Damara Mole Rat
wildlife of Namibia
Introduction: Long-term studies of the Damara mole rat (Cryptomys damarensis) in Namibia have concluded that when rain seeps through to the soil, burrowing operations are at their most intense. Moles have to act quickly in these circumstances, as they search for food blind in harsh, environmental conditions, foraging and storing the organs of plants underground as they shunt soil about. The softer soil enables them to make minor alterations to their burrows to uncover new resources. Burrowing networks will have a nest that can be up to 2m underground.
Distribution: North and eastern regions of the country including Etosha National Park and in the red Kalahari Desert sands that are associated with unpredictable rainfall.
Diet: Gemsbok cucumbers, bulbs, corms and tubers.
Colouring: Fawn or very dark brownish-black, short but dense coat colours can occur in the same colony with distinctive large, white head patches.
Breeding: A breeding female breeds throughout the year. Litters of between 1-5 pups are born after a gestation period of 80 days. Hindfoot drumming is a feature during courtship.
Size: Average weight 160g, but males can reach 300g.
Bagatelle Kalahari Lodge
Excellent lodge in the Kalahari Desert, offers accommodation in units made of straw bales or wood. Bagatelle proves to be consistently popular with guests
Hardap Dam Resort
Really only suitable for fisherman - until renovations happen it is probably best not to subject yourself to this.
Kalahari Anib Lodge
Tends to cater for larger groups, but the low rates make it attractive for those looking to save some money.
Kalahari Red Dunes Lodge
A 12 room lodge situated in a nature reseve and set amongst the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert
Suricate Kalahari Tented Camp
The meerkat or suricate is a small mammal which inhabits the Kalahari - we do not know why this lodge is named after them. Perhaps if you stay here and find out you can tell us and then we can make this slightly more descriptive.
Zebra Kalahari Lodge
The third lodge on the Intu Afrika Kalahari Game Reserve (along with Suricate & Camethorn Lodges). The Kalahari is absolutely magnificent and really should be a part of any visit to Namibia.
