Many of our clients stay at the Doro Nawas Conservancy, in a great location for exploring this wider area, between the red standstone cliffs of Twyfelfontein and offering spectacular views of the Etendeka Mountains to the north.
From here you can visit the fascinating Twyfelfontein San art engravings. Namibia's first World Heritage Site, Twyfelfontein has the largest collection of petroglyphs (prehistoric rock art) in Africa. Visit the Damara Living Museum and learn about the fascinating traditional culture of the Damara people. This combination of Africa past and present makes for a truly unique experience. Many stop off at the 'Petrified Forest', 260 million year old tree remains steeped in desert - there are about 50 or so trees so more of a wood than a forest but still worth a look.
Damaraland itself is known for its famous red rock formations, includiing Spitzkoppe, Vingerklip and the Brandberg Massif. There are numerous walks around the region and rock art to view. During the rainy season (March-April) the whole area transforms, bursting with life and looking lush, in stark contrast to the dusty heat haze you'll experience if you go in February the hottest month of all (not recommended!).
Wildlife viewing at Doro Nawas concentrates on the game found in the riverbed and along the valleys that fill with floodwaters during particularly good rainy seasons. There are no large concentrations of wildlife, but this arid environment is home to gemsbok, springbok and variety of other species such as bat-eared fox. This includes the occasional glimpse of the endangered black rhino and cheetah. Although in the past visitors have seen the desert adapted elephants and this area has been famous for them, we sadly report that noone has seen any for some time now - they are very elusive, if there at all anymore. Birdlife is excellent with several Namibian endemics, such as Damara Hornbill, Carp's Tit and Rüpell's Korhaan.