Sandwiched between the Skeleton Coast and Central Namibia, Damaraland is ruggedly beautiful, completely untamed, and one of the most underrated wildlife-watching areas in Southern Africa. It is made up of open plains and grassland, huge granite domes and deep gorges - a striking landscape, much of which was created by the ancient sheets of molten lava.
What to do in Damaraland
Damaraland is not a ‘tick-the-box’ Big Game destination; however, it does offer a fantastic opportunity to track and spot the area's desert-adapted wildlife, most notable elephant and rhino. Other activities include trips to the ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein (a UNESCO World Heritage site), which are stunning rock formations formed by millions of years of volcanic activity.
The southern part of Damaraland is an area we rarely use, as it is so easily accessible that it tends to get crowded. However, the gallery of rock art at Twyfelfontein deserves a special mention – it could rival the Louvre!
Time of year to travel to Damaraland
Namibia is a stunning destination for much of the year. However, it gets extremely hot around mid-November and this should not be taken lightly. This heat remains until the rains break, and the country remains ‘questionable’ for travelers until mid-March, when the rains dry up and the country comes to life.
Top tip
Do not come to Damaraland if you are expecting to tick off the big game. Only come if you are set on viewing the rhino and elephant!