An ingenious camp in the heart of Damaraland's mixed topography. Namibia's splendid scenery at its best.
Mowani’s rocky backdrop may have been a logistical challenge for the architect, or a dream come true. Seldom is a designer provided with such a rich canvas on which to paint. The rounded roofs of the main buildings sit alongside the great rock heads of the kopje as if they were made to be there. Linked by gangways through the rocks, the other tented rooms and open-sided suites are all equally individual in character.
Mowani has managed to adopt the safari style of the pioneers while still retaining a focus on the natural attributes of this area; namely beautiful views and people-less space. Open bathrooms, private verandahs, the opportunity to dine under the stars, special spots where the sunset can be appreciated, a pool amongst the rocks....
If you’ve had enough of sitting still, Damaraland has much to offer. Mornings can be spent driving in search of desert elephant and rhino and appreciating the constantly changing landscapes. You could also venture down to Twyfelfontein where some of the best examples of rock engraving are to be found. A special occasion might deserve a flight in a hot air balloon to see Namibia’s unique scenery from a different angle.
15 en-suite rooms & tents of varying degrees of luxury
An ingenious camp in the heart of Damaraland's mixed topography. Namibia's splendid scenery at its best.
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.
