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Namibia> Places to visit in 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:
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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 Twyfelfontein, 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.
Palmwag Lodge is an oasis nestled amid red hills. The scenery is characterised by small hills and semi-desert scrub, with small bushes and stunted trees. The major attractions are the black rhino and desert elephants which often visit the area the Palmwag Rhino camp has now been set up in the area with the specific ideal of getting closer to the rhino.
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Fort Sesfontein is the northern most reach of Damaraland. A German fort was built here in 1901, and was restored in 1987. The fort has now become a popular lodge. This is the last outpost before the going becomes extremely rugged as one enters Kaokoland.