Damaraland
Damaraland is an absolutely stunning area an hours flight North of Swakopmund. The scenery is mindblowing, but it is still the spectacular game that many people regard as the real prize. Damaraland is home to desert elephant, desert rhino, sand dwelling lions and a wealth of other unique species which have adapted to live in this dry inhospitable environment. The area is also home to Twyfelfontein rock art, an amazing collection drawn by the San bushmen over 4,000 years ago.
Damaraland is effectively the inland area South of Etosha and North of Swakopmund that runs adjacent to the Skeleton Coast National Park. The area is mountainous in some parts but is primarily a dramatic rocky wilderness. It is surprising to discover such a high volume of uniquely adapted animals living in such a dry environoment.
The South of Damaraland is recognised as the self drive area with the main tourist hotspots of the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes attracting a long procession of tourists every year. However the North of Damaraland is an area that has been divided up into private reserves, similar to the private reserve approach to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. The approach to tourism in this Northern sector involves the local communities heavily. Many global awards have been won here due to this community sensitive approach. It is this area that is the main home of the elephant and rhino with the dry Huab River bed creating fertile soil and grazing grounds. Damaraland: Accommodation choices
Wilderness Safaris are the principle operator in Damaraland, with two huge private reserves and three camps. Doro Nawas is the largest camp and offers good value with 360 degree views over the stunning scenery where as Damaraland Camp is a small tented camp tucked up into the hills looking down over the valley. Damaraland Camp is the flagship property for Wilderness in the area and has won numerous awards for its approach to community based tourism. It is rated as one of the most successful eco-tourism ventures in the world today. Both camps offer similar activities with the focus being on the game driving on the Huab River. The adjacent Palmwag Reserve is the home of Wilderness Safaris Rhino Camp and is located in the best game viewing region. Tracking rhino on foot here is some of the very best in Africa.
Recommended lodges in this area:
Damaraland
Run by the local community, Damaraland Camp is a pioneering eco-tourism camp that has won numerous awards for its approach to sustainable tourism. We regard the camp as the best place to see desert elephant, and subsequently one of the regions best properties.
Damaraland
Desert Rhino Camp is located in the private Palmwag Concession in the heart of Damaraland. The reserve is home to the highest concentration of wildlife outside Namibia’s Etosha National Park and most importantly the largest free roaming black rhino population in Africa.
Damaraland
Doro Nawas Camp is located in the heart of Damaraland, approximately an hours drive from Damaraland Camp itself. The lodge is much larger than any of the other lodges in the area and subsequently loses that sense of authenticity that we believe this area deserves.
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