2 Best Sights in Damaraland, Namibia

This national monument and UNESCO World Heritage site is home to around 2,000 rock engravings, estimated to be close to 6,000 years old; it's extremely rare for this many paintings and engravings to be found at the same site. The entrance fee includes a knowledgeable guide who narrates the timeline of the landscape and the people who lived here. Start early (it's hard to make out some of the art in full sunshine), bring binoculars, wear sturdy shoes, and bring lots of water (at least a liter) and a hat.

The Brandberg (Burnt Mountain) rises 2,606 meters (8,550 feet) out of the desert, claiming the title of Namibia's highest peak. This stark and impressive mountain range provides an impressive backdrop for Namibia's most famous rock paintings. Excellent guides lead the way on an hour-long walk to reach the overhang that's home to the millennia-old White Lady. Rediscovered by German surveyors at the start of the 20th century, it was erroneously named, and experts now agree that the painting depicts a shaman (medicine man). Surrounded by other ancient etchings, it's well worth the walk, which crosses dry river beds between the granite mountains. It's best to go as early in the morning as you can, as the walk can get scorching hot, even in the cooler months and despite being fairly flat.