Heading for Damaraland

Our camp at Madisa Campsite in Damaraland, sunset.
Namibia, 2024.

Our route on Tracks4Africa

Yesterday we left Swakopmund and Skeleton Coast heading for Damaraland, a name given to the north-central part of the former South West Africa, which later became Namibia, inhabited by the Damaras. 

Damaraland is characterized by its rugged terrain, dramatic landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. It´s  known for its scenic mountain ranges, including the Brandberg Mountain, which is the highest peak in Namibia. Leaving Swakopmund, we head north along Skeleton Coast. After Henties Bay, we follow C35 indland from the coast, turning northeast around Mt. Brandberg, the highest peak in Namibia. 

Along the route, we drowe in a desert environment with rocky outcrops and wide-open plains. The area is known for it´s unique geological formations such as e.g. the "Organ Pipes" (a series of vertical basalt columns) and the "Petrified Forest" (ancient tree trunks have turned to stone). We looked for the famous desert-adapted elephants, one of the region's most unique attractions. It is a population of desert-adapted elephants, which have evolved to survive in the harsh, arid environment. Last time we had an encounter with a desert elefant was in Kaokoland in 2012, where an elefant started to chase our Land Rover, see (link post).

We also looked for other wildlife along the route such as black rhinos, lions, giraffes, and various antelope species. We saw nice girrafes along the road, but the elephants were hiding.

The C35 road from Henties Bay to Uis was heavily corrugated (after tar part), African massage!

Madisa Campsite

Our campsite (no. 1), Madisa Camp,
Sunset, Namibia, 2024. 
You can see the shower/toilet tower.

We headed for Madisa Campsite, that we last visited in 2012 (Report Madisa 2012). Madisa Campsite is located in the heart of Damaraland. The campsite offers spacious camping areas with private ablutions build on stilts, hot water showers based on a donkey bioler, and flush toilets. We also have access to a communal boma areas where all guests can gather around the fire and braai (barbecue) and a swimming pool to relax after a long day of exploration.

We had reserved private campsite no. 1. It was completely secluded, located as the last spot on the right-hand side after crossing the dry riverbed past the reception. There was a huge shade tree in the middle, with tall cliffs along one side and an open view of the riverbed, where elephants, zebras, and giraffes might pass by. Just as we arrived, we noticed large cat tracks, but we never figured out what kind they were from. 

Wives enjoyed the view over
 the dry riverbed with G&T.
Madisa Camp, Namibia, 2024.

As the sun set, a friend and I climbed the nearby small rocky hill, while our wives enjoyed the view over the dry riverbed with G&T. We witnessed yet another incredible sunset. When it got dark, dinner consisted of grilled sausages and garlic bread cooked over the fire – a magical evening spent with good friends

Friend & I climbed the rocks next to campsite for sunset,
Madisa Camp, Namibia, 2024.

The Damaraland region is named after the Damara people, who have a rich cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle. It´s also famous for its ancient rock art, particularly at Twyfelfontein, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The petroglyphs here date back thousands of years and provide insight into the lives of early hunter-gatherers.

Now, we are waiting in Palmwag ready for the Etendeka Walking Trail Experience!