Damaraland is a rocky desert wilderness in Namibia punctuated by imposing granite domes, flat-topped mountains and intriguing geological features including the Petrified Forest, the volcanic Burnt Mountain and the basalt Organ Pipes. Numerous caves shelter a wealth of rock engravings and paintings dating back 10 – 20,000 years. Two of the most rewarding wildlife experiences, both in northern Damaraland, are seeking out the desert-adapted elephent and rhino tracking. Northern Damaraland, is about 90 km inland from the Skeleton Coast. Morning mists, created by the meeting of the cold Atlantic waters and the warm landmass, sustain life in the area. When looking to holiday in Namibia this is a must see region of unique, rather than abundant, wildlife.
Desert-adapted elephant
In northen Damaraland we recommend you can stay at Damaraland Camp, a remote, tented eco-camp set in the 880 sq km Torra Conservancy. Activities here include nature drives and spectacular walks and revolve around the cycles of the rare desert-adapted elephant, oryx and other species that have adapted to the harsh desert environment. The clear skies draw stargazers and birders flock to spot specials like Ludwigs bustard, Carp's black tit and Monterios hornbill.
Rhino tracking
Also in northern Damaraland, the 400,000-hectare Palmwag Reserve supports a large number of giraffe, zebra, oryx and springbok; and their predators – leopard, lion, cheetah, and both brown and spotted hyenas. Palmwag Desert Lodge, at the gateway to the reserve, is one of the region’s oldest camps and offers an exciting, ‘true wilderness’, over-night camping opportunity. In the Palmwag Reserve, Save the Rhino Trust operates a study centre and a mobile camp, Desert Rhino Camp, where you can track rhino on foot and by vehicle, accompanied by conservationists and trackers.
Twyfelfontein
To the south, the Twyfelfontein area is renowned for some of the best examples of Bushman paintings and rock engravings in southern Africa, as well as unusual rock formations – the famous Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes – and important palaeontological sites. You can stay here at Twyfelfontein Lodge or Dora Nawas, a new joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the local community.
Camp Kipwe
Camp Kipwe is nestled in the rock boulders and surrounded by breath taking scenery.This camp has a simple yet elegant style, tastefully decorated and cleverly designed to blend into its natural surroundings, organic yet crisp, uncluttered and modern. There are nine round shaped rooms with Mopane thatch roofs, large decks with fabulous views, partially open adjoining bathrooms and a bedroom and sep...
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp is set among giant boulders in an area of great scenic beauty between the Ugab and the Huab rivers in southern Damaraland. Conveniently close to Twyfelfontein, Mowani Mountain Camp is an ideal base for those wishing to explore this area.Its unusual thatched, dome-shaped structures echo the shape of the rough-textured granite boulders amongst which they are built, creating the ...
Damaraland Camp
Damaraland Camp is an award-winning eco-lodge set in one of Namibia's least populated areas, the 880 sq km Torra Conservancy in northern Damaraland, about 90 km inland from the Skeleton Coast.The scenery is magnificent, a mix of stark plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks. Ten spacious tents, each with verandah and en suite facilities, provide stunning views of the valley and mountains bey...
Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp is a mobile camp and study centre in the 400,000-hectare Palmwag Rhino Reserve operated by Save the Rhino Trust in association with Wilderness Safaris.Accommodation and activitiesAt Desert Rhino Camp, (formally Palmwag Rhino Camp) guests stay in eight large Meru-style tents with en suite facilities including a flush toilet and bucket shower which is filled with hot water on reque...
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas is situated on a small hill above the dry Aba-Huab river, overlooking the ancient plains of southern Damaraland. This camp is a real gem and a firm favourite with our clients who regularly comment on the friendly service and unbelievable views. The 16 comfortable thatched rooms at Doro Nawas Camp are designed to blend into the surrounding scenery and offer luxury in the midst of the des...
Pocket-size Northern Namibia Self-Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah rehabilitation project at Okonjima
- View some amazing scenery from Damaraland
- Go on a cruise to see the Dolphins and seals from Walvis bay
Palmwag Desert Lodge
Palmwag Desert Lodge, at the gateway to the 400,000-hectare private Palmwag Reserve in northern Damaraland, is one of the region’s oldest camps. This is an ideal stopover for those wishing to explore further into Kaokoland, Ovambuland and beyond to Epupa Falls and the Angolan border. This reserve supports the largest population of free roaming black rhino in Africa, as well as a health...
Twyfelfontein Lodge
Twyfelfontein Lodge is well–situated in the heart of the Twyfelfontein Conservancy, 100km west of Khorixas.It is a relatively large lodge, with 56 rooms, designed to cater for larger groups and tour parties, but the architects took care to reduce its visual impact and blend it into the mountainside. It is one of the closest camps to the San rock art.FacilitiesThese include a lounge, open din...
Grootberg Lodge
Perched on the edge of the Grootberg Plateau, overlooking the Klip River Valley, Grootberg Lodge has spectacular views.Situated on a large private concession, this welcoming lodge is fully owned by the local Khoadi/Hoas community. Built from rock and thatch, the 12 chalets are tastefully furnished, all with small private decks that look out over the gorge. Well positioned for self-drivers &ndas...
Classic Namibia Self-Drive Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah conservation project at Okonjima
- Spectacular game viewing around the waterholes in Etosha
- Elusive Rhino and Elephant in the desert at Damaraland
- Climb the highest dunes in Sossusvlei at Sunrise
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
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