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Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge
Onduli Ridge

About Onduli Ridge

Among the granite outcrops of Damaraland, the flying wooden arches and domed roofs of Onduli Ridge look strangely at home.

Colours and curves seem to blend into the landscape, belying a near-futuristic design that frames a lodge of understated luxury.

Like the hub of a satellite, shallow steps lead up to the central building, an open-plan structure with magnificent views from the lounge, bar and dining area.

The sense of space is accentuated in each of just six suites, whose louvre bifold doors can be opened out to reveal an extensive rounded deck.
It’s the perfect place for yoga at dawn, or scanning the plains, binoculars in hand.

Explore your world on solar e-bikes, or on a safari vehicle in search of desert-adapted wildlife, or add a cultural twist at Twyfelfontein’s renowned rock art.

Then return to a refreshing dip in the pool, where natural boulders add a touch of privacy, before retiring to your semi-open bathroom-with-a(nother)-view.

On a cloudless night, pizza or a barbecue in the boma is particularly welcome, while on winter evenings a warming fire comes into its own as you settle down to an excellent dinner, perhaps with a bottle of wine from the camp’s oh-so-cool wine cellar.

And so to bed. Perhaps under the stars, on your own king-size or twin bed rolled out onto your private deck.

Our view

Onduli Ridge offers a secluded and exclusive setting in the heart of Damaraland. An array of activities, top-quality guiding, excellent food and personal service make this camp one of the best we’ve visited in Damaraland, so if you are looking for somewhere to inject a touch of luxury on your Namibian adventure, Onduli Ridge would be an excellent choice.

Sabina Hekandjo

Sabina Hekandjo

Namibia expert

Accommodation

6 suites

Children

Best for 12+

Open

All year

Activities

4WD Safari

4WD Safari

Birdwatching

Birdwatching

Cultural excursion

Cultural excursion

Guided walking safari

Guided walking safari

Mountain biking

Mountain biking

Private activities

Private activities

Sleeping under the stars

Sleeping under the stars

Traveller reviews of Onduli Ridge

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


96%
9 reviews since August 2007
Excellent
7
Good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
S & JfromDenver

Arrived 15 Apr 2025, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"Spectacular! goal was to feel awe and Ondlui Ridge certainly enabled that. …" Read S & J’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Smiths fromcheshire

Arrived 20 Oct 2024, 2 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"I don’t think excellent covers how good this place is! …" Read Smiths ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr & Mrs H fromLondon

Arrived 4 Aug 2024, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"Very beautiful lodge, amazing views and staff - Great activities One of the best …" Read Mr & Mrs H ’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr M.fromRamsgate

Arrived 17 May 2024, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"lodge itself was lovely.. staff all friendly & helpful.. Food was outstanding. …" Read Mr M.’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Mr & Mrs NfromCheshire

Arrived 20 May 2024, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"The most luxurious, stunning stay on our trip, which is saying something. …" Read Mr & Mrs N’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Mr and Mrs Wfromlondon

Arrived 3 Jul 2023, 2 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"We absolutely loved Onduli. …" Read Mr and Mrs W’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

Tammy HfromRedmond

Arrived 27 May 2023, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge "

"The rooms are very spacious, with large decks, ginormous bathrooms …" Read Tammy H’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Good

Ms B and Mr CfromMontana

Arrived 16 Jul 2022, 3 nights

"Luxury in the Rocks"

"What a fantastic design.... the staff were so warm and welcoming …" Read Ms B and Mr C’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

HMfromNew Hampshire

Arrived 7 Apr 2022, 3 nights

"Onduli Ridge review"

"Near perfection.. Beautiful rooms.. spectacular setting.. staff & food fantastic …" Read HM’s full holiday review

Overall rating: Excellent

See all Onduli Ridge reviews

Onduli Ridge: Our full report

Onduli Ridge is an exclusive, semi-permanent camp located on the Doro !Nawas Conservancy in southern Damaraland.

The camp, formerly called Camp Onduli, is tucked away at the foot of a granite outcrop or kopje, with spectacular views of the Brandberg Mountain, Namibia's tallest. The camp is conveniently situated for access to many of the region's attractions and offers activities from tracking desert-adapted wildlife to e-biking, visits to the rock art at Twyfelfontein and guided nature walks.

A high level of comfort pervades the whole camp, earthy tones throughout help it blend into its surroundings.

