.jpg) Skeleton Coast National Park: This coast derives its name from the skeletons of numerous ships that were wrecked on it. The park stretches from the Kunene River in the north for approximately 500km to the Ugab River in the south. The landscape includes sand dunes, canyons and mountain ranges all of which are synonymous with Namibia. Springbok, oryx, hyena and ostrich are fairly common, while the famous desert elephant, black rhino, lion and giraffe are found in the dry river beds which flow from the interior of Namibia, through the Namib Desert to the Skeleton Coast. The fishing is spectacular and December is jam-packed with fishermen.
Etosha National Park: One of the most interesting wildlife reserves with a striking unusual terrain, Etosha National Park (22270 km) is a saline desert with both savannahs and woodlands. Etosha literally means in Ovambo language ‘a great white place of dry water’. A unique feature of the park is the Etosha Pan, a vast shallow depression approximately 5000 km. One of the best wildlife viewing areas in the world it has a large population of lions, rhinos, giraffes and elephants. The dainty springbok is a charming sight with herds roaming around freely. There are 340 species of birds and 144 species of animals found here and several of these, such as the black rhino, cheetah and the endemic black faced impala are highly endangered. The elephants in Etosha are reputed to be the largest in Africa - the tallest of which measure up to 4 metres at the shoulder. Their tusks on the other hand a re relatively small due to the genetic defects and the mineral deficiency in their diet. The park is open all year, but the best time to visit is August-September. The Etosha Park is about 400 km north of Windhoek.
Damaraland
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 Damaraland landscape. Game species include desert elephant, black rhino, ostrich and springbok. It is located at the south of Etosha National Park. The name ‘Damara’ is derived from the Nama word ‘Dama’ meaning ‘who walked here’. People here are extremely conscious about their wildlife, culture and heritage and have formed a wonderful conservancy project, which is very unique. Khorixas is the capital.
Main Attractions of Damaraland
Twyfelfontein: This rock art site dates back to 6000 years ago. The name means ''Doubtful fountain'' as was given by local farmer who was in doubts that a spring which existed in the area can support cattle for a long enough time. Best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon as the day sees some fierce sunlight which reduces the visibility of the rock engravings. Twyfelfontein is the largest known concentration of Stone Age petroglyphs in Namibia. There are approximately 2 500 engravings around Twyfelfontein. The age of engravings has not been determined precisely but there is evidence that area was occupied as early as 6 000 years ago.
Brandberg: A favorite place for climbers, the mountain has a high density of Bushman art. It is one of the highlights of Damaraland. It is Namibia”s highest mountain and has the famous ‘White Lady’ Bushman Painting. It was named after the surveyor who found her in 1917 but became famous in 1948 when the painting became replicated.
Petrified Forest: The site was declared a national monument in 1950 but suffered the damaging attacks of souvenir hunters. It is strictly prohibited to remove or damage even small pieces of petrified wood. The trees are about 250 million years old and were deposited in the area by the flood which came down from areas further north. It is suggested that the trees were carried to their present location by rivers or floods. The trunks were deposited in silica rich environment and were excluded from contact with oxygen which prevented decay. During the course of time molecules of silica penetrated the wood and replaced wood molecules. At present around 50 trunks can be seen on the site with the longest being more that 30 meters long.
Organ Pipes: Returning on the road 3254 site of Organ Pipes can be reached in about 3 kilometres on. This mass of perpendicular dolerite pillars is located down the river bed. They are formed by the intrusion of volcanic rock dolerite about 120 million years ago.
Burnt Mountain: The Burnt Mountain is located another couple kilometres from the site of Organ Pipes and visible from the road. The Karoo limestones which formed the mountain were deposited around 200 million years ago. About 120 million years ago, the same period when Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded limestones and caused metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.
Damaraland Specialties
- Star gazing par excellence
- Possible encounter with Desert Elephant
- Rare free ranging black rhino
- Comfortable desert lodges
- Meet the nomadic Damara goat and cattle herders
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Africa
 Ongava Tented Camp, Etosha - kudu in front of camp.jpg)
 Damaraland Camp - black rhino.jpg)
 Damaraland Camp - desert elephant.jpg)
