Namibia Springbok Passing In Front Of A Red Dune In Sossusvlei Logo Namibia
Back to Listing

Damaraland

Located as an ideal stopping point between the Skeleton Coast and Etosha National Park, Damaraland is an area of dramatic extremes which is not to be missed. The ruggedly beautiful terrain allows great variety – from the red plains of Palmwag, scattered with smooth, rust-coloured stones, open savannah and sand dunes, to the eerie ancient trees in the Petrified Forest, where the Welwitschia Mirabilis plant has been officially named a fossil due to its ancient longevity.

Damaraland is home to Namibia’s highest mountain, Brandberg, a spiritual site of great significance to the San Bushmen tribes. The main attraction is the famed White Lady rock painting, but there are also more than 45,000 prehistoric rock paintings painted by the San including the art which dates back at least 2,000 years. The Tsisab Ravine is of great significance to the San Tribe and is well worth the hike through the ancient paths of the mountain. Damaraland is also home to the iconic Himba Tribe, a semi authentic tribe whose elder generation still practice traditional rituals, whilst westernisation is expectedly creeping into their culture. Their recognisable red hair and skin comes from Ochre and cow’s fat, and on a village walk one can see how the women bathe with Ochre in their traditional huts. They are an open and welcoming culture and love interactive and inquisitive visitors!

Just north of Brandberg is the Huab Valley. Bordered by the red sand-stone cliffs of Twyfelfontein, a World Heritage Site, it is home to the largest concentration of tribal rock paintings and gives a fascinating insight on the practices and spiritual beliefs of hunter-gatherers from 6,000 years ago. Whilst at Twyfelfontein one can visit the Burnt Mountain, a spectacular natural phenomenon made up of residual shale containing iron particles that over the years have oxidised giving a shiny purple effect. It is particularly beautiful early in the morning when the low sunlight allows for some colourful photographs. For those interested in rock geology a visit to the Organ Pipes is a must; rows of dolerite columns caused by the vertical movement of magma, similar to those found at the Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland but have not suffered erosion from the ocean and in better condition to photograph.

Damaraland is one of Southern Africa's most underrated wildlife-watching areas, and an excellent place to spot Namibia’s interesting desert flora and fauna. It is home to critically endangered rare black rhino, as well as the desert-adapted lions and elephant in the Huab River Valley. The elephants are identifiable by their thinner legs, owing to walking further in search of nourishment and they are also known to be larger than other elephants in Africa due to the mineral rich soil.

Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 66 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 66
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 30 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 30
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 30 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 30
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 43 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 43
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 10 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 10
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 35 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 35
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 42 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 42
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 2 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 2
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 36 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 36
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 55 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 55
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 45 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 45
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 8 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 8
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 9 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 9
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 8 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 8
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 7 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 7
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 6 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 6
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 5 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 5
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 4 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 4
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 3 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 3
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 2 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 2
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 1 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 1
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 73 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 73
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 72 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 72
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 69 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 69
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 67 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 67
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 62 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 62
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 61 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 61
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 60 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 60
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 58 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 58
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 49 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 49
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 48 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 48
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 47 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 47
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 46 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 46
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 44 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 44
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 33 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 33
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 27 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 27
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 25 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 25
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 23 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 23
Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 19 Damaraland Camp Damaraland Namibia 19
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 57 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 57
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 51 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 51
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 50 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 50
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 4 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 4
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 3 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 3
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 1 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 1
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 46 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 46
Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 37 Doro Nawas Camp Damaraland Namibia 37
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 38 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 38
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 37 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 37
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 34 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 34
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 33 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 33
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 32 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 32
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 31 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 31
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 27 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 27
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 21 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 21
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 11 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 11
Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 9 Desert Rhino Camp Damaraland Namibia 9
I never knew of a morning in Africa when I woke up that I was not happy.
Ernest Hemingway

Client Testimonials

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Let us keep you up to date

Sign up to our newsletter and never miss out on unmissable exclusive luxury experiences