Damaraland
Namibia
Damaraland is the old apartheid name given to the region south of Kaokoland and north of the main road to Swakopmund. The name Damaraland is derived from the fact that the Damara people live in this area (they were relocated here as a result of the Odendaal Plan in the 1960's). The name Damaraland is still commonly used in tourism circles, although the entire region has now been renamed; the southern section now lies in the Erongo region while the north forms part of the Kunene region.
Highlights of the area include:
- The Brandberg -Namibia's highest mountain and home to the famous "White Lady" Bushman Painting.
- Twyfelfontein - a wonderful rocky outcrop with thousands of Bushman engravings.
- Spitzkoppe - a typical pointed inselberg, and a place of great mystery to the ancient San people
- The Petrified Forest - which is millions of years old.
- The Vingerklip (finger rock) - a towering finger of limestone that rises 35m above its base. It is a remnant of a plateau formed over 15 million years ago
Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and distant mountains create the landscape. Game species include desert elephant, black rhino, ostrich and springbok.
The Brandberg and Spitzkoppe are two favourite places for climbers in Namibia, and both mountains contain a high density of San (Bushman) art. A new addition to tourism in the area is the exciting addition of Rhino and Elephant tracking safaris, proceeds from these safaris go towards the preservation of these animals. There are numerous guided safaris to Damaraland and these offer an informative way of visiting the area.
In the caves and ravines of the area many prehistoric rock paintings have been found and none more famous than the ‘White Lady' of the Brandberg. Discovered in 1917 the painting remained relatively unknown until 1948 when the French archaeologist Abbé Henri Breuil copied it and brought the painting to light. Initially it was speculated that the 'White Lady' was a painting of a European woman, although the painting pre-dates the arrival of Europeans in the area by centuries - recently the sex of the 'White Lady' has been bought into questions and it is considered likely that she is in fact a bloke! (Perhaps the earliest recorded case of cross-dressing?)
The area has a wide variety of accommodation ranging from campsites to up market lodges, a few of the highlights include one of Namibia's best camp sites can be found near Twfelfontein, the community run, Aba-Huab camp is well worth a visit for those interested in camping. The Namib Desert Elephants often visit the campsite in search of water, the elephants have been known to destroy the reed shower blocks in extremely dry seasons.
This remote lodge is an absolute must. Nearly everyone who knows Namibia rates this as one of it's finest destinations
A lodge owned by the local community, Grootberg has stunning views and interesting activities
On the extreme western edge of Etosha (although self drive visitors can not enter the park from here) this lodge is a popular stop between Kaokoland and Damaraland
A small private lodge, with attentive management. Activities centre on the Huab river which attract a variety of game including the elusive desert adapted elephant
This lodge is such an institution that Palmwag, which is no more than the lodge and a petrol station is marked on every Namibian map.
A mobile camp, specialising in finding white Rhino. Expensive and exclusive.
This small lodge is located between Outjo and Khorixas - it was one of the first guest farms opened in Namibia
Situated in the tiny town of Uis, this lodge acts as a gateway to the Brandberg Mountain and other parts of the Erongo Region
The author of this site does not know much, but is absolutely and completely convinced this is where Nelly the Elephant decided to live, after deciding to run away from the circus!
This camp was started by Wilderness Safaris and is now managed by the local community. Expect luxury, desert elephants and rhino
A good quality lodge located close to the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. Excursions to the engravings and in search of desert adapted elephant
Easily the best lodge in the area - accommodation is in luxury tents or more 'solid' suites.
As the name implies this is situated close to the rock engravings at Twyfelfontein. A good quality lodge with reasonable rates.
The Vingerklip is a 35m high finger like rock structure - this lodge has two swimming pools and apart from being close to Vingerklip is in close proximity to Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, Petrified Forest and other wonders of Damaraland