The camp has six suites, each with king-size or twin beds topped with luxurious bedding and curtained by mosquito nets. Bedside tables with reading lights and international/USB charging points are a nice touch. During the evening turn down, mosquito repellant and room spray are placed on the bedside tables too. A writing desk, large luggage storage area, tea and coffee station, minibar and big squashy beanbag complete the main bedroom.

To the front of each suite, shuttered bifold doors open to reveal spectacular views and a spacious deck, complete with sunloungers, a coffee table and chairs. If the fancy takes you, the housekeeping team can pull back the mosquito net, open the bifold doors and roll your bed out onto the desk so you can enjoy sleeping under Namibia's spectacular night sky. The deck is also the perfect place to enjoy a spot of yoga using the equipment provided to help ease sore muscles from bouncing around in a safari vehicle.

To the side of the bedroom is a semi-open bathroom, which features his and hers basins, a flush toilet and rain-effect shower. When we stayed in April 2024, we thought that the shower and toilet in our suite enjoyed particularly spectacular views.

Onduli Ridge's main area encompasses four sections. Central to the whole is the main building, which houses the kitchen, large open bar, dining area and lounge. When the weather demands, bifold glass doors can be shut, keeping wind, rain or cold at bay without obstructing the views. In winter (June–September) a substantial fire helps to warm the open-plan space.

Down some steps from the main building is a well-stocked air-conditioned wine cellar. Many guests will pass this by, which we think is a shame. Even if you don't end up choosing a bottle from the impressive collection, it is a great place to cool off for a few minutes on a hot day, or perhaps for a romantic private meal to celebrate a special occasion.

To one side of the main building is the boma. Surrounded by a natural stone wall, this open-air dining area hosts braai (BBQ) nights and pizza evenings when the weather permits. Choose your own toppings and watch the chef cook your pizzas to order in the wood-fired oven is a very pleasant way to pass the evening.

Beyond the boma a winding path snakes its way between granite boulders to a small yet refreshing pool. Shielded from the rest of the camp by natural boulders, this makes an excellent spot to sunbathe or relax with a book in the middle of the day. As the water is not heated, a dip here is likely to be refreshing even in the hotter months (October–December).

Continuing further on from the pool area is a beautiful wooden deck, with a small makeshift bar, where sundowners are served. We loved this spot as the views are absolutely beautiful and we got to know more about our guide and his homeland over a nice cold gin and tonic.

Throughout the camp innovative construction and sustainable design are evident. The flying wooden arches that support the suites and main area are a unique, eye-catching design, the camp is powered entirely by solar, and grey water from the rooms is treated on-site and reclaimed to water the kitchen garden.

Activities at Onduli Ridge focus on searching for desert-adapted elephants or black rhinos (the rhino activity needs pre-booking and is only available on three-night stays). It is worth noting that the densities of desert-adapted wildlife are low and that the animals themselves roam large areas. If they happen to be a long way from camp, as they were on our previous visit, then activities can be long. Furthermore, black rhino can be skittish and – not surprisingly – can traverse the landscape rather better than 4WDs. As such this activity may include some challenging hiking – and even so, there's no guarantee of sightings, particularly close up.

Other activities include guided nature walks, trips to see the rock art at Twyfelfontein, solar e-bike rides and visits to the Damara Living Museum to gain insight into the Damara people's traditional way of life. One additional activity that we particularly enjoyed on a previous stay was an impromptu wine and cheese tasting with one of the bar staff who was undertaking sommelier training with support from the camp.

The experienced team behind Onduli Ridge own and manage several other camps in Namibia including Camp Sossus and Camp Doros, as well as running excellent privately guided safaris.

Geographics

Location
Damaraland, Namibia
Ideal length of stay
2-3 nights
Directions
Onduli can be accessed on both self-drive and fly-in itineraries.

Fly-in guests often arrive at the camp’s own airstrip, from where the 30-minute journey to camp is by safari vehicle.

Self-drivers drive themselves to the camp's airstrip, near Twyfelfontein, where they leave their vehicle and are transferred the last 30 minutes into camp by safari vehicle.
Accessible by
Self-drive or Fly-and-Transfer

Food & drink

Usual board basis
Full Board & Activities
Food quality
During our stay at Onduli Ridge in April 2024, we once again enjoyed some of the best meals we've had in Namibia. We're pleased to note that, with advance notice, they can accommodate most dietary requirements.
Breakfast at Onduli combines a continental breakfast of teas, coffee, juices, cold meats, cheeses and pastries with hot dishes cooked to order. Hot options include bacon, sausage, and eggs to your preference, including omelets. Smoothies can also be prepared to order – our pineapple smoothie was delicious.

