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Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp
Mowani Mountain Camp

About Mowani Mountain Camp

Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia's Ugab and the Huab rivers, the smart Mowani ...

... Mountain Camp commands a stunning location. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains to the mountains beyond.

Mowani Mountain Camp's innovative, integrated design and comfortable rooms, along with its spectacular views, makes it a lovely base for a couple of nights in this area. Most visitors drive themselves here, giving them the flexibility to either drive around in their own vehicle, or be driven on a 4WD excursion by one of the camp's guides

Our view

Mowani Mountain Camp's innovative, integrated design and comfortable rooms, along with its spectacular views, makes it a lovely base for a couple of nights in this area. Most visitors drive themselves here, giving them the flexibility to either drive around in their own vehicle, or be driven on a 4WD excursion by one of the camp's guides

Sabina Hekandjo

Sabina Hekandjo

Namibia expert

Accommodation

12 rooms, 2 suites

Children

Best for 16+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Private activities

Private activities

Self-guided walking

Self-guided walking

Traveller reviews of Mowani Mountain Camp

161 real, un-edited reviews from Expert Africa's travellers.


94%
161 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
126
Good
26
Average
4
Poor
4
Terrible
1
Mr & Mrs FfromSurrey

Arrived 14 Apr 2025, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"possibly one of the best spots for a sundowner in Africa - exquisite views ... …" Read Mr & Mrs F’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

E & HfromCanada

Arrived 22 Dec 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"one of the best views we've had from a room ever …" Read E & H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MDBfromAlaska

Arrived 11 Oct 2024, 1 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"Spectacular, spellbinding location. Wish we would have stayed longer. …" Read MDB’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs LfromGloucester

Arrived 5 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"stunning location - water feature, a delight to watch birds and dassies .. …" Read Mr & Mrs L’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

R&EfromLondon

Arrived 22 Sep 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

Overall rating: Excellent

Paul and JofromBath

Arrived 20 Sep 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"Fantastic accommodation and location …" Read Paul and Jo’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs CfromBucks

Arrived 18 Aug 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"wonderful location - spectacular view, high quality food, desert elephants ... …" Read Mr & Mrs C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

MarVilfromSouth Africa

Arrived 7 Jul 2024, 1 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"It will be hard to find a lodge in a more sublime setting than this! …" Read MarVil’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

K&RfromYorkshire

Arrived 16 Jun 2024, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"A fabulous location - food was phenomenal - desert elephant excursion wonderful …" Read K&R’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mrs & Mrs AfromLondon

Arrived 30 Nov 2023, 2 nights

"Mowani Mountain Camp review"

"wonderful location, the food was good and we were able to see over 20 elephants. …" Read Mrs & Mrs A’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

See all Mowani Mountain Camp reviews

Safaris visiting Mowani Mountain Camp

Just ideas, we'll always tailor-make a trip for you


Map

Brown Hyena Self-drive

14 days • 8 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

The perfect trip for those who want to mix the adventure and freedom of a self-drive with some of our favourite luxury camps in Namibia and a great mix of activities.

Visiting Okonjima, Namib-Naukluft and 5 other areas

US$9,150 - US$10,090 per person

Read more about the Brown Hyena Self-drive

Map

Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

9 days • 6 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

Big on experience and light on time, this self-drive trip packs in Namibia’s highlights while staying in a selection of luxury camps and lodges for an unforgettable 10 days.

Visiting Okonjima, NamibRand and 4 other areas

US$9,810 - US$14,600 per person

Read more about the Rock Agama Self-drive Safari

Map

Chongololo Self-drive Safari

21 days • 11 locations • 1 country
WINDHOEK AIRPORT TO WINDHOEK AIRPORT

This self-drive safari focuses on the best walking experiences in Namibia. Get your boots ready for the apricot dunes of the Namib Desert and the ancient hills of Damaraland.

Visiting Central Highlands, Namib-Naukluft and 4 other areas

US$9,160 - US$10,110 per person

Read more about the Chongololo Self-drive Safari

Mowani Mountain Camp: Our full report

Situated in the heart of southern Damaraland, between Namibia's Ugab and the Huab rivers, the smart Mowani ...

... Mountain Camp commands a stunning location. Perched high on a rocky outcrop, the camp is nestled amongst large granite boulders and has superb views across gravel plains to the mountains beyond.

Mowani is a sister camp to the nearby Camp Kipwe, a simpler option which lies on the edge of the plains.

