_Damaraland


One of the most scenic areas of Namibia, situated roughly in the centre of the country, Damaraland has a vast range of  landscapes and experiences to offer.

With enormously wide open spaces, endless wastelands, and some beautiful mountains and inselbergs, Damaraland can occupy a number of days of a Namibian itinerary.   Named after the Damara people who were moved into the area during the years of apartheid in South Africa, you can enjoy cultural experiences with the local tribes along your journey.

Namibia is a geologist's delight, and with prehistoric water courses, massive granite koppies and deep gorges, Damaraland has some fascinating features which will keep the camera occupied.

Highlights of Damaraland include:
Picture
Photo: Dana Allen
Picture
Photo: Dana Allen

Brandberg

Translated into English as "Fire Mountain," Brandberg is the highest mountain in Namibia, and earned its name from its stunningly red colour, especially around sunset.

The mountain is also famous for ancient bushman paintings, in particular "The White Lady," which has fascinated tourists and scientists for years.   Hikes and mountain climbing are popular activities on the mountain.

Spitzkoppe


Nicknamed the "Matterhorn of Africa," Spitzkoppe rises out of the surrounding desert as a huge island of granite, imposing itself 100's of metres into the air.

The formations created by thousands of years of erosion make Spitzkoppe enchanting, and located here is one of the most stunningly placed campsites in Africa.   The sunset colours painted over the granite mountain will etch themselves into your memories forever.

Spitzkoppe has played a role in human history for thousands of years, with numerous San bushman paintings being found around the rocks.
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Photo: Martin Benadie

Desert Animals


Many desert-adapted animals call Damaraland home, with the most exciting being the desert elephants, black rhinos and lions.

These animals have adapted their lifestyles to survive the harshness of the sun-blistered, almost waterless desert spaces.  Elephant move through euphorbia bush country, and can travel up to 70km in a day in search of  food and water and unusually, do not destroy trees in their quest for food.  Follow black rhino cow and her calf in typical Damaraland 'melkbos' terrain.
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Photo: Dana Allen

Twyfelfontein


Being the site of about 2 000 rock paintings, Twyfelfontein is one of the largest and most important concentrations of bushman paintings in Africa, and has been approved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The rocky area in the Kunene Region of north western Namibia attracts thousands of tourists each year and is an historically fascinating location.