Damaraland: dramatic vistas amidst vast open spaces

Situated a short distance inland from the stark Skeleton Coast and just north of the true Namib Desert, Damaraland Camp in the Torra Conservancy exists within one of the driest, most desolate regions in all of Africa. In this arid environment the ceaseless processes of life revolve around harnessing the near non-existent water in the most economical way possible. Desert adaptation is the miracle of the surprisingly rich diversity of fauna and flora surviving here.

The principal source of water in the Torra Conservancy comes from the famous Namibian early morning mists - generated by the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean colliding with the hot desert air of the Skeleton Coast. This daily cycle of airborne moisture rolls inland along the various depressions and canyons formed by ancient rivers. As the dew settles it is eagerly harvested by plants, animals and insects before the burning Namibian sun climbs into the sky.

Damaraland Camp is located on the north face of the Haub River Valley around 90km from Torra Bay. The river flows only once or twice during the short rainy season, seldom breaking through the dunes to the ocean, but is nevertheless a vital secondary cycle of water in the region.

Obviously this scrub landscape cannot support vast, concentrated herds of wildlife, but it nevertheless boasts a varied and breathtaking assortment of desert adapted species around Damaraland Camp. The Torra Conservancy supports healthy populations of rare desert elephants and black rhino. Oryx, kudu, springbok, Hartman's mountain zebra, southern giraffe, gemsbok, springbok, lion, cheetah, spotted and brown hyaena are also on offer.

Birding is excellent at Damaraland Camp, with over 240 species in the Torra Conservancy. Raptors include the Martial Eagle, Lappet-faced Vulture and Pale Chanting Goshawk. The endemic Benguela Long-billed Lark is common on the rocky slopes here - its plaintive whistling call an evocative sound. Common camp visitors include the Pale-winged Starling, Mountain Wheatear, Rüppell's Korhaan and Cape Bunting. Guests can expect to startle a Namaqua Sandgrouse between the tents. Along the dry Huab River with its large camel thorn trees, Common Scimitarbill, Acacia Pied Barbet and perhaps a roosting Spotted Eagle-Owl can be found. Ephemeral pools in the Huab sometimes harbour Black Crake, South African Shelduck, Hamerkop and Three-banded Plover.