Damaraland: Desert Elephants, Rock Art and Rhinos
Damaraland in Namibia is home to desert-adapted elephants, free-roaming black rhinos and the Twyfelfontein rock engravings. Plan your visit.
Damaraland, in north-west Namibia, is a landscape of ancient rocks, dry riverbeds and rare desert wildlife. It is one of the few places where you can track desert-adapted elephants and free-roaming black rhinos, and it holds a World Heritage site of ancient rock engravings.
Quick facts
- Where: North-west Namibia.
- Best time: The dry season, roughly May to October.
- Ideal stay: Two to three nights.
- Pairs well with: Etosha, the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei.
What are desert-adapted elephants?
These elephants live in an arid environment, travelling long distances between scarce water sources along dry riverbeds. They are known for their resilience and for the care that local conservationists give them. See Namibia, Unfiltered.
Can you see rhinos?
Black rhinos roam free in parts of the region, and guided tracking on foot or by vehicle gives you a chance to see them. Sightings depend on conditions and are never guaranteed. Read Rhino Encounters.
What is Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein holds thousands of rock engravings made by early inhabitants and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guide helps you read the images and the story behind them.
What else is there?
Dramatic scenery, granite outcrops, desert plants such as the welwitschia and local communities that welcome visitors. The region's light is magnificent for photographers. See Safari Photography Tips.
How do you travel?
Distances are long. Flying between camps saves time. See fly-in vs drive-in.
What should you pack?
Layers, sun protection and sturdy shoes. See what to pack.
Plan your Namibian journey
We link desert, coast and wildlife into one private route. Start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do desert elephants differ from other elephants?
They are the same species, adapted to arid conditions with long-distance habits.
Is Damaraland malaria-free?
Check with your doctor. Risk is generally low in much of the region, but advice varies.
Can I walk with rhino trackers?
Where available, yes, with trained guides.
How many days do I need in Namibia?
Eight to twelve nights covers the highlights.
Is it suitable for children?
Often, with the right camp.
Damaraland, in north-west Namibia, is a landscape of ancient rocks, dry riverbeds and rare desert wildlife. It is one of the few places where you can track desert-adapted elephants and free-roaming black rhinos, and it holds a World Heritage site of ancient rock engravings.
Quick facts
- Where: North-west Namibia.
- Best time: The dry season, roughly May to October.
- Ideal stay: Two to three nights.
- Pairs well with: Etosha, the Skeleton Coast and Sossusvlei.
What are desert-adapted elephants?
These elephants live in an arid environment, travelling long distances between scarce water sources along dry riverbeds. They are known for their resilience and for the care that local conservationists give them. See Namibia, Unfiltered.
Can you see rhinos?
Black rhinos roam free in parts of the region, and guided tracking on foot or by vehicle gives you a chance to see them. Sightings depend on conditions and are never guaranteed. Read Rhino Encounters.
What is Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein holds thousands of rock engravings made by early inhabitants and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. A guide helps you read the images and the story behind them.
What else is there?
Dramatic scenery, granite outcrops, desert plants such as the welwitschia and local communities that welcome visitors. The region's light is magnificent for photographers. See Safari Photography Tips.
How do you travel?
Distances are long. Flying between camps saves time. See fly-in vs drive-in.
What should you pack?
Layers, sun protection and sturdy shoes. See what to pack.
Plan your Namibian journey
We link desert, coast and wildlife into one private route. Start planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do desert elephants differ from other elephants?
They are the same species, adapted to arid conditions with long-distance habits.
Is Damaraland malaria-free?
Check with your doctor. Risk is generally low in much of the region, but advice varies.
Can I walk with rhino trackers?
Where available, yes, with trained guides.
How many days do I need in Namibia?
Eight to twelve nights covers the highlights.
Is it suitable for children?
Often, with the right camp.
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
YOUR NEXT JOURNEY
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Where will Africa take you next?
Where will Africa take you next?
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