About
Damaraland is a rugged semi-desert region in the Kunene Region of north-western Namibia, in southern Africa. It is a place of wide, open landscapes, dry riverbeds and dramatic rock formations, and visitors come for its scenery as much as for any single sight.
What the region offers
- Ancient rock art - the region is known for its prehistoric rock engravings and paintings, which give a sense of the long human presence in this dry country.
- Desert-adapted elephants - Damaraland is home to elephants that have adapted to life in the desert, a striking sight in a landscape that looks, at first, too harsh for large animals.
- Spectacular scenery - rocky hills, open plains and the wide horizons of a semi-desert make the drive through the region memorable in its own right.
What kind of visit it suits
Damaraland suits travellers who enjoy slow, open-air journeys rather than city sightseeing. Much of the appeal lies in the landscape itself: the silence, the colours of the rock and the sense of distance. Those interested in archaeology may find the rock art especially rewarding, while wildlife enthusiasts will want to keep an eye out for the desert elephants.
Planning your trip
Because Damaraland is a large and remote region, it is worth planning your route in advance and allowing time to travel between points of interest. The region sits within Namibia, so it can be combined with visits to other parts of the country for a broader trip through this part of Africa.