Top Things to do in Damaraland
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What to do and see in Damaraland, Namibia: The Best Places and Tips
Damaraland was a name given to the north-central part of what later became Namibia, inhabited by the Damaras. It was bounded roughly by Ovamboland in the north, the Namib Desert in the west, the Kalahari Desert in the east, and Windhoek in the south.
Restaurants in Damaraland
1. Spitzkoppe
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 291 reviews
Though this is the country's most well-known mountain, at 180 meters it isn't the tallest.
Reviewed By MarkfromtheIsland - Victoria
These rock formations are stunning. They look very much like Joshua Tree park in California.. Set against the brilliant blue desert sky they are a thing to behold.
There are campsites you can stay in and they look pretty awesome but the wind here is a force to be reckoned with so stand warned. There is also a lodge here that we stayed at which I would not recommend. If we came again we would do this as a day trip.
The arch view is worth a trip (enter by campsite 5) but the rock paintings are pretty meh - faded and destroyed over the years.
2. Damara Living Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Reviewed By huys25 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Well organised show to deal constantly with many groups of tourists. There are different tours and each group has its own guide. In our case the bushwalk was very short, probably because of time pressure. The various aspects of village life are shown and if you have time you can make your ow beads design, or play a game, make fire, etc.
3. Twyfelfontein
Overall Ratings
4 based on 816 reviews
Proclaimed a national monument in 1952, this is one of the most famous rock art concentrations in Africa featuring more than 5,000 petroglyphs and 200 rock paintings.
Reviewed By Daniel D - London, United Kingdom
After our disappointment of the ‘no-go lion show’ at Brandberg White Lady, we brought our itinerary forward and drove the 1hr 45 min to Twyfelfontein. Very doable to do Twyfel, Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain all in the space of our 3 hours.
But Twyfel is the major spot where you will need a Damara guide that can give you the necessary knowledge and if your lucky some of the local lingo to go with it. Being thousands of years old, suffering from drastic climate change, and the introduction of David Levin are just some of the key facts that were brought to our minds from our informative guide.
The whole area is marvellous and seems like a cross of half mountain and half desert, but how the rocks are formed and communication displayed through the paintings really is awesome.
Must say that it was very hot coming here in the middle of the day, so plenty of water and be prepared for a bit of hiking around the grounds led by the guide. If the guide’s info is too overwhelming at times, then it’s easy to catch up by observing the useful diagrams and facts located in the shaded museum to the right of the reception. Also a little soft drinks area to get you hydrated before your departure and a small souvenirs area.
The richness in red colouring is the lasting memory that we and others alike get to saviour when back at home reminiscing...
4. White Lady
Overall Ratings
4 based on 55 reviews
Reviewed By mikel58 - La Ciotat, France
The walk in requires agility and stamina. It is worth it.
The valley is bound by huge granite cliffs. The valley floor is a.mic of sandy path rocks and rocky platforms.
Wear good hiking shoes and carry water. A hiking poll is very useful.
The rock art is interesting. Our guide was informative and friendly. We shared pictures of rock art from other parts of the world which enriched the cultural experience for all of us.
5. Brandberg Mountain
Overall Ratings
4 based on 82 reviews
Reviewed By orkeyinga - Yardley, Pennsylvania
The Brandberg, a huge mountain that rises out of the Damaraland desolation, is home to the famed White Lady rock painting. This set of rock paintings, which dates from at least 1,500 BC, is somewhat of a mystery. It is sheltered by a 17 ft by 7 ft rock overhang. The figures depicted and the style of painting is much more sophisticated than the typical San (Bushman) paintings. The main figures are 15-17 inches tall. First described in detail by the Abbe Henri Breuil and his assistant in 1947, the so-called "White Lady"(with white leggings) is now thought to be a shaman or medicine man. Who painted these figures is also in dispute. The Abbe Breuil, the acknowledged world authority on the subject of rock art in Spain and France in the 1930s-50s, believed it was done by a Mediterranean people. Currently it is being argued that it was done by the San. Either way, is is a remarkable fresco, if you are able to visit it. This requires a 45 minute brisk hike up a rocky valley, unless your path is blocked by the elusive desert elephants. We were delayed for over an hour by 3 bull elephants that blocked the valley ahead of us, adding to the excitement of the day. In itself, this sighting was pretty special.
6. Petrified Forest
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 358 reviews
Reviewed By gemma l
Was an interesting 45 minute wander round a circular route seeing the petrified wood.
Our guide, Michael, was great, pointing out animals, lizards and explaining the chemical processes around how the trees ended up ‘petrified’.
This was a really interesting way to spend a bit of our day and I’m glad we visited.
7. Organ Pipes
Overall Ratings
3 based on 175 reviews
Reviewed By Froggy2Denmark - Denmark
We stayed at Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, which is very close to the organ pipes and the burnt mountain. So of course we went to see them. The entrance fee covers both. We quite enjoyed the organ pipes; although I had expected them to be bigger and more impressive, they looked quite interesting nonetheless. They were almost green in the afternoon light. However, burnt mountain was nothing at all … for the life of us, we could not see the attraction. We had imagined that it would look pretty or interesting in the afternoon light, but all we could see was a small dark brown/black mountain. Perhaps we missed something of importance! Anyway, we were nearby so it was OK to visit, but I would certainly not drive far to see it.
8. Burnt Mountain
Overall Ratings
2.5 based on 105 reviews
Reviewed By Bob K - Millom, United Kingdom
To an outsider this does not offer much of interest - simply black rock amidst a series of hills. The guide explained that very high temperatures in the distant past caused this phenomenon. If you are passing it might be worth 10 minutes of your time, but unless you sre geologist I would not make a special journey here.
9. Elephant Human Relations Aid
Elephant Human Relations Aid, EHRA is a non-profit organisation which aims to reduce conflict between elephants and humans. EHRA's wildlife volunteer program is structured in 2-week rotations, but you can repeat for a maximum of 12 weeks. A volunteer group has a maximum of 14 people, who join the program and come to Namibia to experience life in the African bush!