When we arrived at Onduli after a long drive we were treated to a beautifully presented lunch of oryx fillets, baked aubergine rolls in tomato sauce, chicken drumsticks, a selection of cheeses and salads three ways arranged over a three-tiered stand. This cornucopia of tasty titbits was then followed by a luxurious pavlova and frozen berries. Away from the lodge, bush lunches often provide a welcome break on long days spent seeking out desert elephants or rhino.

Dinner is usually a three-course set menu. We relished the "sesame-crusted" salmon starter served with cucumber noodles", pickled ginger and a wasabi dressing. After a cucumber and gin sorbet to cleanse the pallet, the main course was seared beef fillet cooked to our liking. Sides included truffled potatoes, green beans and wild mushroom jus. This was rounded off with a light dessert of chocolate crêpes. Onduli's outdoor choose-your-own topping pizza evenings complete with wood-fired oven are also a big hit here, providing an unusual and often welcome change from
Dining style
Individual Tables
Dining locations
Indoor and Outdoor Dining
Further dining info, including room service
Private dinners can be arranged on request. These might be served in the boma, at the pool, in the wine cellar or in your suite.
Drinks included
Soft and house drinks from local gins and beers to the often extensive collection of South African wines are included. Bottled and filtered water are available.

Special interests

Honeymoons
Spectacular views of the rolling hills of Damaraland, ancient rock art, free-roaming desert wildlife, a small intimate camp and top-quality service combine to make Onduli Ridge an ideal stop on your Namibian honeymoon.
See ideas for Honeymoons in Namibia
Luxury
Great food, a wide range of activities and personalised service from a highly experienced team makes Onduli Ridge a great option for a stay on your luxury Namibian safari.
See ideas for Luxury in Namibia

Children

Attitude towards children
Onduli Ridge welcomes children of all ages.
Property’s age restrictions
Families with Children under 12 are required to book a private vehicle for activities.
Special activities & services
The top-quality guiding team at Onduli Ridge can tailor activities towards children, with interpretive bush walks near camp particularly enjoyed by younger travellers. The camp’s make-your-own pizza evenings are popular with children and adults alike.
Equipment
Additional beds, cots and highchairs are available on request.
Generally recommended for children
Although the team at Onduli Ridge will make families feel welcome in camp, we feel that the general atmosphere is better suited to adults and older children.
Notes
Onduli Ridge is open to wildlife, the pool is unfenced and unguarded and there are numerous drop-offs. For these reasons children should always be supervised by a responsible adult.

Our travellers’ wildlife sightings from Onduli Ridge

Since mid-2018, many of our travellers who stayed at Onduli Ridge 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

100% success

Giraffe

75% success

Black Rhino

63% success

Oryx

63% success

Wildebeest

29% success

Zebra

29% success

Brown Hyena

0% success

Cheetah

0% success

Leopard

0% success

Lion

0% success

Spotted Hyena

0% success

Communications

Power supply notes
There is a back-up generator.
Communications
There is WiFi in the suites, but during our stay we found it to be a little temperamental.
TV & radio
None
Water supply
Borehole
Water supply notes
Hot water is solar-heated. All suites are en-suite with hot and cold running water and flush toilets.

Health & safety

Malarial protection recommended
Yes
Medical care
The closest hospital is in Outjo, about a 2½hr drive from the lodge. In case of emergency, guests can be flown to Windhoek.
Dangerous animals
Moderate Risk
Security measures
Managers and guides stay on site round the clock.
Fire safety
There are fire extinguishers in the suites and main area.

Activities

  • 4WD Safari

    4WD Safari

  • Birdwatching

    Birdwatching

  • Cultural excursion

    Cultural excursion

  • Guided walking safari

    Guided walking safari

  • Mountain biking

    Mountain biking

  • Private activities

    Private activities

  • Sleeping under the stars

    Sleeping under the stars

Extras

Disabled access
On Request
Laundry facilities
A laundry service is included.
Money
There is a small digital safe in each suite.
Accepted payment on location
Almost everything is included in your stay at Onduli Ridge so there is little to pay for. If necessary, payments in cash by South African rand or Namibian dollars are best. Card payments by Visa or Mastercard may be accepted in exceptional circumstances.

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Onduli Ridge's location

Look closer at the environment and surroundings of Onduli Ridge.


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When to go to Damaraland

Our month by month guide: What it's like to visit Onduli Ridge 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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