DAMARALAND CAMP
Namibia

Namibia Camp Lodge

Damaraland Camp is a rare venture which integrates communities, the environment and sustainable wildlife and is rated as the most successful eco~tourism venture in Namibia. Located on the north bank of the Huab River Valley, 90 kilometres inland from Torra Bay on Namibia's Skeleton Coast, the camp presents endless vistas across stark plains, ancient valleys and soaring peaks. The brooding mass of the Brandberg provides a focal point, almost 100 kilometres to the south. Early morning mists, generated by the meeting of the icy Atlantic and the warm land mass along the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river line, providing sustenance to varied life~ forms. The river flows only once or twice during the short rainy season, seldom breaking through the dunes to the ocean. Damaraland Camp was rated as one of the top destinations of the 'Ultimate Safari' in the March 1999 issue of Conde Nast Traveler.

Camp Description

Nine large comfortable walk~in tents with doors. All tents have valley views and each has en suite facilities and a covered veranda. The main living area made from local rock and canvas combines the dining room, lounge and bar. A feature of the camp is a stunning rock plunge pool tucked away in a mini gorge behind the camp. Dinner can be enjoyed in an open air "kraal" under a million stars

Game Viewing

The natural laws of food and water availability dictate the movement and cycles of the rare and endangered desert Elephant, Black Rhinoceros, Oryx, Kudu, Springbok and other species that have come to terms with life in a desert environment. Even Lion and Cheetah move in and out of the area occasionally. Activities revolve around nature drives into the Huab River System in search of Desert Elephants and other specially adapted flora and fauna. Walking in the Damaraland area is spectacular and is highly recommended as an afternoon activity. With prior notice, a trip can be arranged to the famous Twyfelfontein rock engravings located nearby. A full day excursion is available to track the endangered Desert Adapted Black Rhino subject to the availability of a vehicle. Private vehicles for these excursions can be booked at an additional cost subject to availability either prior to departure or directly with the Camp Manager.

The Torra Conservancy

Damaraland was voted in the top three of all eco-tourist projects around the world by the British Travel Writers guild. It is situated in the mountainous region in north~west Namibia inhabited by the Damaras and named after them. Originally, it was an area occupied primarily by the Damara people, but it soon became the home of other tribes such as the Hereros and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa. Today, many residents of Damaraland are thus of mixed heritage, but most consider themselves Damara. The Damara name is derived from the Nama word "Dama", meaning "who walked here". This is because the Damara were known to the Nama people by the footprints they left around waterholes. From their vantage~point in the mountains, the Damara were quick to spot resources such as water or animals, on the plains below, and they were therefore able to be the first groups to reach these essential resources. The Damaraland community comprises a unique group of people who have recognised the value of the wildlife on their land and formed a Community Wildlife Conservancy to protect it. Until 1981, Damaraland was unprotected and open to poachers, mostly from outside the area. Eventually, Namibian NGO's formed a game~guard system with people from the community, and interest in the welfare of the wildlife increased. After halting the poaching activities, there were many ideas on how to conserve the area and its resources sustainably. In 1996, Wilderness Safaris joined the community's conservation efforts and co~established what is now the most successful community~based tourism venture in Namibia. In 1998, the success of Damaraland Camp helped the community to have their land proclaimed as the Torra Conservancy. It is now the leader of four Community Wildlife Conservancies in the country. Today, the Torra Conservancy is one of the most successful in all of Africa. It meets all its management costs and makes a profit which is then re-invested into community projects for their benefit. It is the first community conservancy which is able to sustain itself without donor funding.

Pricing

Please contact us for current rates:

Location

o On the north face of the Huab River valley
o Central Damaraland midway between Khorixas and Torra Bay
o Within the Torra Wildlife Conservancy

Accommodation

Number of tents:
There are 9 tents in total consisting of 8 twin bedded tents and 1 honeymoon suite. There is an additional tent available, which can be used as a family room, accommodating up to 4 people. This tent is of the same standard as the other 9 guest tents with the exception of the outlook. The view is interrupted as it is set back a little.
Tent details:
o Comfortable, large walk-in safari tents with doors, not zipped entrances
o Valley-facing with wonderful views of the mountains
o En-suite facilities at back of tent
o Tea and coffee brought to the tents in the morning
o Soaps, shampoos and insect repellents are supplied in each room

Camp description

o Stone living area combining dining room lounge and bar
o "Kraal" for outside dining weather permitting
o Open fireplace for drinks
o Rock pool
o Small curio shop stocking primarily clothes

Game viewing

Desert Elephant, possibly Black Rhinoceros, Oryx, Kudu, Springbok and other species that can live in a desert environment.