Mowani Camp has 15 rooms and suites, split into six different types: three ‘view’ rooms, four ‘superior view’ rooms, five ‘standard view’ rooms, a ‘luxury’ room and two different suites. All have canvas walls under thatched roofs, and en-suite facilities. The rooms are decorated in an African theme with soft furnishings in cheerful colours and carved wooden colonial-style furniture. Each has a private veranda where you can sit and take in the surroundings, as well as a tea and coffee station, a safe, and mosquito nets draped over the twin or king-size beds.

  • The four 'superior view' rooms, as the name suggests, are located on the perimeter of the camp and have some of the most breathtaking views of the Damara landscape.
  • The three 'view' rooms don't have quite the same spectacular vistas, but are built around the large rocks that make this place so unusual.
  • Five 'standard view' rooms are situated lower down, overlooking boulders.
  • The 'luxury' room has its own private deck looking out over the valley. The room has a dividing wall for added privacy, closing it off from the boma area. Due to its close proximity to the lodge’s main area, it is suited to those with limited mobility.
  • Mowani's mini suite is a spacious, thatched room with a double en-suite room, its own private air-conditioned lounge, a minibar (the minibar drinks are included in the room rate), laundry service and television with cable channels. This suite doesn't have the spectacular views of some of the rooms, but it is very comfortable and nicely decorated, with lots of wooden and wicker furniture.
  • The mountain suite is large, innovative and beautifully designed, with a superb vantage point, panoramic 360 degree views and an open-air 'bush' bathroom with a bath (as well as an indoor bath). There's an emphasis on privacy here, and dinner can be served on the balcony, making it a great choice for honeymooners. The suite also has its own comfortable lounge with a television with DSTV (cable channels) and minibar (again minibar drinks are included in the room rate). There’s also a laundry service available.
Mowani's main dining and lounge area are housed under two large, adjoining dome-thatched rondavels. Both are comfortable, relaxed and stylishly appointed, with a touch of formal elegance about the dining room at dinner. Just below is a small inviting pool and deck area built between the rocks, which also has a great view over the landscape.

The sundowner spot at Mowani has to be seen to be believed! We'll leave this surprise for you to discover, but suffice to say that cushions and chairs, as well as a drinks service, are provided. After the sun has set, you can join other guests for pre-dinner drinks by the campfire for a pre-dinner catch up.

Visitors who arrive in their own vehicles are free to use Mowani as a base for their own explorations, or join the camp's own guided activities for an extra cost. These include nature drives which can last between four to six hours, set out in search of desert-adapted elephants, as well as guided or self-guided walks, and excursions to the nearby famous rock art at Twyfelfontein, incorporating the Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes. On our last stay in November 2016 we were lucky enough to see two different herds of elephants on our nature drive and enjoyed following the marked trail on a self guided walk - a nice change from sitting in a vehicle.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2–3 nights
Directions
Mowani Mountain Camp is a 3km drive off the D2612, a turning off the C39, opposite the entrance to Camp Kipwe. The closest towns are Uis (130km to the south) and Khorixas (130km to the east). The nearest airstrip is at Twyfelfontein, approximately 15km from the camp. Windhoek is about 550km (5.5 hours' drive) away.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Half Board
Food quality
Breakfast is a buffet consisting of cereals, freshly made bread, jams, fruit, yoghurt, fruit juices, tea and coffee. Hot breakfasts are made to order.

There is a set menu of light lunches, such as salads and sandwiches. Lunch packs can be provided; just ask for these the night before you are leaving.

Dinner is a delicious and varied four-course set menu, professionally served in the candlelit dining room. On our last stay we enjoyed a refreshing amuse bouche of chilled tomato and olive soup followed with a starter of bacon and mozzarella cups. For the main course there was a choice betweenn supreme of chicken with a parmesan crust or a sirloin steak with a mushrooms glaze. Both were served with mixed vegetables and were delicious. The meal was then rounded off with a superb lemon cheese cake.

Tea and coffee are available throughout the day.
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Room service is only available in the mountain suite where meals ca nbe taken in privacy on the suite's balcony.
Drinks included
Only in the suites or if you choose to stay on a full board basis.

