Accommodation

Damaraland

Welcome to Twyfelfontein Country Lodge. A true landmark situated in the heart of one of the world’s most magnificent wilderness regions. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein in Damaraland is home to one of the largest collections of rock-art engravings found in Southern Africa. Not only did the Khoi-San and tribes of ancient years leave us with a true cultural heritage, but the whole area is characterised by natural wonders such as Doros Crater, Burnt Mountain, Organ Pipes, Petrified Forest and desert-adapted animals – of which the desert-adapted elephant is probably the most well-known species.

Nestled along the mountainside, the lodge beautifully blends in with its surrounding environment. Using natural stone, carefully selected paint colours and thatched roofs, its design compliments the sandstone rock formations with minimum visual impact on this picturesque landscape. Magnificent views from the deck over the Huab Valley, desert plains and distant mountains provide for hours of relaxed comfort, peace and tranquillity.

Twyfelfontein is much more than just accommodation; it is a destination in itself.

As if an African kingdom of old, Damara Mopane Lodge is constructed in a semi-circle of interlinking pathways leading to a lavish swimming pool at its centre. Innovatively designed, each chalet has its own small garden planted with vegetables. Bright yellow sunflowers peep out between verdant spinach, beetroot and zany scarecrows, creating an enchanting lodge setting. The labyrinth of walkways leads to a large and cheerful central area. A wash of fresh green brightens the interior as does the heart-shaped mopane leaves stencilled throughout the lodge. Situated near Khorixas en route to the famed Twyfelfontein engravings, Damara Mopane Lodge incorporates the spirit of Damaraland and the Damara people, extending its hand to locals and visitors alike in a Hello neighbour greeting, linking cultures and nationalities.

A highlight at the end of the day is to ascend the hill to a viewing platform for a sweeping vista of the mopane woodland illuminated by the setting sun. It also is the best spot for a sundowner drink and to gain a view of the intriguing construction of the lodge. As the day darkens its time to return to the restaurant where a fire burns in a grate and a delicious supper awaits - served with a fine selection of fresh vegetables and herbs! Damara Mopane Lodge is a Damaraland lodge that charms guests with its original themes, touching hearts and eliciting smiles. Whether sitting on your stoep looking out onto your vegetable garden, swimming in the pool or celebrating sunset from the deck, this novel and delightful lodge provides a good base from which to explore the rich sandstone treasure of Damaraland.

Huddled in the rocks, with sweeping views across the Aba Huab valley, Camp Kipwe is full of surprises, starting when guests first arrive. It appears as if rocks have tumbled down the hill to reveal this gem of a camp. The setting is one of intimacy and space. An inviting lounge area, where birds fly in to enjoy the water seeping from the rocks, a refreshing swimming pool nestled in the rocks and a scattering of bungalows complete this eco friendly camp.

Between Kaokoland and the Skeleton Coast, where the flat-topped Etendeka mountains and the carpet of rich red rock greet the tributaries of the Uniab River, lies Palmwag Lodge and Camp. Amid swaying makalani palms and robust mopane trees nourished by underground water, the lodge overlooks the sweeping northern Damaraland landscape peppered with green euphorbias.

Feel the freedom of the north-western corner of Namibia, one of Africa’s last wildernesses, a refuge for black rhino and lion, and home to the famous desert elephant that follow the ephemeral rivers spanning the land like arteries of life. The hustle and bustle of daily living dissipates here as you entertain a slower rhythm of life. In the Kaokoveld extremes, where wildlife wanders freely, the infinite dome of blue sky holds sway during the day, and at night, the brilliance of the night sky takes the stage.

Join a guided hike, a day or morning of exploration, a sleep-out or a sundowner drive in the 582 000-hectare Palmwag Concession, a vast conservation area with an abundance of wildlife. Palmwag collaborates with neighbouring conservancies, the Ministry of Environment and Tourism and Save the Rhino Trust to safeguard this rich wild heritage, offering guests extraordinary unrivalled African experiences.

