Our Guide to Namibia
Damaraland Camp
Damaraland, Namibia
At a Glance
Visit the ancient San rock art at Twyfelfontein
Fabulous two bedroom family cottage
Cool off in the swimming pool
Day and night nature drives to explore the varied landscapes of the conservancy
See the rare desert adapted elephant
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
All year round destination, although the best time to visit Damaraland is from May to September as the temperature is tolerably cool, especially at night. The optimum game viewing times are between June and November. The land will have dried out meaning animals must again come to waterholes to drink. Summer (November to April) also known as the rainy season is best time to travel to Damaraland for bird watching as migratory birds (both intra-African and Palaearctic) flock into the park's many habitats after the summer rains.
Insider's View
Head out of the lodge on one of their walking trails and witness the magical views.
A morning with the desert adapted elephant, which are often found in dry Huab river bed is a very special way to start the day!
Learn about the ancient geology of the region
Sit on your deck and soak up the incredible views
Visit the local Himba village and learn more about the local culture.
To start planning your holiday to Damaraland Camp
Description
Damaraland Camp is located in possibly the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, the Huab River Valley. Boasting panoramic vistas of stark plains, ancient valleys and the soaring inselberg of the Brandberg Mountains.
The eco-friendly construction of Damaraland Camp has merged new technology with ancient methodology in an incredibly inventive manner. Another unique feature of this sustainable ecotourism venture is that it is owned and largely run by the local community - who have injected their own distinctive optimism and cheerful nature into the Damaraland Camp experience. This unusual flavour comes from the mixed heritage of the local peoples, which include Nama-Damara, Herero, Owambo, and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa.
Accommodation at Damaraland Camp consists of 10 adobe-styled, thatched units each raised on individual wooden decking - part of which extends out to form a large viewing deck with magnificent vistas. Recently refurbished, each tent has en-suite facilities with a shower, flush toilet and wash basins as well as a dressing area at the back of the tent and a built-in fan.
Guests can enjoy game drives and walks with expert guides who take safaris early in the morning or in the evening and into the night to spot nocturnal species that cannot be seen during daylight hours. Large game is not concentrated year-round here, with the natural cycle of rainfall dictating the seasonal movement of wildlife along the Huab River. Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Huab River system. The morning and afternoon drives go in search of desert-adapted elephant, gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, and occasionally lion, cheetah and black rhino can be spotted. Interesting flora such as euphorbias and shepherd's trees can be viewed on the way to some of Africa's best known rock engravings, including the famous Twyfelfontein etchings.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Damaraland Camp consists of 10 adobe-styled, thatched units each raised on individual wooden decking - part of which extends out to form a large viewing deck with magnificent vistas. Recently refurbished, each tent has en-suite facilities (shower only), a walk-in dressing area and a built-in fan.
Childcare
There are no specific child care facilities available at Damarland Camp, but a family room is available and there is a minimum age of 8 years. Children over this age are most welcome and would find the safari element an interesting and educational experience.
Facilities
The spacious, open-plan thatched living area features a restaurant and bar, complete with fireplace. Evening meals at Damaraland Camp are often prepared over an open fire and served out in the open in an area near to the camp lit by an assortment of small lanterns. The swimming pool is conveniently sited next to the bar. An open campfire and outdoor 'boma' can be enjoyed during calm evenings, with superb stargazing in the crystal-clear night skies.
Activities
Activities at Damaraland Camp revolve around exploring the Huab River system, featuring guided nature drives and walks. Morning and afternoon drives in search for desert-adapted elephant are a great favourite. Gemsbok, greater kudu, springbok, and occasionally lion, cheetah, elephants and black rhino can be spotted. Interesting flora such as euphorbias and shepherd's trees can be viewed on the way to some of Africa's best known rock engravings, including the famous Twyfelfontein etchings.
Reviews
Meg Shepro (Staff)
Damaraland Camp is a gorgeous and comfortable lodge with exquisite hospitality and guiding to make your stay memorable. We were lucky enough to stay at the lodge during one of their Boma dinners in which we had a barbecue (or braai) under the stars while learning about the local history and cuisine.
Miles McConnell (Staff)
It is almost hard to believe that Damaraland Camp is not actually on mars. The huge empty landscapes are a vivid red and whilst they may seem empty of all life a guided the walks through the desert there shows just how deceiving appearances can be!
We were also lucky enough to spend an amazing day tracking the desert adapted elephants, which is an absolute must in Namibia, before moving on to one of the most comprehensive collections of bushman art at Twyfelfontein.
Louisa Verney (Staff)
I loved returning to Damraland Camp, the views were still as stunning and the staff the friendliest and most smiley in Namibia! My days were filled with walks to stop off at stunning view points for a 360' view to die for, nature drives to explore the ever changing and varied landscapes which the conservancy has to offer, from dunes, to red mountains and arid savannah. We were also lucky enough to spot a herd of the desert adapted elephant feeding in the dry Huab river bed, a real treat, particularly as thee was one tiny four month old calf.
The staff spoilt us with meals in wonderful locations and entertained us with their incredible singing, which puts the Scott Dunn rendition of Happy Birthday to shame!
Camilla Smith (Staff)
Driving to the camp was a fabulous experience, I have never experienced somewhere so remote and beautiful. The landscape almost felt like being on the moon! The lodge is the perfect place to relax and unwind in this breathtaking landscape, either by the pool with a drink in hand, or head off on one of the stunning walking trails and have a picnic on one of the rock kopje's. A day of tracking the desert adapted elephants is a real highlight as well as going to see the petrified forests.
Experiences
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Bushmen Art at Twyfelfontein
Damaraland is home to one of the oldest tribes in the country, the San, and a visit to Twyfelfontein, where you can see their art, is a highlight.
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Desert Elephants in Damaraland
Damaraland is the southern part of the Kaokoveld, Namibia's least inhabited area, and is utterly spectacular for its landscapes. Ambling amongst the mountains and valleys are the famous Desert-adapted elephants.
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See the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain
Take an hour and half excursion to witness the natural phenomenon of The Organ Pipes and The Burnt Mountain.
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Visit a Petrified Forest
The Petrified Forest in Damaraland is a National Monument and contains 300 million year old tree trunks.
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Visit Damara Living Museum
When in Damaraland a trip to The Living Museum of the Damara is always well worth a visit.
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Walking Safaris in Damaraland
Tracking wildlife on foot and sneaking up to big game is one of those unforgettable experiences that will live with you long after your safari. Damaraland is a great place to explore on foot, get out with your expert guide and experience it!
Location & directions
Damaraland, Namibia
Damaraland Camp is located in the Huab River Valley, arguably the most pristine wilderness area in Namibia, 90km from Torra Bay in the Torra Conservancy. Situated a short distance inland from the stark Skeleton Coast and just north of the true Namib Desert, Damaraland Camp in the Torra Conservancy exists within one of the driest, most desolate regions in all of Africa.
How to get there
It is an 11-hour international flight to Johannesburg, followed by a 2-hour international flight Windhoek. Damaraland Camp is approximately a 1-hour 40-minute flight from Windhoek. Damaraland Air Strip is located 15 minutes from the Camp.
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