Damaraland

Damaraland Overview

One of Namibia’s least populated areas, Damaraland, is a desert beach location in the Namib Desert where its lapping seas bring schools of dolphins and wash up shipwrecks.

Large herd of desert elephants can be seen traipsing through the desert as well as gemsbok, kudu, springbok, Hartmann’s zebra and giraffe. Although sightings are scare, lion, cheetah, leopard and hyena also roam the desert sand.

Visit a traditional tribe of the Himba people where you have the opportunity to mingle with the bushmen and observe them herding animals, making butter and jewellery; the trip offers an insight into the culture of the Himba tribe.

Gross Spitzkoppe, Brandberg Mountain and Twyfelfontein are where san rock paintings can be viewed, telling the tale of people who lived centuries before us. The sites are best viewed under Damaraland’s brilliant sunset; an event that creates a rich African atmosphere.

4x4 sightseeing game drives, quad biking over the dunes or a walk in the desert sand are all ways to experience the vast, rich landscape Damaraland has to offer. 

Highlights & Places in Damaraland

The scenic stretch of desert land is covered with sand dunes and rocky mountains. Broken up into ‘Northern Damaraland’ and ‘Southern Damaraland’, each region harbours its own unique appeal.

Northern Damaraland offers great game, herd and birdlife viewing as well as an experience of the unspoiled Himba tribes of the area. Ancient log fossils over 250 million years old can be seen at the Petrified Forest, in north west Damaraland.

Southern Damaraland is where you can experience the area’s geological and historical attractions with San Rock Paintings hidden in Gross Spitzkoppe, Brandberg Mountain and Twyfelfontein.

Best Time to Visit Damaraland

When to Go

The winter months of May to September is the best time to visit Damaraland, because the cooler weather is far more comfortable to explore the desert in.

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Damaraland

You can get to Damaraland by air and road. If by air, take a flight from Windhoek on a light aircraft that’ll take you 90 minutes.

If driving, the most popular route to take is to go north from Swapkomund toward Henties Bay. From there you can either head inland to Spitzkoppe (D1918) or go via C35 to Uis.

An alternative route is to go from Windhoek; head north towards the Etosha National Park. You can enter Damaraland via Kamanjab.  

Getting Around Damaraland

The best way to get around Damaraland is with a 4x4 vehicle.

Damaraland Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
The only ATM available is in Khorixas, however it is often out of order. For this reason its best to draw the cash you need in Windhoek.

Forex/Money:
Travellers cheques are accepted by larger camps, resorts and lodges. There are a number of banks and foreign exchange bureaus in Windhoek where you will be able to exchange foreign currency to take with you on your journey into Damaraland.

Credit/Debit cards:
American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at larger camps, resorts and lodges in Damaraland. Credit cards are not accepted at most petrol stations in Namibia.

Internet availability: 
A few establishments in Damaraland offer an internet connection service. Internet cafés are available in Windhoek.

Drinking water: 
Bottled water is recommended for drinking in this area.

Hospitals & Medical: 
The closest city that offers the best medical care is Windhoek. Most lodges are equipped with a basic first aid kit to treat mild ailments.

Visa Requirements: 
You don’t need a visa to enter Namibia, but you will need a valid passport. 

Damaraland Map