Damaraland is a vast area which covers most of central north-western Namibia. It is roughly situated between the tar road to Swakopmund and Kaokoveld and western Etosha in the north, the Skeleton Coast Park in the west and an invisible line drawn somewhat west from Outjo to Omaruru.
This is a land of rugged mountains, prehistoric water courses and ancient rock art. Some of the most striking geological formations are found in Damaraland. The famous sights – Twyfelfontein, Petrified Forest, Organ Pipes and Burnt Mountain – are not very far apart west of Khorixas, previously the administrative centre of this region.
The Petrified Forest consists of some 50 tree trunks, washed there by a tremendous flood an estimated 250 million years ago when much wetter climatic conditions prevailed. The Burnt Mountain is a hillock covered with blackened limestone, while the Organ Pipes are rows and rows of coppery dolerite pillars hidden in a small gorge nearby. Twyfelfontein is the most extensive gallery of rock art in Africa. Further south there are more ancient rock paintings at the Brandberg massif and the Spitzkoppe, especially the famous White Lady of Brandberg.
Damaraland is also known for being rich in game, most notably black rhino and desert adapted elephant. The local population is strongly involved in the protection of its natural resources – as guards at the Petrified Forest and as guides at Twyfelfontein, Brandberg and Spitzkoppe. Several conservancies and accommodation facilities are run by local communities.