Special interests

Honeymoons
Treat yourselves to a few nights at the superb Mowani Mountain Camp on your Namibia honeymoon. Keeping nature close but luxury and romance closer, this is a perfect honeymoon destination. For something even more special consider the Mountain Suite.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia
Photography holidays
With its setting among smooth granite kopjies, landscape photographers will be in their element at Mowani. The views are spectacular, too, especially from the sundowner spot, which is stunning at all times, not just at sunset.
See ideas for Photography holidays in Namibia
Wildlife safaris
Mowani Mountain Camp offers guided nature drives into the dry river beds in this area. The game isn’t dense here, but you’ll probably see a good sprinkling of antelope and birds – and have a fairly good chance of spotting the area’s desert-adapted elephants.
See ideas for Wildlife safaris in Namibia
Luxury
A decent pool with miraculous panoramic views is one of Mowani Mountain Camp’s outstanding features. If you’re after a luxurious safari holiday, Mowani with its design in an African theme and soft furnishings in a bright colour scheme won’t disappoint you.
See ideas for Luxury in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
The lodge welcomes well-behaved children.
Property’s age restrictions
No age restriction
Special activities & services
None
Equipment
Cots can be provided on request, and there are children’s tents
for those aged nine years and older.
Generally recommended for children
Mowani has an adult atmosphere, and no special activities for children. Being high up, with rocky boulders all around, and no safety rails, means that there are dangerous drop offs. Older children should be fine here –
– as long as they are supervised and are aware of the location's dangers. Children need to be old enough to act responsibly, and enjoy the normal activities put on for adult guests.
Notes
Children should be under parental supervision at all times.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Mowani Mountain Camp

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Mowani Mountain Camp have kindly recorded their wildlife sightings and shared them with us. The results are below. Click an animal to see more, and here to see more on our methodology.

Elephant

81% success

Giraffe

56% success

Oryx

27% success

Zebra

12% success

Wildebeest

4% success

Lion

4% success

Black Rhino

0% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a backup generator in case of a power cut.
Communications
There is no internet here.
TV & radio
There are televisions with DSTV in both the Mountain suite and the mini suite
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
All the rooms and suites have hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

Sustainability

Mowani Mountain Camp sustainability

Providing water for elephants

Mowani Mountain Camp has been working together with EHRA (Elephant-Human Relations Aid), a volunteer project, which aims to reduce the conflict between elephants and humans, thus contributing to the conservation of the mammals.

The core issue that hinders the cohabitation of elephants and humans is the destructive effect animals have on local water resources. In areas of Namibia that are rendered without water sometimes for years, elephants are considered a threat and are often wounded or killed by locals.

The team at Mowani assists local people with the reconstruction of waterholes damaged by animals and building protection walls that prevent animal access to the windmills, water storage tanks or pumps.

Additionally, the camp has expanded their waterhole to provide a local elephant herd of 18 (including 2 calves under 6 months old) with enough water when they visit the lodge, thus facilitating some stunning animal encounters, while reducing some off the pressure on local villages.

See more great sustainability projects in Namibia

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The nearest doctor is in Khorixas, and some staff at the lodge are usually first-aid trained. In an emergency, patients would be flown to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
Low Risk
Security measures
Security guards are on duty at Mowani Mountain Camp overnight. A gate man ensures everyone is safely back in camp before locking the gate.
Fire safety
Fire extinguishers are located in all rooms and suites.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Self-guided walking

    Self-guided walking

Extras

Disabled access
Not Possible
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is available for an extra charge only for guests staying in one of the suites.
Money
No currency exchange possible.
Accepted payment on location
Visa and MasterCard are accepted. Cash payments may be made in Namibian dollars and South African rand.

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Mowani Mountain Camp's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Mowani Mountain Camp.


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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Mowani Mountain Camp in Damaraland


Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Damaraland in January

In Damaraland, January marks the start of the rainy season. The rains, though often light and localised, bring life to the desert landscape.

At Twyfelfontein, the rock engravings glisten after sporadic showers. Some days are clear and hot, with temperatures around 30°C/86°F, while others see dramatic thunderstorms. These can create flash floods in ephemeral riverbeds like the Ugab, temporarily transforming the arid terrain. The greening landscape provides a refreshing backdrop for the ancient rock art at Brandberg Mountain.

Many birds in the region are in full breeding plumage, with migrant species adding to the variety. Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses across the rejuvenated landscape, making sightings more challenging, but rewarding. The Damara Living Museum offers insights into how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes.

  • Variable weather: hot, dry or humid with rain
  • Occasional localised thunderstorms
  • Wildlife dispersed, harder to spot
  • Stark mountains against atmospheric skies
  • Few tourists, low rates at accommodations

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in January

Damaraland in February

February is typically the wettest month in Damaraland, though rainfall remains patchy across this predominantly arid region.

The Spitzkoppe granite peaks against thunderous, atmospheric skies create dramatic vistas for photographers. Some days are clear and hot, while others see afternoon thunderstorms that briefly but dramatically charge the landscape. These rains can make travel more challenging, especially to remote sites like the Epupa Falls. However, the landscape feels vibrant and alive, with insects and smaller animals more easily spotted, and seasonal flowers blooming. Many birds and animals are raising their young, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities.