When the rugged reds soften into pinks and purples at the end of the day, touching your soul with their magic wand of beauty, and a buttery moon rises regally over the horizon, a deep peace pervades your being. Sit back in comfort listening to barking geckos calling their mates and the wind dancing in the palm fronds, content in the generous arms of a wild Namibia.

In the heat, dust and stunning landscapes of Damaraland, there is a sanctuary – Mowani Mountain Camp. Dwarfed by massive ochre boulders, the camp is absorbed into the landscape, making it one with our shared history of life in this prehistoric land. Every soft curve or ragged edge frames the landscape in a different way, as if you are seeing for the first time, every time.

Huab Under Canvas is nestled in a grove of Mopane trees on the banks of a tributary of the //Huab River in the heart of Damaraland. Protected from all the prevailing winds and sun, the camp is virtually invisible from anywhere around and it carries arguably the lowest environmental footprint of any camp in Namibia. Tents are raised on mobile platforms and have basic infrastructure such as single beds, cupboards, solar power and some important comforts such as en suite flush toilets and bucket showers. However, the essence of the camp remains under canvas, mobile and experiential.   

Experience a true cultural immersion in Namibia at Doro Nawas, amid dramatic scenery and amazing desert animals.

Feast your eyes on otherworldly panoramas, populated by intriguing desert-adapted wildlife and unusual flora.  Engage with the local Doro Nawas community. Discover the fascinating ancient history and incredible geological phenomena of Damaraland. Glimpse black rhinos, desert-adapted elephants and more. Discover a diversity you never knew existed in the desertscape of Namibia at Doro Nawas.

Ohorongo Tented Camp is a small camp, catering to guests in just four tents, so the experience and atmosphere around the camp is intimate and peaceful. While each guest has a private retreat in the shape of their own tented suite, there are a selection of common areas for festive gatherings, like mealtimes, sitting around the fire together, or cooling off in the pool. Ohorongo Tented Camp is located in the western region of the reserve, and it is magnificently built into the granite boulders of a rocky outcrop. There are four tented suites, elevated on wooden decks, with private terraces, outdoor showers, and comfortable in-room amenities. It is designed to keep you close to mother nature, wrapped under canvas, while offering you the modern luxuries of a lodge. 

The Brandberg Rest Camp, familiarly known as the BRC, is located in the village of UIS situated approximately 30 km from the foot of the Brandberg. Around 320 km from Windhoek and 180 km from Swakopmund en-route to the Etosha Game reserve when travelling from the coastal area. The Brandberg is the highest mountain in Namibia and is famous for the White Lady and other Bushman paintings as well as its diverse geology situated in the southern part of rural, unspoilt Damaraland. The Brandberg Rest Camp is a great place to catch your breath and to use as a base from which to explore Damaraland before travelling on to your next destination. Originally built as the Uis Tin Mine Recreation club from 2006 it has been the host to many travellers to this unique part of Namibia and features a half Olympic size pool to cool off from the Namibian desert heat. Managed by Mr Basil Calitz, one of the owners, the BRC has establish itself as a warm-hearted oasis in the near desert and has a growing family of BRC friends who can attest to the enjoyment and memories that a trip to the BRC will bring.

Discover rugged Damaraland. A true frontier with mountainous landscapes, cultural riches and rare desert-adapted wildlife.

Come for the desert adapted elephants, but stay for the rich community interactions at Damaraland Camp. The harshly beautiful land will surprise with all the life it supports, revealing dramatic scenery, fascinating wildlife, unusual flora, ancient rock art, and awe-inspiring geology. Authentic and enriching cultural experiences, some dating back 6 000 years, will impress the intrepid traveller.

Desert Rhino Camp is a starkly beautiful, rocky wilderness. A desert dreamland where rhinos are the stars.

Follow free-ranging populations of Critically Endangered desert-adapted black rhino across the Damaraland plains, finding a myriad of other wildlife along the way. Wilderness Desert Rhino Camp offers a rare and exclusive opportunity to track these extraordinary pachyderms, and learn about their unique survival skills in this harshly beautiful, boulder-strewn environment.