"The mountainous Damaraland in north-central Namibia is absolutely stunning. It’s vast; it’s desolate; and lovers of wide, open spaces will revel in Damaraland’s dramatic landscapes and sheer magnitude of space. From rocky hills and extensive dry plains, to a petrified forest and ancient rock art, desert mountains, interesting rock formations and desert-adapted wildlife there is a variety of attractions. This region is a photographer’s dream, and almost guaranteed to be a highlight on any Namibia itinerary.”
- Narina Exelby
Damaraland
Vast, barren Damaraland – fenceless, open, and free – is often referred to as “one of Africa’s last remaining unofficial wildlife areas”. Out here, desert-adapted elephants, black rhinos, zebra and lion roam in a wild landscape that is simply beautiful in its desolation.
The attractions up here in this north-central part of Namibia are many. A look on Google Earth will clue you in on the fascinating geology of Damaraland – and you’ll notice Brandberg, an almost-circular 600 square kilometre mountain “range”. Brandberg is a mass of granite that earned its name (“fire mountain”) from the way the way the rays of the setting sun reflect off the granite. Although it is just 50km from the coast, Brandberg’s (and Namibia’s) highest peak, Köningstein, is 2573m high. There are more than 879 rock art sites in Brandberg, with paintings created in caves, under overhangs and on boulders.
Near to Brandberg is the Unesco World Heritage Listed Twyfelfontein, a site known for its large concentration of rock engravings that date between 6000 and 2000 years. The bald granite peaks of Spitzkoppe are also littered with fine examples of rock art. These dramatic outcrops, said to be the remnants of an ancient volcano, have long been a favourite destination for rock climbers.
The Petrified Forest is another must-see in Damaraland. Scientists have calculated that these 280-million-year-old fossilised tree trunks didn’t grow here, but were probably washed down a river at the end of an Ice Age. While the fossils are a draw card for many, so are the Welwitschia plants, famous for their longevity. Some of the specimens in the Petrified Forest are thought to be older than 1500 years.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
This is the peak of the wet season, yet days with rainfall are very spread out.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread making game viewing difficult.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
This is the end of the wet season, with showers less likely as the month progresses.
A season of change as the landscape transforms into a green flowering ‘desert’, a beautiful time to visit. Great birding with migratory species present. This period also marks calving season with the birth of many young animals. Wildlife is however well spread making game viewing difficult.
Temperatures are pleasant, averaging 28°C/79°F midday, while the nights average a chilly 16°C/61°F.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues. This is the best safari period in Damaraland as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues. This is the best safari period in Damaraland as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues. This is the best safari period in Damaraland as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Clear skies and dry conditions dominate, the landscape returns to its semi-arid state as the drought continues. This is the best safari period in Damaraland as the wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining water holes.
Midday temperatures are suprisingly cool, averaging around 25°C/73°F, while nice temperatures average a low of 10°C/50°F making warm clothes essential for those early morning activities!
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be fantastic during September and October; temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 28°C/81°F, it is however not uncommon for much warmer days than this.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
DRY SEASON
Game viewing can be fantastic during September and October; temperatures continue to rise before the start of the rains, with average midday temperatures 28°C/81°F, it is however not uncommon for much warmer days than this.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
WET SEASON – ‘EMERALD SEASON’
The start of the wet season, with the occasional short sharp thunderstorm. Temperatures are quite hot, averaging 30°C/86°F midday, while the nights average 20°C/68°F. During this period the park transforms into a lush green landscape, a stark contrast to the dry season.
Like the rest of Namibia, Damaraland has very distinct wet and dry seasons; the wet season occurs from November through to early May, during this time, thunderstorms infrequently occur from November through to early May, the rest of the year is dry. Although Damaraland can be visited throughout the year, we would generally recommend visiting the park during the peak of the dry season; as the landscape dries up wildlife becomes more concentrated around the few remaining waterholes. Having said this there is a lot to be said for the ‘emerald season’; a rich diversity of blooming flowers, beautiful green scenery, fantastic birding, and fewer tourists can make for a wonderful and unique experience.
Explore Damaraland Properties
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Camp Kipwe
Camp Kipwe
Camp Kipwe is an eco-friendly camp with eccentric igloo-shaped accommodation and a family-like atmosphere. With en-suites open to the stars above, a spectacular viewing spot for sundowners and an open-sided lounge looking over the ..
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Damaraland Camp
Damaraland Camp
A peaceful camp off the beaten track, Damaraland Camp is an isolated and eco-friendly property overlooking the peaks of the Etendeka Mountains. With a classic safari feel and a warm, soothing atmosphere, the camp is a true desert ..
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Desert Rhino Camp
Desert Rhino Camp
Isolated in the Namibian wilderness, Desert Rhino Camp is a tranquil and luxury camp and one of the last places to see the rare and endangered black rhino. With excellent guiding and a wild desert setting, this impeccably run ..
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Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas
Doro Nawas is a striking property sitting fortress-like on a rugged hill overlooking the sprawling desert. A joint venture between Wilderness Safaris and the Doro Nawas Community, the camp is perfect for exploring the wild and ..
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Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Sitting almost invisibly among the honey-coloured boulders of Damaraland, Mowani Mountain Camp is a sanctuary from the heat of the desert. With a spectacular sundowner spot high on the rocks, the historical site of Twyfelfontein ..
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Sorris Sorris Lodge
Sorris Sorris Lodge
With its minimalist structures set in the remote rocky terrain of the desert, Sorris Sorris Lodge is a designer property drawing on clean, Scandinavian style with heaps of luxury and comfort. With exquisite cuisine, beautifully ..
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Wilderness Wild Camping
Wilderness Wild Camping
Wilderness Safari’s Wild Camping experience gives guests the opportunity to discover and camp within some of Northwest Namibia’s most remote and unexplored areas. With the benefit of private concessions and remote access to ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
