Dec 22, 2016

Damaraland Delight

It was November 2015, it was hot, I’d just driven a leisurely 563km from Windhoek and as I rolled to a stop at the reception parking of Wilderness Safari’s Damaraland Camp I was warmly welcomed by management and staff all singing joyously.

I’d visited there once before back in 2004, knew it had been rebuilt some years later and as such was looking forward to indulging in my own personal reunion. I couldn’t wait to see the new look and it certainly wasn’t disappointing. It is a beautifully positioned lodge nestled amongst a few rocky hills in what is arguably one of the most unique and beautiful landscapes to be found on our planet.

I never tire of the spectacular vistas Namibia has on offer and the view out front of the lodge is an obvious reminder of why; so much space, so much beauty and just this overwhelming feeling of freedom.

With not much time to lose before Chris, my personal guide for the duration of my stay, wanted to introduce me to my new surroundings and brief me on the lay of the land I was quickly, but very professionally introduced to my room and invited back to the main lodge for tea at 4pm.

Euphorbia Damarana Chris surveying the land

Chris is clearly passionate about the area in which he lives, has a deep knowledge and understanding of his surrounds and is eager to share this with anyone willing to learn. On the way to a magnificent vantage point for evening sundowners he filled me in on the various plants and shrubs to be found in the area as well as their significance and value to certain other species, humans included. Where we come across large groves of Silvadora Persica, more commonly known as Mustard tree, he said indicates to us that there is underground water to be found. It is also referred to by some as the toothbrush tree … chewing on its twigs is known to improve dental hygiene. He then stopped the vehicle to point out a plant very toxic to us human beings … Euphorbia Damarana. Black rhino can eat it though and they, together with elephant and oryx are also known to roll in it in order to poison and control skin parasites. “Nature is very clever like this”, I mused.

Damaraland Camp Seriously comfortable bed

A delicious home cooked and tasty dinner was shared that night around a table with lively Norwegian and French travellers, after which I said my goodnight’s and headed back to my room in order to get a good night’s rest. Before long I was fast asleep in my typically comfortable Wilderness Safaris bed having drifted off to the sounds of black-backed jackal calling in the distance ... was that a donkey I also heard?

It had been a long day of travelling, an inspirational evening and I was looking forward to more of what this incredible area had to offer together with Chris the following morning.