungalows set along the Huab River. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, game drives, birdwatching, and spa treatments, as well as thermal hot springs.
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
is situated near the famous Twyfelfontein rock engravings. With sixty-five rooms, it’s one of the larger lodges in the area. Guests can visit archaeological sites, go on scenic drives, explore nearby geological wonders, and enjoy traditional Namibian cuisine.
Damara Mopane Lodge
is located 20 kilometers east of Khorixas. The lodge has sixty colorful chalets, each with a small vegetable garden. Visitors can explore local attractions like the Petrified Forest and Twyfelfontein and enjoy relaxing afternoons at the pool or garden terrace
Damaraland Camp
is located in the scenic Huab River Valley between Twyfelfontein and Palmwag. It offers ten thatched chalets built from adobe and natural materials, blending into the landscape. Guests here can enjoy guided nature walks, game drives to find desert-adapted elephants, visits to ancient rock engravings, and stargazing under the vast African sky.
Palmwag Campsite
is located along the Uniab River in northwestern Damaraland. With thirteen shaded campsites, it offers a rustic but scenic base for exploring the area. Activities include nature walks and guided game drives, especially for spotting desert elephants and rare antelope.
Huab Lodge
is set near the Damara Living Museum and the Aba Huab River. It has twelve tented rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Guests staying here can visit famous rock art sites, explore unusual geological formations, and engage in cultural experiences with the Damara people.
Torra Bay Campsite
is located within the Skeleton Coast Park and is only open during December and January. It has sixty basic campsites near the ocean. Visitors mostly come for fishing, beach walking, and enjoying the cool coastal climate.
Kaoko Bush Lodge
is located near the Galton Gate to Etosha National Park. It offers comfortable chalets and campsites with private ablutions. Guests can explore nearby game parks, go birdwatching, and enjoy hikes in the surrounding wilderness.
Huab Lodge
is found on a private nature reserve in Damaraland. It offers eight large stone-and-thatch bungalows set along the Huab River. Guests can enjoy guided nature walks, game drives, birdwatching, and spa treatments, as well as thermal hot springs.
Brandberg White Lady Lodge and Campsite
is located at the base of Brandberg Mountain, Namibia’s highest peak. The lodge has rooms as well as campsites. Visitors can take guided hikes to the famous White Lady rock painting, go birdwatching, and enjoy peaceful evenings under the stars.
