Tailor-made safaris and travel to Southern Africa

CONTACT US

DAMARALAND CAMP

Located on the north face of the Huab River Valley, in Namibia's picturesque Namib Desert, Damaraland Camp presents endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys, and soaring peaks. Apart from the spectacular scenery, one of the great highlights of this section of the ephemeral Huab River is the small number of unique desert-adapted elephant that survive in this harsh environment.

Damaraland is also home to the (even scarcer) desert-adapted black rhinoceros, oryx, kudu, springbok, and rare endemics such as Hartmann's mountain zebra and Damara dik-dik (one of the world's smallest antelope species). These animals survive through various physical and behavioural adaptations to the dry conditions, and are sustained by plant-life that receives its moisture from mist generated by the icy Atlantic Ocean and warm land mass along Namibia's Skeleton Coast; this mist drifts in along the dry course of the Huab River in the early mornings, adding to the surreal atmosphere of the setting. Also occuring in the region are a number of interesting species of birds (including several endemics), and some fascinating species of desert-adapted plants (such as the bizarre Welwitschia mirabilis).

The camp itself is small and intimate, with ten large, comfortable walk-in tents. Each faces the valley view and has en-suite facilities, proper beds, and a verandah. The main living area combines dining room and pub under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed during calm evenings. A very nice little feature of the camp is a swimming pool built into the natural rock where guests can cool off during the heat of the day.

Activities at Damaraland Camp centre around guided nature drives (in specially-adapted open Landrovers) and walks into the Huab River System to learn more about the fascinating ecology of this section of the Namib Desert. Tracking desert-adapted elephants with your highly trained guide is an absolute highlight - one of Southern Africa's great and unique experiences. A late afternoon hike up the mountains around camp to catch the sunset over this beautiful landscape provides for scenery that will not easily be forgotten.

Ecotourism angle

The project that eventually led to the establishment of Damaraland Camp was over two years in the making. The agreement that was eventually entered into between Wilderness Safaris and the 'Riemvasmaker' people of the area represented a major breakthrough in ecotourism in Southern Africa. A partnership was created with significant benefits to the local people, including revenues generated by bed-night levies, provision of services, and salaries and wages.

Wilderness Safaris were granted an initial 10 year management contract, at the end of which the camp and all its facilities will fall into the ownership of the local community (who will have the option of renewing the contract, engaging another operator, or managing the camp themselves). Such has been the enthusiasm among the 'Riemvasmaker' people that they became the first community in Namibia to have their land proclaimed a Community Wildlife Conservancy, thereby greatly enhancing the chances of survival of the region's many fascinating and endangered species of animals and plants. In 1998 the Guild of British Travel Writers voted Damaraland Camp the second best eco-project in the world (it failed by one vote to gain first place).

To find out more about Damaraland Camp, or to make a reservation, call toll-free in the USA

1-888-227-8311 or email us.

CLASSIC AFRICAN PORTFOLIO - Damaraland