Despite the rains, the rock art at Twyfelfontein and the Petrified Forest remain accessible.

  • Hot and humid with occasional rain showers
  • Thunderstorms meander over the landscape
  • Birdlife spectacular, migrant species present
  • Wildlife harder to see, but landscape lush
  • Low tourist numbers, great for solitude

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in February

Damaraland in March

March in Damaraland usually sees the main rains tailing off, though precipitation varies greatly across the region. Many days are clear, with strong sun driving temperatures up, while others may experience light rainfall.

The landscape often appears vivid and green, providing a striking contrast to the bare rocky outcrops of Spitzkoppe and Brandberg. Animals such as springbok and mountain zebra may be finishing raising their young. Small herds of plains game such as these can be more visible against the greener backdrop. The Damara Living Museum showcases how local communities adapt to these seasonal changes. The clearer skies towards the end of the month make for excellent stargazing at lodges where you can move your bed to sleep under the stars.

  • Weather becoming drier as month progresses
  • Animals looking healthy after months of plenty
  • Balmy nights sleeping under star-filled skies
  • Migrant birds begin to depart
  • Few tourists, rates often low at lodges

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in March

Damaraland in April

April in Damaraland is typically dominated by dry weather, with decreasing chances of rain. Temperatures begin to fall, but days remain pleasantly warm. The rains often leave the landscape verdant, creating stunning photo opportunities at sites like the Etendeka Plateau and Klip Valley.

Animals are in fantastic condition, often with fast-growing young in attendance. The desert-adapted elephants may be more easily spotted as they begin to return to the riverbeds to feed on Ana and Camelthorn trees. With dust washed from the atmosphere, photographers can capture clear shots of spectacular landscapes. Stargazers will enjoy increasingly clear night skies. In the Palmwag Concession, water and food remain in plentiful supply, so finding mammals such as black rhino can still be challenging, but worth the effort.

  • Cooler nights, days still warm and pleasant
  • Landscape still green from recent rains
  • Air clear, for crisp photographs
  • Wildlife starting to become easier to find
  • Easter sees an increase in visitors

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in April

Damaraland in May

By May, Damaraland is usually drying out fast. If rains have been good, the land remains green, especially around natural springs found in valleys and craggy rocksides. The air quality and clarity can be amazing, making this an ideal month for photography at sites like Twyfelfontein and along the remote Hoanib riverbed.

Temperatures are moderate, typically warm with crisp, clear mornings and blue skies. Evenings are cool enough to wear an extra layer. Many lodges still charge low season prices, offering good value. The combination of increasingly good wildlife sightings, beautiful landscapes, and crystal-clear air make May one of the best months to visit Damaraland. It's an excellent time to explore the region's geological wonders, such as the ancient Etendeka lava flows.

  • Lovely weather: warm days, cool nights
  • Landscape drying out, still some greenery
  • Clear, sharp colours for photography
  • Wildlife more visible along scenic riverbeds
  • Low visitor numbers, moderate lodge rates

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in May

Damaraland in June

June sees Damaraland dry and clear, with blue, largely cloudless skies. Days are often lovely and warm, but nights can be cold, sometimes below freezing in desert areas.

Visitors should pack warm clothing for early morning nature drives to spot desert-adapted elephants or black rhinos. Most outdoor pools are too cold for swimming, except for the very dedicated. It’s a particularly good climate for walking; either short walks or perhaps a multi-day hike on the Etendeka Plateau.

Historically, June prices have been low, but Damaraland's increasing popularity means many lodges now consider it high season.

  • Clear, bright days and cold nights
  • Wonderful for stargazing and night walks
  • Good wildlife viewing in remote wildernesses
  • Hiking comfortable in cooler temperatures
  • Moderate lodge rates, increasing bookings

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in June

Damaraland in July

July in Damaraland offers fairly warm temperatures above 20°C/68°F in the middle of the day, but often cold nights. Visitors should dress in layers and be prepared for chilly mornings and evenings.

Rain is extremely rare, and clear skies make for great photographs of the sandstone mountains in morning and evening light. As vegetation shrivels, animals gather near food and water sources, making sightings of desert-adapted wildlife more likely. Elephant herds are more regularly seen along dry riverbeds during this period.

Lodges charge high season rates, and many are booked up well in advance, especially during European school holidays.

  • Dry days, clear skies, crisp cold nights
  • Peak time for wildlife viewing in Damaraland
  • Desert-adapted elephants more easily spotted
  • Wonderfully cool for day walks and longer hikes
  • High season rates, book accommodations early

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in July

Damaraland in August

August is the height of Damaraland's winter. Expect cloudless skies and usually warm sun during the day, but nights can drop to freezing in desert areas. Visitors should bring warm clothes for nature drives and walks in chilly mornings and evenings.

