Damaraland
Rock formations, table mountains, dry river valleys
Desert elephant and rhino
Twyfelfontein rock engravings
Damaraland is one of the most interesting and stunning places in Namibia. It is situated north of the Swakopmund – Windhoek line (Erongo) and south of Kaokoland (Kunene). Its interior is characterised by table mountains, hills and ravines.
Famous formations include Namibia’s highest mountain (Königsberg in the Brandberg Massif, 2606 m), the Vingerklip (a rock needle) and the Spitzkoppe (Namibia’s 700 m high Matterhorn). It is also well worth visiting Twyfelfontein to see the world-renowned rock engravings – a little touristic, but also a World Heritage Site.
The remote west of Damaraland is particularly interesting. It includes the Palmweg Concession with its abundance of rhino, and the Torra Conservancy, which is also a haven for desert elephant.
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Fog often forms over the cold water of the Atlantic at night, carrying much needed moisture to plants up to 20 km inland. Depending on the time of year, the fog disappears again shortly after the scorching Namibian sun rises. The densest fog can be found along Skeleton Coast during the winter months; the best weather can be found here from November to March (hot season).
Various rivers flow from east to west through Damaraland, but they are mostly dry and only flow during the wet season. The main rivers are called Huab, Ugab, Uniab and Koigab. The edges of these river valleys support trees such as mopane, camel thorn, ana tree and various shrubs, which in turn attract a list of animals from the surrounding area, including desert elephant, which has adapted to the region’s harsh and barren conditions. Other wildlife that can be spotted here includes oryx (gemsbok), kudu, Hartmann’s mountain zebra, giraffe and springbok. Visitors can also, but rarely, catch sight of lion, leopard and very shy rhino.
We love Damaraland because of its beautiful landscape. Spotting wildlife, such as desert elephant, just makes it all the more beautiful.
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