Mowani Mountain Camp (Damaraland, Namibia)

Of all of the lodges in which I worked during my 6 years in Namibia, few places had guests as speechless as when they entered Mowani for the first time!   Mowani truly is a delight on the eye; the main building and dining area with their mushroom shaped thatch roofs blend seamlessly with the granite mountainside in which the lodge is set.

There are 12 luxury tents, and 2 private suites all with stunning views over the surrounding Damaraland landscape which is made up of golden coloured savannahs and numerous, ancient mountain ranges.   The lodge is held in high regard and it is not uncommon for guests to simply relax around the pool or in their tent instead of partaking in any of the activities the lodge offers.

Should one want to venture out, the highlight of the area is definitely the rare, endangered Desert Elephant population which inhabit the area during the dry southern African winter months.   These Elephants originally migrated from the Damaraland area to the Etosha National park throughout the year; but due to human encroachment these Elephants now have to eke out an existence year round in the desert, spending the winter months in the dry seasonal rivers which possess an abundance of tall Acacia trees.   It truly is the most awe inspiring setting in which to view these majestic giants of the Namib!   Combined with this are the Bushmen engravings of the Twyfelfontein cliffs; now a World heritage sight, these engravings and paintings date back thousands of years and provide a wonderful insight into how they lived off the land and its animals, and a glimpse into their spiritual past.

Damaraland is often bypassed on Namibian itineraries but it is quintessential to the wild, remote reputation for which Namibia is renowned.   For me it is a must for any safari to this amazingly diverse country.