Activities

o Game drives in 4 open 7 seater Land Rovers
o Guided walking safaris
o This is a wonderful area for enjoying the desert environment. There are no large concentrations of game as the desert cannot sustain the numbers. But what makes this area are the facinating contrasts and observing animals eek out an existance in the dry terrain. Desert elephant are best seen here.

Suggested Daily Activity Schedule

05h30 - Wake Up
06h00 - Full breakfast
06h30 - Depart on morning activity, either a walk or drive
13h00 - Lunch
15h30 - Tea and eats.
16h00 - Afternoon game drive or walk
19h00 - Dinner and stargazing

Laundry policy

Limited laundry facilities are provided at no extra cost

Extras payment

Payment can be affected by: Cash, Travellers Cheques or Visa/Mastercard
If guests feel that they want to tip, our recommended tipping schedule is as follows:
Lodge staff - US$3.00 per guest per day.
Driver/guides - US$5.00 per guest per day
(This is the suggested gratuity schedule only and is subject to service standards)

Flying times

to/from Swakopmund approximately 60 minutes
to/from Windhoek 1hour 40 mins
to/from Ongava 60 minutes

Air strip details

Damaraland Air strip is located 15 minutes from camp.
It is 1000m long, gravel surface and can take up to a 7 seater 402.
King Airs can land here
Co-ordinates: S 20.25.7, E 014.07.7

Electricity

o Solar panels generate all the power in this camp
o Fans and lights in rooms powered by 12v solar power
o Solar heated water for showers

Guest Comments

"I will always remember Damaraland Camp for the wonderful scenery, the congenial surroundings, for a great hot shower after a long but rewarding game drive, the hot water bottle to warm our bed at night….. But most of all I treasure the memory of our wonderful dinner in the boma, with delicious food cooked over the fire, a night full of thousand of stars and the happy voices of the Staff singing their traditional village songs. What an amazing experience."
J.D, USA

"In 20 years of travel in many parts of Africa (and all of Namibia) we have had very few experiences as enjoyable as the Damaraland Camp"
Dr D. P., UK

"Damaraland Camp is soul enriching, touching every sense. The sight of six elephants on a dune with the mountains as a backdrop was quite possibly the most remarkable safari experience I have ever had.''
A.S., Vienna

"The drives and the walks were fantastic, dining and sitting areas, and our tent, all beautifully designed and decorated. Service was impeccable and the menu in 3 languages was charming and entertaining"
B.DS., UK

"This camp is in a real Wilderness location, we had the most enjoyable stay and were very well looked after. The sighting of the rare desert-adapted elephants was an unexpected bonus"
G. G., Scotland

"We were amazed as to the way you run such an efficient and professional camp yet you still manage to keep it informal and friendly. The camp staff and Management must be congratulated."
E.T., UK

"We celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary at Damaraland Camp and the managers and staff made it a memorable occasion, we cannot thank you enough"
N.L., UK

"All the staff were so helpful and the standards were really high. We have really enjoyed our stay here and will certainly recommend you all to others. Well done"
J. M., UK

"What an amazing camp. We shall tell our friends that this is a must visit destination" A. H South Africa. "There is a magical quality about this camp and its surroundings. It is obvious that everyone working at this camp is very special and handpicked for his or her irresistible personalities. This once in a lifetime trip for us, was made even more memorable due to the lovely people here at Damaraland Camp."
M.B., South Africa

"Everything and everyone has been fabulous, we've had a terrific stay"
C. F., Ireland

"We would gladly recommend the camp to friends, the atmosphere, staff, facilities and comfort could not be faulted, yet we will still got the "'wilderness experience"
J&N B., USA

"Special thanks to all the staff at Damaraland Camp. They all worked very hard and were always helpful, nothing was too much trouble. A great team, great food, facilities and tour trips. Well-done guys and all the very best for the future".
N.D., UK

"It was a privilege to stay at Damaraland and learn from the staff their local way of life and to experience the breathtaking landscape around us. Both Linus and N.J taught us a great deal about the local flora and fauna. We have left Namibia enriched in knowledge and experiences"
G.S., Germany

"We really enjoyed our game drives in Damaraland. The scenery is breathtaking and it was great fun tracking the elusive desert elephants. We were amazed, considering the harsh environment how much other game we saw. Linus also made sure that we appreciated the smaller things too. Thank you to everyone."
M.P., Italy

Please contact us for current rates: