Damaraland, set between Etosha and the Skeleton Coast, is a land of dramatic contrasts—burnt mountains, sweeping plains and starlit skies. At dawn and dusk, the scenery glows with soft hues, while desert-adapted elephant, black rhino and lion roam the grasslands. Discover ancient rock art at Twyfelfontein, explore with expert guides, and retreat to remote luxury lodges blending romance and exclusivity. A Damaraland safari is raw, refined and utterly unforgettable.
At first glance, Namibia’s Damaraland looks a barren, inhospitable place. Lying between the wind-scoured Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, Damaraland showcases geology at its most extreme – burnt mountains, gravel plains and petrified forests.
But like so much of Namibia, Damaraland hides its magic until you spend a little time there. The soft light of dawn and dusk transforms jagged mountain ranges into layers of soft colours, golden grasslands sweep between acacia forests and the night sky is truly magnificent. And there are animals in Damaraland too – elephant, black rhino, gemsbok, mountain zebra and even lion. Ostriches and secretary birds stride across the landscape while eagles and stiff-winged vultures drift overhead.
A Damaraland safari also gives you the chance to discover the human side to this rugged environment. The rock art at Twyfelfontein ranks among the best in the world: 5 000 carvings and paintings depicting animals ranging from giraffes and seals to human figures and geometric imagery. And while on Damaraland safari you’ll benefit from the broad knowledge of local guides, showing you edible plants and how to track game. You can visit local communities to find out a little about life in big game country.
Once virtually inaccessible, Damaraland is now a highlight on many Namibia safaris. Lying between the popular seaside destination of Swakopmund and the Etosha National Park, the area makes a perfect two or even three-day stopover. You’ll find accommodation ranging from remote luxury lodges to traditional tented camps. Many camps have been designed with romantic travel in mind and feature honeymoon suites and breath-taking locations but families with children will find Damaraland accommodation with plenty to offer them too. It’s an easy self-drive destination too.
You’ll be spoiled for choice with activities in Damaraland. Game drives usually take centre stage but there’s also mountain biking, star-gazing, community visits and guided walks. The bird watching is surprisingly good and there’s even the chance go on spot-lit night drives to see Africa’s nocturnal wildlife on the move – wild cats, bush babies and kangaroo-like springhares.
A Damaraland safari combines easily with many of Namibia’s other attractions such as Sossusvlei, Swakopmund and the Etosha National Park – just ask us how.
The best time to go on a Damaraland safari is generally considered to be during the long dry winter. Temperatures and rainfall are both low from May to September – average highs range between 19 and 22°C (68 to 72°F) with rain virtually absent. Early winter mornings in Damaraland are extremely cold with the mercury barely above freezing.
Temperatures soar in October and November as the rains arrive but it may be fairly dry until the months of January, February and March when the bulk of Damaraland’s rain falls.
Set in some of Namibia’s most scenic landscapes, Damaraland lodges are as famous for their views as they are for their comfort. Most accommodation takes the form of eco-sensitive tented camps, usually in private reserve settings and radiating an unspoilt wilderness ambience. Activities range from 4X4 game drives and walking safaris to rhino tracking and star gazing. Guides are extremely knowledgeable and the standards of service, food and wine and lodge facilities are high.
Given their idyllic views and intimate nature, Damaraland lodges are a natural choice for honeymooners and romantic travellers but several welcome families with children too and some are especially well-suited for visitors on a self-drive adventure. Browse our recommendations below or simply contact us for advice on which Damaraland accommodation will suit your needs and budget.
Hidden among enormous boulders, Camp Kipwe delivers a great value Damaraland experience. There are only 9 suites, each blending in with the landscape & offering mesmerising views. Activities range from game drives to hot-air balloon safaris.
This community-owned & run camp has a wide range of activities on offer – game drives, mountain biking, guided walks, village visits & bird watching. You’ll enjoy simple, clean-lined comfort back at camp plus a swimming pool & great food.
Lying in an area of astonishing elemental beauty, this intimate camp enjoys incredible sunsets & makes a perfect base from which to look for desert elephants. The luxury suite comes with butler service & the best bathroom view in the world!
Damaraland’s black rhinos are the stars of the show at this luxurious tented camp; you’ll go on game drives in search of them plus predators such as lion & cheetah. Night drives, walks & full-day safaris add to the mix of activities.
An intimate, solar-powered camp, Etendeka is a camp to discover the wildlife of Damaraland. Passionate about conservation, the camp’s expert guides lead drives, hikes & walks in search of elephants & rhinos; back at camp, enjoy star gazing by telescope.
A Damaraland safari is experienced as part of a larger Namibian tour. A region loosely defined as that lying between the Etosha National Park, Skeleton Coast and the Kaokoveld, Damaraland is easily combined with these destinations and has plenty to offer – desert-adapted elephants, black rhino and big cats plus sensational scenery and archaeological treasures.
Home to some of Namibia’s finest lodges, Damaraland is an especially good region for self-drivers to take a one or two-night break when driving from Swakopmund to Etosha.
Browse our tried-and-tested itineraries below. We’ve included Damaraland in each one, in combination with a mix of Namibia’s top destinations including its world-famous sand dunes at Sossusvlei. If you want to create your own tour based on your needs and budget, then simply contact us and we’ll tailor-make a Namibia tour for you that includes Damaraland and the destinations of your choice – Victoria Falls, the Chobe River or even Cape Town.
Our team of destination experts will design a holiday to meet your budget and interests. Let’s start planning your tailor-made African safari today!
A Damaraland safari is usually part of a bigger itinerary featuring other top destinations such as Sossusvlei and the Etosha National Park. Located between Swakopmund and Etosha and with access to the Skeleton Coast and Kaokoveld, this destination fits in nicely and a two or three night stay will give travellers plenty of time to experience what Damaraland has to offer.
If a relaxing stop on an island is what you’re imagining, why not add on a couple of nights in Mauritius or Maldives before heading home?
