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The name Damaraland is actually the old but still most frequently used name given to the region south of Kaokoland and north of the main road to Swakopmund. The name derived from the fact that the Damara people live in this area. Highlights of the area include Namibia’s highest mountain, the Brandberg and Spitzkoppe, a typical pointed inselberg with fascinating rock formations and a great place for both camping or hiking and a place of mystery to the ancient San people.
 

Damaraland is one of the most scenic areas in Namibia, prehistoric water courses with open plains and grassland, massive granite koppies and distant mountains create the landscape. The hills of the Ugab Terrace for instance deserve special mention for their unusual shapes. They are also home to the Vingerklip, a towering finger of limestone that rises 35 metres above its base and is a remnant of a plateau formed over 15 million years ago.
 

Anyway my definite highlight of the area was a visit to Hoanib River, where you can encounter desert elephants in breathtaking landscapes and without the tourist crowds of Etosha. Desert adapted elephants generally inhabit Damaraland’s ancient, ephemeral riverbeds. These seasonal rivers are dependent on local rain fall before flowing above ground, however in times of drought, the water still flows, but deep under the desert sand. There is a debate amongst zoologists and scientists as to whether these desert dwelling animals should be classified as a different species of elephant. Desert elephants are apparently very well adapted to living under the particular conditions of the desert. They don’t differ clearly in appearance but in behaviour. They routinely move great distances between feeding grounds and the scattered waterholes, distances of up to 70 km being regularly traversed. They also don’t uproot trees or can go for days without water. Take a local guide to visit Hoanib river as the track isn’t signposted, difficult to find and may be overgrown. You'll have the place to yourself and definitely need a 4X4. Don't miss J !!!