Damaraland is one of the most fascinating areas in Namibia. It does not have the dunes of Sossusvlei or the concentration of Etosha fauna, but it has something that those stages cannot give: silence, rocks, elephants of the desert and landscapes that seem to come out from another planet.
What is Damaraland
Damaraland is a semi-arid region in the northwest of Namibia. It is not a national park with gates and permits: it is a wide geographical and cultural area, with attractions spread over a huge territory.
The area includes sites such as Twyfelfontein, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, desert elephant reserves and black rhinos, and volcanic rock landscapes among the most spectacular in Namibia.
Twyfelfontein: the UNESCO site
Twyfelfontein is the most visited site of Damaraland. It is a UNESCO site with over 2,500 rock engravings made by San (Boscimani) between 2,000 and 6,000 years ago. It is the largest concentration of rock art in Namibia and one of the most important in Africa.
The visit takes place with one local guide mandatory. It lasts about an hour and a half. The engravings depict animals, human figures and hunting scenes.
Desert elephants
Damaraland desert elephants are one of the most exciting attractions in Namibia. These are African elephants (Loxodonta African) adapted throughout generations to live in an extreme arid environment.
They have larger legs, leaner bodies and different behaviors than savanna elephants. They move into small groups along the beds of dry rivers (dry riverbeds) looking for water.
Spotting them in their natural environment, without fences and without park boundaries, is an experience of another level compared to the classic safari.
Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes
Burnt Mountain is a volcanic height with intensely coloured rocks: the landscape seems burned, with shades ranging from purple to black to oxidized red.
Not far away are the Organ Pipes: columns of vertical dolerite that emerge from the ground as the reeds of a giant organ. It is an unusual and very photogenic geological site.
When to visit Damaraland
The dry season (May-October) is the best period. The dirt roads are more accessible, the climate is more manageable and elephants move more predictable.
In the rainy season some slopes can become difficult. Elephants remain present all year round.
How to get to Damaraland
The Damaraland can be reached from Swakopmund to the north or from Windhoek. Most roads are gravel road. A 4x4 is strongly recommended.
Travel times are long. Don't underestimate the distances between Twyfelfontein, the elephant area and the lodges.
How many nights in Damaraland
At least two nights. With one night you don't have time for Twyfelfontein, elephants and landscape calmly. Three nights allow a more complete exploration.
Redland Council
The Damaraland is the stage that surprises most those who do not know it. Many Italians discover it only once they arrive in Namibia and remain fascinated. It deserves at least two nights and should be lived calmly: it is not a fast stop.
Do you want to include Damaraland in your itinerary?
Write to us. We help you organize logistics and reservations in the area.
FAQ:
What is Damaraland?
Damaraland is a semi-arid region of the northwest of Namibia, known for desert elephants, Twyfelfontein rock engravings and rocky landscapes.
What to see in Damaraland?
Twyfelfontein (UNESCO site), desert elephants, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, black rhinos in the reserves of the area and landscapes of volcanic rocks.
What is Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein is a UNESCO site with thousands of rock engravings made by San over 6,000 years ago. It is the largest concentration of rock art in Namibia.
Can you see desert elephants in Damaraland?
Yes, the elephants of the Damaraland desert are one of the main attractions in the area. They live in the bed of dry rivers and move in search of water.
When to visit Damaraland?
The dry season it is recommended. Some dirt roads can become difficult during rains. Elephants are present all year round.
How do you get to Damaraland?
It is reached from Swakopmund to the north or from Windhoek. The main roads are gravel road that require attention. A 4x4 is recommended.
How many nights to stay in Damaraland?
At least two nights to visit Twyfelfontein and have the opportunity to spot elephants. One night is little to really enjoy the area.
