Damaraland in north-west Namibia is an ancient, boulder-strewn landscape of heat, dust and extraordinary beauty. This is the middle of nowhere, so finding tranquil Mowani Mountain Camp, tucked among the giant ochre rocks, is a real surprise. The lodge's organic design has earned it an architectural eco-design award, and the interior decor combines elegance, earthiness and tranquility. The accommodation is spacious and comfortable, the food is great, the game drives are rewarding and you could lose yourself in the views. Desperate for some peace? You'll find it here in spades.
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Beyond the eco-glam reception area (check out the washrooms) is a rustic yet modern dining area where all three meals of the day are served (dinner is a fabulous four-course affair). There's also a seating area for post-dinner chats. Outside, a short climb leads to a rocky platform on which sundowners are served. There's also a small pool to cool off in. The general design is organic and in keeping with the environment, with lovely colours and textures adding a homely feel. And there's no wi-fi to spoil it.
Secluded among the boulders are 13 en-suite guest rooms, all with views of the valley or the hills, and two luxury suites with indoor and open-air bathrooms, a lounge and a deck for intimate meals. All are thatched and canvas sided, with uninterrupted views from all corners – the bed, the deck or, of course, the daring open-air bath and shower. The beds are huge and the sitting room is beautifully furnished with African accents.
Game drives with local guides who explain the people, geology, botany and wildlife of the area are a must. Take a four-to-six hour morning drive to explore the dunes and look for elephants, hook up with a guide and investigate the landscape on foot, visit the rich rock art gallery at Twyfelfontein and the Organ Pipes rock formation. Or lounge beside the pool or on your private deck for your portion of R&R.
The camp's award-winning design, which honours and heightens the surrounding landscape, is pure artwork.
Game drives may have most of your attention, but paying a visit to the incredible rock art of Twyfelfontein or the Organ Pipes formation is really worth it.
Desert elephants can travel up to 60 km at night, so a sighting is not guaranteed. However, your guides are in the know and, if luck is on your side, you'll see these wrinkled pachyderms up close.
Start with a recommended trip or create one from scratch
11 nights from $7K per person
9 nights from $8.7K per person
6 nights from $7.1K per person
10 nights from $5.8K per person
12 nights from $9.5K per person
10 nights from $8.2K per person
Mowani Mountain Camp can be booked with Timbuktu as part of a tailor-made Namibia trip, rather than as a standalone room reservation. Start online, customising one of our recommended Namibia trips featuring Mowani Mountain Camp or get advice and suggestions from one of our Namibia specialists who will design the trip around your dates, check availability and handle every booking for you.
Stays at Mowani Mountain Camp start from around $510, or US$510, per person per night as part of a tailor-made trip. The exact price depends on your travel dates, room type and the shape of the rest of your itinerary. A Timbuktu travel specialist can give you an accurate quote for your dates.
A game drive through Africa is at its rugged and most dramatic best in this mountainous desert-scape.
