What wildlife can be found in Damaraland?

Damaraland is home to some unique wildlife. Spot desert-adapted elephants, zebras, and the national animal of Namibia, the oryx, on nature drives, learning their survival skills in this arid place. Or follow a guide on a walk to look out for scorpions and other smaller desert dwellers.

When is the best time to visit Damaraland?

Damaraland can be visited throughout the year. However, the longer, drier winter months, between December and February are considered a good time to visit as temperatures are cooler.

Where is Damaraland located in Namibia?

Damaraland is located in the Kunene Region in Namibia’s north-west. It is located between the Brandberg Mountains and the small village of Sesfontein. It is an area characterised by its rocky, otherworldly, rugged landscape.

What should I pack on a Damaraland safari?

Neutral colours such as browns, greys and greens work well. Avoid white, blue, black and bright colours. The aim is to blend in with your surroundings as much as possible. Pack a jacket or a fleece for warmth, especially for the evenings and early morning game drives. When it comes to footwear, thick socks are key to avoid blisters. Bring comfortable walking shoes, and of course, a bathing suit, hat and sunglasses are essential on any African safari.

What to do in Damaraland, Namibia?

Explore ancient San art at Twyfelfontein. Track black rhinos with skilled guides. Enjoy game drives spotting desert-adapted wildlife and localised bird species. Meet the wonderful people who have learned to live in harmony with nature. Or simply unwind by the pool, savouring the sights and sounds of your beautiful desert surroundings.

Is it safe to view wildlife in Damaraland?

Yes, if you follow the rules of the wildlife area. Listen carefully to the advice of your guides who are trained to handle all eventualities and are knowledgeable about the wildlife in Namibia.

Namibia

Damaraland

Damaraland is waiting. A mountainous desert landscape revealing unexpected treasures on your Namibian safari.

Home Africa Namibia Damaraland

Untamed, unfenced Damaraland

Discover pure freedom in this astonishing, mountainous landscape reminiscent of the American Southwest – or Mars. Where it seems impossible for life to thrive. But life there is. Feel the thrill of seeing desert elephants, a bat-eared fox or the near-endemic Ruppell’s korhaan. Track scorpions on a night walk adventure. And fall asleep under a canopy of stars in a stellar sleepout experience.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Damaraland at a glance

The Damaraland region offers a fascinating tapestry of landscapes. Palmwag, a vast protected area, was created by massive magma eruptions 125 million years ago, when Africa and South America were part of the same supercontinent, Gondwana. The Huab River Valley is a mosaic of ephemeral rivers that are ribbon-like oases in an otherwise arid terrain.

Key Facts

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Damaraland key facts

Damaraland lies in a remote area of north-western Namibia that adjoins the Skeleton Coast. It is home to rare and endangered wildlife, which have learned to survive by following the patterns of nature. On early morning nature drives look out for desert-adapted animals: black rhino, elephant, and lion, along with oryx, kudu and springbok.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

47,990km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 650

MAMMALS

+/- 80

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

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Weather

Don’t forget the sunscreen, hat and jersey. Damaraland has a typical semi-desert climate, with temperatures rising up to well above 38°C (100°F) during the summer (November to April), with winter nights falling below freezing (May to October). The wet season occurs during summer and may have sporadic rainfall, but is unlikely to disturb your trip. In winter, conditions are extremely dry.

SUMMER SEASON

November to April

DRY SEASON

May to October

Key Facts

Damaraland key facts

Damaraland lies in a remote area of north-western Namibia that adjoins the Skeleton Coast. It is home to rare and endangered wildlife, which have learned to survive by following the patterns of nature. On early morning nature drives look out for desert-adapted animals: black rhino, elephant, and lion, along with oryx, kudu and springbok.

GEOGRAPHIC SIZE

47,990km²

BIRD SPECIES

+/- 650

MAMMALS

+/- 80

BEST TIME TO VISIT

All year round

WILDERNESS CAMPS

3

Habitats

Wildlife

Weather

Don’t forget the sunscreen, hat and jersey. Damaraland has a typical semi-desert climate, with temperatures rising up to well above 38°C (100°F) during the summer (November to April), with winter nights falling below freezing (May to October). The wet season occurs during summer and may have sporadic rainfall, but is unlikely to disturb your trip. In winter, conditions are extremely dry.

SUMMER SEASON

November to April

DRY SEASON

May to October

THINGS TO DO

Damaraland experiences

Feel like a first-time explorer in a thrilling adventure in this vast and ancient landscape carved out by time. Walk among gigantic fossilised trees in the Petrified Forest, dating back 280 million years. Marvel at 6,000-year-old San rock art. Marvel at astounding wildlife like the Critically Endangered black rhino, living here against all odds.

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Nature drives

Get close to rare wildlife, explore otherworldly landscapes and immerse yourself in uncharted territory on a nature drive.

Nature Drives

Namibia

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Safari wonders & attractions

There’s something epic awaiting at every one of our destinations. Discover Africa’s top attractions when you safari with us.

Safari wonders & attractions

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda

Birding

Birding with a knowledgeable Wilderness guide is spectacular across all our regions, with 930 different species for twitchers to tick.

Birding

Botswana, Namibia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Stargazing

Lie on a blanket, behold the beauty of your surrounds, and contemplate space and your place in it when you go stargazing.

Stargazing

Botswana, Namibia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Star Beds

Sleep out under the African night sky with our Star Bed experience. Nothing is quite as thrilling or as romantic on safari.

Star Beds

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Rhino tracking

Experience the thrill of a rhino walking safari.

Rhino Tracking

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Wilderness Experiences Conservation Tree Planting

Conservation experiences

Rewild. Protect. Conserve. Wilderness combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with positive impact experiences.

Conservation Experience

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Local culture

Learn. Share. Enrich. Wilderness offers unforgettable cultural experiences across eight African countries.

Local Culture

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Wilderness Experiences Nature Walk Rwanda

Nature walks

Have your camera ready and lace up your walking shoes - once your feet touch African soil, you’ll understand the magic.

Nature Walks

Namibia, Rwanda

Guided walking safaris

Slow down and pay attention to the smaller details of the safari experience on a walking safari with our professional guides.

Guided Walking Safaris

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TRAVEL WITH US

Journey with Wilderness

There’s no better place to discover the iconic wildlife of Damaraland than from our three beautiful, luxury desert sanctuaries: Damaraland Camp, Dora Nawas and Desert Rhino Camp. Each is carefully positioned across pristine areas. Track black rhinos on foot. Explore ancient rock art. Savour secret sundowners. Feast on stories around campfires, and dream of your next adventure.

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MAP

Explore camps in Damaraland

Find your next adventure in our iconic Namibian safari camps. Desert Rhino Camp lies in a wide valley, sometimes flush with grass, alongside north-west Namibia’s enormous Palmwag protected area. Dora Nawas rests on the edge of the dry Aba-Huab River, with glorious views of Namibia’s rugged Damaraland. Damaraland Camp overlooks the Huab River Valley – wild, rugged and full of geological wonders.

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JOURNAL

Damaraland featured stories

Dreaming of your next adventure? Read our feature stories about fascinating Damaraland in Namibia. Watch our thrilling videos of the wildlife you can encounter and explore our three luxury safari camps, waiting to welcome you. Coffee hot? Comfortable? Enjoy.

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