Damaraland
Damaraland is a land of high mountains, endless sands, long-dry riverbeds and laccolith rock formations. Damaraland lies southwest of Etosha National Park, one of Namibia’s most famous landmarks, and is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by the Skeleton Coast. And it must be said, this region is not the least bit embarrassed by the neighborhood with such distinguished brethren. Daramaland also has something to surprise visitors to Namibia.
General Information
Nearly extinct desert rhinos and the rare desert elephant can be found here.
The climate is very dry with negligible rainfall, the temperature difference is up to 20 degrees C, during the daytime in the coldest months (June – August) the temperature rises to 15 – 20 degrees C, at night it can drop sharply to 0 C.
.In the area of Daramaland are located amazing rock formations – the result of thousands of years of wind, rain and temperature fluctuations. But especially in this variety of shapes and lines stands out Wingerklip or Rocky toe. It crowns a 35-meter high rock pillar. Wingerklip is located on a private farm and you must get permission from the owners to get a closer look at it.
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Daramaland is also famous for being home to Namibia’s highest mountain system, the Bradberg. Accordingly, the country’s highest peak Kunigstein (2,464 meters) is also located here. The name of the Bradberg system translates as “Burnt Mountain”. Probably, the authors of the name were inspired by the amazing orange-red color, with which the mountains glow in the rays of the setting sun. It is not recommended to walk here without guides, as there are no certain routes, and now and then on the way there are crevices and waterfalls. The local rocks are full of rock art.
.The most famous image found here, in Maab Cave, is considered to be the White Lady. The drawing shows a female figure painted in white, black and brown colors among antelopes and small black human figures. In her hands she holds a bow and something resembling a lotus flower. The woman’s hair is colored red, which has led some researchers to say that the figure depicts a woman of European type. The age of the image is estimated at 4000 years old.
.Fans of man-made works of art can also visit the place Twyfelfontein. There are the most interesting rock paintings in the whole territory of Africa. They are 6000 years old and the authors were most likely local hunter-gatherers. In 2007, Twyfelfontein was named a UNESCO World Cultural Monument. It was the first attraction of this level in Namibia.
.A little southwest of Twyfelfontein is the crater of the extinct volcano Doros. A little further southwest… and you will come across the footprints of a real dinosaur, perfectly preserved in the volcanic rock.Another attraction of Damaraland is the petrified forest.
The trunks of ancient trees have been preserved under a layer of sand and stone, and now appear to the amazed gaze of tourists throughout almost the entire journey through Damaraland.
.Damaraland awaits visitors all year round, and the optimal time to travel through this amazing area is 2 – 3 days. This amazingly beautiful and mysterious area has prepared many pleasant surprises and gifts for tourists.
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