Read 31 traveller reviews of Damaraland Camp

Nestled in the Huab River valley, Damaraland Camp was one of the earliest camps in this area, having first opened around 1996, although it has undergone a number of renovations over the years since then. Damaraland Camp has a beautiful location, away from any main roads, makes it a great base from which to explore the many attractions of this stark but richly diverse region.

In 2008 the Damaraland Camp was completely rebuilt, with staff and members of the local community all pitching in; all the camps facilities were upgraded. The stone-built central area under a high thatch roof now comprises the dining area, a large fireplace, a living area, a bar, a tea and coffee station (where there is often a jar of homebaked biscuits to tempt you), and a curio shop with a small library. The open guest lounge has large extra deep sofas with comfortable stuffed cushions. Next door to this is a lovely oval shaped swimming pool surrounded by shaded sun loungers. In front of the pool, on a low deck are some huge cushions and pillows for guests to lounge on while admiring the view.

Evenings can be spent having a relaxing pre-dinner drink around an open campfire, under a beautiful, often very clear star-studded sky, making it one of the best areas for star-gazing.

Dinners are served in the outdoor 'boma', which is a short walk in front of the camp, lit by paper lanterns. Next to the Boma is a camp fire to keep you warm on those chilly evenings. Dinners may also be served in the dining room, which on warm evenings is left open. On cold evenings additional warm blankets are provided to wrap around your legs during dinner.

The ten spacious chalets are simple and well designed, and are both clean and comfortable. Constructed out of wood and canvas, the chalets are raised up, giving great views over the landscape. One chalet is located further from the others and so therefore has more privacy.

In keeping with the philosophy of the old Damaraland Camp, emphasis has been placed on making everything as eco-friendly as possible whilst maintaining its high quality standards.

Activities at Damaraland Camp focus is on wildlife (specifically the desert adapted elephants), the stunning, ever changing scenery and local culture – and options include two guided nature walks (the Shepherds Trail and the Damarana Trail), the camp has 8 x mountain bikes, half day excursions to the World Heritage site to view the rock art at Twyfelfontein, nature drives into the dry river beds and to a recently-discovered petrified forest in the area. Additionally the camp also offers sundownerdrives.

However, the main attraction for most people is the guided nature drives in 7 -seater open Landrovers. These go in search of the area's game, most notably the small herds of desert-adapted elephant which seasonally frequent the dry bed of the Huab River. There is also a very slim chance of spotting black rhino, cheetah and the elusive brown hyena if you are lucky, as well as the more common plains game – like Hartmann's mountain zebra, giraffe, gemsbok and springbok.
A joint venture between a good safari company, Wilderness Safaris, and the local community from the surrounding area, theTorra Conservancy, Damaraland Camp has proved hugely successful. It's a model of how community-based tourism can work – which is looked at by other camps in Africa for inspiration.

The camp is now largely run by members of the local community, many of whom have been at the camp for years – and gradually worked their way up. Visitors often return commenting on just how positive and happy the atmosphere is here, so it is well worth a visit of two or three nights.

In conclusion… Damaraland Camp is one of those camps where you are made to feel instantly welcome and a part of their small community. The camp has a great atmosphere with friendly, happy staff who clearly love what they do and are devoted to making your stay as enjoyable and as memorable as possible. Damaraland Camp is possibly one of the most scenically beautiful wilderness areas in Namibia where the natural wildlife is left to roam freely, with the effect of the light throughout the day, the scenery is constantly changing, leaving one feeling awe-struck to be able to witness such unspoilt beauty. This is an experience that will stay with you long after you have returned home.

Lodge overview

Lodge type: Safari

No. of bedrooms: 10 chalets

Season: Open Year Round

Ideal length of stay: Two to three nights

Geographics

Location: Damaraland, Namibia

Directions: From Khorixas continue along the C39 for another 100km, along the Torra Bay/Palmwag road, crossing over the Huab river continue over a steep mountain pass and over some mountains to descend and on your left-hand side is a sign post indicating Damaraland Camp. There are two sign boards indicating 2x 4 guests' secure, under shade parking where there is someone from the local village watching over the vehicles and the 4X4 route to th camp. The camp has two set pick-up times at 14h00 and again at 17h00, it is advisable to let the camp know when they can expect you so that the camp vehicle and guide is there to met you on arrival. Otherwise it is at least 40 - 45 minutes drive from the camp which could mean waiting around for the transfer vehicle. Someone at the local village has radio communications with the camp and will be able to alert them of your arrival. For travellers who have their own 4x4 vehicle the route to the camp is clearly sign posted, indicating a further 13km to the camp. However please keep in mind that the drive to the camp is very slow going as the road is very bumpy and full of dips, please take your time to reach the camp.

Accessible by: Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Key personnel

Owner: Wilderness Safaris in conjunction with the local community.

Food & drink

Usual board basis: Half Board

Food quality: For breakfast, guests are served cereals, yoghurt, fresh fruits, freshly baked muffins (warm out of the oven), cold meats (ham, salami) , cheese, pancakes, bread , fruit juices (orange and apple juice.) tea and coffee. Guests are also personally cooked a warm breakfast of fried eggs, bacon, fried tomatoes, mushrooms and toast. A cold light lunch is served. On our last visit we had lasagne and salad followed by fruit. Dinner is a real treat at Damaraland Camp, with your waiter translating the dinner menu in the local dialect in damaraland, the click language). Dinner is three courses and on our last visit we had vegetable soup, game goulash with vegetables and sponge and custard for dessert. When we last visited the staff where graced us with some heartwarming singing and dancing in Damara, before bidding us a lovely evening and retiring for the night. Tea and coffee are available all day, and cake is served at 4pm.

Dining style: Group Meals

Dining locations: Indoor and Outdoor Dining

Room service: No

Children

Attitude towards children: The camp does not accept children under the age of 12.

Age restrictions: No under 12's.

Generally recommended for children: We don't recommend Damaraland camp for younger children at all – it's a fairly adult atmosphere.

Central communications

Power supply: Generator

Health & safety

Malarial area: Yes

Medical care: All the staff are first aid trained. The nearest doctor is in Khorixas.

Dangerous animals: Moderate Risk

Security measures: None, camp is very remote and not easily accessible.

Fire safety: All the rooms and the main building have fire extinguishers.

Extras

Disabled access: On Request

Money: No travellers cheques can be exchanged but Euros, USD and GBP are accepted.

Accepted payment: Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

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