Heading north of Swakopmund, and inland; the scenery is superb. Bare granite domes spring up from gravel plains like sentinels. These imposing formations appear impenetrable, and the areas are certainly wild, but they're easy to visit – and fit neatly into many guided safaris between Swakopmund and Etosha.
On the sourthern side of Damaraland, you'll find the huge Brandberg rock massif and its famous White Lady rock painting. Many trips stop here to walk with a local guide to find caves and shelters adorned by a wealth of bushman rock art.
Little more than an hour's drive away, the green land rises into flat-topped mountains. Thousands of ancient paintings and engravings are hidden on Twyfelfontein's hillside. Nearby, fossilised tree trunks litter the ground in a petrified forest, and strange rock formations resemble organ pipes.
Further north, the rolling mountains of Damaraland are safeguarded by private reserves (or 'concession areas') to protect the rare desert-adapted elephant, black rhino, and other wildlife that thrives here.
If you visit one of these areas then you'll stay for at least two or three nights - relaxing as local experts guide you across the rugged terrain on foot or in 4WDs. The wildlife is unique, but not prolific, though with excellent guiding, most visitors will at least have good sightings of desert-adapted elephants or black rhino.
