A super place from which to explore one of the most scenic parts of Namibia
Damaraland Camp was a pioneering project to integrate local communities into conservation and tourism and it is hard to imagine a place where people need such an opportunity more. Scenic and breath-taking at every turn of the head, Damaraland’s dry river valleys, towering red rock mountains and desert landscape make for a tough backyard if ever there was one.
Dam Camp, as it is affectionately known, is owned and mainly run by the local community. Their heritage is as colourful as their disposition as they are derived from Herero, Owambo, a group of displaced people from South Africa – the Riemvasmakers, and the Nama-Damara. As hosts, they are the most fun, genial and entertaining people you are likely to meet.
The camp itself developed from a rather traditional safari-style camp into quite a crisp contemporary tented lodge. The location is notable for the fabulous views down the valley and of the towering inselbergs. One of the best things you can do here is take a glass of wine outside after dinner, turn off all the lights and just look at the stars. The tented rooms reflect the muted colours of the desert and each has a private verandah with a lovely view.
Aside from gazing open-mouthed at the night-sky, you can also enjoy walks, guided drives and mountain biking. The wildlife here is of the specialist kind and so you won’t see masses but what you do see will generally be uniquely adapted to this environment and fascinating . You will probably spot springbok, gemsbok, greater kudu and possibly lion, cheetah or if you are very luck, one of the desert-adapted elephant or rhino.
Another great highlight here is a visit to Twyfelfontein, a rock kopje that exhibits a vast and ancient collection of rock engravings...not to be missed.
10 en-suite tented rooms
A super place from which to explore one of the most scenic parts of Namibia
Includes full board accommodation, scheduled activities, soft drinks, beer, house wines and local spirits, park fees where applicable. Does not include special activities, premium wines, champagne and spirits, gratuities, items of a personal nature.
Damaraland is a stark, perpetually surprising landscape of red rock mountains interspersed with some pretty tenacious vegetation and the odd misplaced sand-dune or grassy meadow. Harsh lunar vistas, deep silence, unbelievable starry skies and a geological Disneyland are the order of the day here. This is where desert-adapted elephant, rhino and lion roam (though they are not a dime a dozen so you should plan for some exciting hours “on the case" if you expect to have a chance of seeing one). You can actually join researchers at Desert Rhino Camp where you can specifically head out to track rhino. Surprising as it may sound, there are people here too, though not many. Now referred to as the Damara, these unsuspective folk were relocated from South Africa in the 1960s under the Odendaal Plan and somehow scratch a living from land that is neither well-suited for crops nor livestock. They are charming, bubbly people and you will no doubt spot the odd tumble-down homestead looking like something from the Midwest while you travel through this area. Read more?
If you are considering travelling to Namibia, chances are you are looking for something out of the ordinary. A journey through Namibia is all about daily surprises; the impossible number of stars, the expanse of views over desert mountains, the improbable salmon-pink of sand-dunes at sunrise, the ingenuity of small creatures adapted to the harsh environment, the ochre and leather dress of the Himba and petticoated dresses of the Herero, the first taste of ostrich biltong and the excellent seafood. Jump straight to some of our favourite Namibian experiences. Read more?
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Catherine's long experience of, and enthusiasm for Africa, makes her a mine of travel information. Add to the mix her vivacious character and inscrutable attention to detail and there are few people you'd rather have plan your holiday.
At Natural High, we've had long experience putting together trips in Africa that really work. Whether it's intimate bushcamps in out of the way places, or a private lodge in one of Africa's top-billing wildlife areas, light mobile camping or remote island escapes, we know there is a lot to choose from. We're absolutely confident that we can recommend the right places for you.
