Damaraland

Damaraland is located in the north western region of Namibia. It is bordered by the Skeleton Coast National Park to the west and Etosha National Park to the north east. It is an untamed land, looking a little like Mars, but is stunning in its own right and often overlooked.

Damaraland is an area rich in Namibian history and arguably one of the most scenic parts in Namibia. The unforgiving environment showcases dramatic landscape coupled with desert adapted wildlife and vegetation.

Much of this wildlife is both rare and endangered. If you’re fortunate, you will see rare black rhino, desert dwelling elephants, lions and zebra to name but a few. Both wildlife and vegetation have learned to survive well in these barren Namibian conditions.

Damaraland is a region that has no permanent rivers and few inhabitants. It’s also home to Brandberg, the tallest mountain in Namibia. This specific area is well known for boasting an impressive open air “art gallery” in Twyfelfontein and Spitzkoppe.

Damaraland is a region of Namibia which is now at the forefront of ecotourism initiatives. This is turn is successfully attracting more travellers in search of sustainable tourism opportunities..

Key Sights in Damaraland

• Brandberg Mountain. The breathtaking mountainous landscape of this region is also home to Brandberg, a giant granite monolith. Brandberg is Namibia’s highest mountain. It also houses the famous “White Lady” Bushmen painting. The origins of which are somewhat dubious, but legend tells you that it shows a shaman and soothsaying elder.

• Spitzkoppe. Is a group of bald, granite peaks. It is also Namibia’s most well-known mountain. Spitzkoppe’s incredible rock formation is akin to Australia’s Uluru (Ayres Rock).

• The Petrified Forest dates back some 280 million years and has a landscape of gigantic fossilised tree trunks. From the distance they look just like dead trees lying on their side but to the touch they are stone! The name is misleading. It is not a forest but more an accumulation of these fossilised tree trunks. Personally, I would not make a special trip here but if you are passing by then it’s definitely worth a pit-stop.

• Twyfelfontein is home to the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Namibia. The rocky outcrops of Twyfelfontein feature incredible ‘open-air wall art’ engraved in the rocks. You will marvel at these Bushmen engravings. They are considered to be some of the best preserved etchings on the continent.

• The Organ Pipes near Twyfelfontein feature geological formations over 150 million years old. These formations showcase rich rust-coloured columns. The columns tower over 5 meters above the ground, resembling a church organ.

• Palmwag Region is where you will find the highest concentration of Rhinos in Damaraland. Palmwag is a vast protected area created by massive magma eruptions 125 million years ago.

Damaraland is a great destination if you also include it with the Skeleton Coast and/or Etosha National Park. You will not be disappointed at this wonderful landscape and natural world around you. Please read my post on Namibia to learn more.

Accommodation in Damaraland

Wilderness Damaraland Camp provides 10 thatched suites with unobstructed views of the magnificent desert surrounds.