6 Best Hotels in Damaraland, Namibia

The picturesque Mowani Mountain Camp lies atop a scattered pile of giant ocher-colored boulders in sight of the impressive Brandberg Mountain. It offers one of the most unique settings and landscapes in the region. Each of the rooms are set back, almost camouflaged in the boulders with views of the hilltop vista or the valley, where guides take guests in search of desert-adapted elephants. In between game drives and nature walks, guests can plunge into the pool that’s been carved into the boulders, sunbathe on the pool loungers or relax in the laid-back lounge. Everything from the location to the camp, well-appointed rooms, friendly staff, and mouth-watering food will have you wishing you had booked for longer. Camp Kipwe, a few minutes away, is their newer sister property which attracts younger travelers for its more modern and funky take on safari décor, and as all the rooms have a/c.

This exceptional camp close to the dry Huab River bed in central Damaraland is the ideal starting point for searching for desert-adapted elephants, with guides who are astute in accommodating photographers’ need to get the perfect shot. Located within the Torra Conservancy, encircled by ochre mountains and sand dunes, the views from the gorgeous, adobe-style, thatch units take in a landscape of craggy beauty formed by millions of years of unending geological movement. After a day in the desert, cool off in the swimming pool, read or watch the desert birds from a comfy chair on the deck, or relax with a drink in the spacious, airy lounge, where surreal views and unsurpassable service are the name of the game.

Tucked away behind a clump of enormous granite boulders, this lodge is synonymous with the Erongo region of Namibia: quietly comfortable. Located inside the Erongo Mountain Nature Conservancy, on the edge of a 130-million-year-old volcano ruin, this area is worth a visit if you're traveling from Windhoek to Swakopmund, even if it's just to sit by the pool and watch the glowing African sun set over a grassy plain with Brandberg Mountain in the distance. While you're there, visit the many extraordinary rock painting sites with one of the lodge's knowledgeable guides, do a guided walking trail or nature drive, or go birding.

In a dramatic locale in Damaraland's Valley of the Ugab Terraces, this lodge is set against the backdrop of a mighty stone finger pointing toward the sky. Take the time to listen to the silence on one of their walking trails or as you lounge by either of the two swimming pools. The 360-degree views from the Sundowner Terrace are magnificent. Bungalows cling to the side of a rocky hill and are clean, comfortable and air-conditioned, but it's the remarkable views that you'll always remember, especially if you stay in the Heaven's Gate room. 

If it's rhinos you're after, especially the rare black rhino, then this very remote tented camp in the heart of the private 1-million-acre Palmwag Reserve is a must. In addition to the rhinos, you might also see desert elephants, giraffes, zebras, and springboks. The camp collaborates with the Save the Rhino Trust, and one of the highlights of your stay will be tracking the rare black rhino in an open safari vehicle, with the very short final approach done on foot. It's an honor to encounter one of the continent's largest free-ranging populations of these critically endangered animals. Though the landscape is very barren and stark, you'll likely feel very close to the desert in your contemporary canvas and wooden suite with a spacious porch and indoor/outdoor showers. During a two-night stay, you will be treated to an unforgettable dinner experience by the exceptionally warm-hearted staff. 

Blending into the backdrop and set amid stony slopes, rugged boulders, the distant Etendeka Mountains, and the pink and russet sandstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein to the south (where you can visit some of the most famous San rock paintings and engravings in the world), this is classic Damaraland. The wood, canvas and thatch camp offers 360-degree views of this fascinating landscape and the chance to see the desert-adapted elephants. The sturdy en-suite units have indoor and outdoor showers. You can relax in the glistening pool after a day's activities, or climb up to the roof area of the main building to sip sundowners or watch the blazing stars. Birders will delight in seeing a few of the country’s endemic species, such as Rüpell's korhaan, Carp's tit, and Damara red-billed hornbill.