Damaraland

You’ll be captivated by Damaraland’s rugged landscapes, ancient rock engravings, and rare desert-adapted wildlife. Located west of Etosha National Park, this is a place for an exclusive and remote luxury safari experience. Take in this breathtaking mountainous region while on a Namibia safari, from the vast collection of rock art to a forest of petrified trees.

Must-Visit Areas in Damaraland

When in Damaraland, don’t miss out on these spots featuring incredible rock art from the indigenous people and fossilised trees:

Twyfelfontein: UNESCO World Heritage Site

A UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of ancient rock engravings, Twyfelfontein is a major attraction in this area. It’s thought that these engravings were created over a period of 2,000 years by local San hunter-gatherers, offering you a glimpse into the lives of this ancient culture.

Brandberg Mountain: Stunning Ancient Rock Art

Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain, is home to over 43,000 ancient rock paintings, the most famous of which is the White Lady, with some archaeologists believing it represents a shaman or medicine man. The painting is estimated to be around 2,000 to 4,000 years old, and its name comes from the white pigment used. Brandberg is a must-visit while on a Namibia safari, as it’s among the best preserved examples of ancient rock art on the continent.

Petrified Forest: Fossilised Trees

A fascinating place, the Petrified Forest features scattered fossilised tree trunks that are over 280 million years old. Not technically a forest, the trees found here weren’t grown in today’s Namibia but were washed down by flood waters hundreds of millions of years ago. Besides these trees, this area is home to the Welwitschia Mirabilis, a plant endemic to the Namib Desert which consists of a root, small stem, and two leaves.

When’s the Best Time to Visit Damaraland?

May to October (the dry winter season) offers cooler temperatures and little to no rainfall, making it the perfect time of the year for exploring. November to April are the summer months, and see temperatures rise and short rain showers.

Animals Found in Damaraland

Damaraland is home to an array of desert-adapted wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, black-faced impalas, oryx, and Damara dik-diks. While rare, you may spot black rhinos and lions. Damaraland is unfenced, so animals can move freely outside the confines of parks and reserves.

How to Get to Damaraland

Damaraland is accessible via charter flights from Eros Airport in Windhoek to local airstrips.