Wilderness Namibia Desert Rhino

Namibia

Damaraland

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


Wilderness Namibia Landscape Mountains
Wilderness Namibia Wildlife Elephant

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

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

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.

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.

Go to Destination map

FAQ

General

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.
SEE ALL STORIES

Wilderness announces rebuild of Desert Rhino Camp

Beloved camp in Namibia to be renewed and rebuilt in 2024. Get ready to fall in love with Wilderness...

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Wilderness Blogger

18.01.2024

Miss Namibia, Jameela Uiras lending a hand in the Torra community

Miss Universe Namibia’s Impactful Damaraland Trip

Wilderness hosted Miss Namibia, Jameela Uiras at Wilderness Damaraland Camp, including a visit to ne...

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Wilderness Blogger

02.11.2023

Wilderness & SRT announce ongoing success of community-based rhino conservation in Kunene

By working with partners like SRT, we at Wilderness are confident that our impact will continue to m...

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Wilderness Blogger

21.09.2023

Let’s plan your next journey

Ready?

When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.