Damaraland: Introduction
Damaraland is one of the most pristine wilderness areas in Namibia; situated in the mountainous region in north-west Namibia inhabited by the Damara people and named after them. Damaraland offers beautiful views across barren plains, ancient valleys, rocky crops as well as the Brandberg Mountains. The area offers absolute peace and tranquility as well as incredible star-gazing and is ideal for enjoying and exploring the desert environment.
Damaraland is unique in the sense that it personifies the Africa of old; there are no fences, local people and their livestock live side by side with the wildlife. Important features in the area include the Brandberg Mountains as well as the Torra Wildlife Conservancy.
Damaraland is remote and offers guests a private and exclusive safari experience. An unusual experience is to see the mist roll in from the Skeleton Coast approximately 56 miles (90km) to the west, and drift along the river valley to provide sustenance to a variety of life that depend on this daily moisture. The Huab River only flows once or twice during the short rainy season and seldom breaks through the dunes to reach the ocean.
Locate the Damaraland
How to get there & Best time to visit
How to get there
Southern Damaraland is easily reached by any vehicle on good roads, but it becomes more remote and challenging the farther north you travel. Damaraland covers a large region and has a number of areas worth visiting. If you are traveling from the capital, Windhoek, driving times range from 3 to 6 hours*, depending on where you’re going.
There are no domestic flights to Damaraland. Most visitors to the northern section fly to one of the lodges by charter flight. These flights usually leave from Eros Airport (ERS) in Windhoek. Hosea Kutako International Airport (WDH) is where most visitors will enter Namibia. The airport is 40km/25mi east of Windhoek.
Best time to visit
Damaraland is an excellent year-round destination with a stable climate and little rain. However, the best time to visit is from May to October, during the Dry season. During these months, rainfall is extremely rare and temperatures are generally milder, with cool evenings. As water is scarce, animals remain close to the few remaining waterholes, which makes them easier to spot.
Damaraland has a harsh, semi-desert climate. Daytime temperatures can soar to well above 38°C/100°F during summer, with nights in winter falling below freezing. Winter is known as the Dry season (May to October), when conditions are extremely dry. Summer is the Wet season (November to April), although rainfall is sporadic and unlikely to disturb your trip.