The landscape begins to change from green to golden grasses and stark hillsides. Wildlife sticks close to dry river-beds where desert-adapted elephants dig for water, creating waterholes for other animals.

The clear, dry conditions make it an excellent time for hiking and exploring geological features like the Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain.

August is the most popular time to visit Damaraland, especially for families. Booking well in advance is essential.

  • Perfect weather for outdoor activities
  • Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
  • Popular time for hiking and tracking rhino on foot
  • Good time for cultural experiences at Damara Living Museum
  • Peak season, lodges booked up well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in August

Damaraland in September

September in Damaraland brings blue, cloudless skies and fantastic wildlife viewing. Rain is almost unheard of, and as the month progresses, days and nights quickly get warmer. Daily maximums can reach the low 30s Celsius/mid-80s Fahrenheit, though low humidity keeps it comfortable. The air becomes dustier, occasionally affecting visibility for photographers at sites like Twyfelfontein or Brandberg.

In the Palmwag Concession and along the Ugab River, animals congregate around remaining water sources, making September one of the best months for game viewing, especially for desert-adapted elephants and black rhinos, but also desert-adapted lion. It's a popular month for visitors, particularly safari enthusiasts seeking sightings of these unique sub-species.

The Himba at Khowarib provide insights into how local communities adapt to the dry season.

  • Warm days, nights getting warmer
  • Landscape golden brown, very photogenic
  • Prime time for seeing desert-adapted wildlife
  • Air can be hazy with dust
  • High season rates, book well in advance

Our view

Fantastic: the very best time to visit

Weather in September

Damaraland in October

Damaraland is usually at its hottest and driest in October. Temperatures build throughout the month, with daily highs potentially exceeding 40°C/104°F towards the end. The extreme dryness, though, makes even these high temperatures bearable.

Wildlife watching is at its best, particularly in areas like the remote Palmwag Concession and along the Hoanib River. October is popular among wildlife enthusiasts, as shyer species such as brown hyena and cheetah are more regularly seen. However, dust and occasional smoke may make the air hazy, challenging landscape photographers but creating beautiful sunsets.

Visitor numbers can decrease towards the end of the month, potentially allowing for last-minute bookings at some lodges.

  • Hot and dry, true desert conditions
  • Wildlife congregates at remaining water
  • Excellent month for photographing sunsets
  • Peak tourist time, expect higher rates
  • Unusual species like brown hyena more regularly seen

Our view

A very good time to visit

Weather in October

Damaraland in November

November in Damaraland is unpredictable; sometimes dry and hot, sometimes cloudier and cooler. Typically, mornings are hot and clear, with clouds gathering from the afternoon. Humidity builds, occasionally resulting in spectacular thunderstorms with convection rainfall in late afternoons. These storms are usually localised and may not reach desert areas.

Places receiving good rain, like parts of the Palmwag Concession, quickly turn green, softening the landscape. Many mammals give birth, offering unique wildlife viewing opportunities. Once rains settle in waterholes, wildlife disperses in search of food, making game viewing more challenging. However, this is an excellent time for birdwatchers, with migrant species arriving and taking on breeding plumage.

The rock art at Twyfelfontein and Brandberg can be particularly striking after light rains.

  • Variable weather, possibility of rain
  • New growth if rains arrive, landscape greens
  • Wildlife viewing still good, with babies often born
  • Shoulder season rates offer better value
  • Birdlife increases with migrant arrivals

Our view

A good time to visit, with pros & cons

Weather in November

Damaraland in December

December is often a dry month between November’s short rains and the main rains in January, and is one of its hottest months. Occasional short, often spectacular thunderstorms are often highly localised and generally welcomed, clearing the air of dust and allowing plant life to flourish. This creates a green carpet across the usually arid landscape, providing food for young animals.

Wildlife, including the desert-adapted elephants, disperses widely as food is more plentiful, making game viewing in areas like the Palmwag Concession more challenging. But sightings in early December can be enjoyed and photographed at leisure often with few or no other viewers. Many birds are breeding, sporting their most colorful plumage.

Christmas and New Year fall within local summer holidays, so accommodation options can be surprisingly busy, especially in cooler areas near the coast.

  • Hot days, possibility of refreshing showers
  • Landscape may become green with early rains
  • Good time for seeing young animals
  • Desert-adapted species less concentrated
  • Holiday season brings more visitors

Our view

This is not a great time to visit

Weather in December

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