Damaraland

Venture in search of desert-adapted elephants, among other fascinating fauna and flora – by car or on foot. Visit the Damaraland Living Museum or see ancient San rock art at Twyfelfontein. Stargaze under exceptionally dark skies. Or visit the local communities here to learn about their way of life.

Yes, Namibia is one of the world’s safest travel destinations. With low crime rates, a low to no malaria risk, and a peaceful political climate, Namibia beckons for a relaxed family holiday away from the stresses of everyday life.

The official language of Namibia is English. Most locals speak and write fluent English, and many speak German and Afrikaans, as well as a traditional language, such as Oshivambo.

Namibia is located in the south-western reaches of Africa, with South Africa to the south and east, Botswana to the east, Angola and Zambia to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

Damaraland Camp is an award-winning tented camp set in the Huab River valley of Damaraland – a dramatic landscape of ancient volcanic rock, petrified forests, and desert-adapted wildlife. Built in the 1990s as one of Africa's first community partnership safari camps, Damaraland Camp is co-owned with the local Torra Conservancy community, which shares revenue from every guest visit. The camp is a landmark example of conservation tourism generating direct benefit for local people.

The Huab River valley is a critical corridor for desert-adapted elephant – smaller-bodied, with longer legs than other savanna elephant, and adapted to walk vast distances between water sources. Damaraland Camp offers the chance of elephant sightings in the dry riverbed. Other wildlife includes Hartmann's mountain zebras, gemsbok, springbok, southern giraffes and ostriches. Birdlife in the arid scrub includes the sociable weaver, violet-eared waxbill, and rufous-tailed palm thrush.

Game drives along the Huab River are the primary activity, tracking desert-adapted elephant on foot and by vehicle. Guided walks in the dramatic rock terrain are exceptional for geology and smaller desert creatures. The camp also offers visits to the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and nearby Organ Pipes volcanic formation. Cultural visits to Torra Conservancy members provide context for the community partnership model.

Damaraland occupies the central highlands of Namibia at moderate altitude – the malaria risk is very low year-round and effectively negligible during the cool winter months (May–September). This makes Damaraland an attractive option for travellers who prefer to avoid antimalarial medication, particularly when combined with other malaria-free Namibia camps such as Kulala Desert Lodge or Little Kulala.