The only major change to the appearance of the Damaraland Camp this month has been the locally famous 'rock pool' undergoing yet another colour change.
The Palm Springs style blue paint has been replaced with a more subtle charcoal grey. We may be slightly behind in global design fashions, but are confident that the new look will please swimmers as much as it does the flocks of parched desert dwelling birds that visit daily.
The camp and surrounding area has responded to the rains with an amazing carpet of fresh grass and flowers. This has temporarily obscured our traditional basalt strewn valleys and plains with a remarkable display of organic life. In particular, the local springbok herds are in premium condition and are feeding right up to the edges of camp were they are stalked by our resident urbanised wild cats, Thelma and Louise.
The thunder storms in the area have been mesmerizing with the majority of rain falling on the Huab river valley, leaving the camp dry and creating the effect that these electrical shows are put on for our entertainment. Rain in Namibia is as rare and elusive as the diamonds that rest beneath the sand. We had the distinct pleasure two days ago of being in exactly the right place as the heavens opened. Standing on the golden plains between the Huab and Aba-Huab riverbeds, with our bare feet in the hot sand whilst we were thoroughly soaked by the downpour, it was a perfect African moment.
This annual event gives the elephant population a chance to leave the river bed boundaries imposed by the usually arid terrain and move further into the mountains to feed. Watching them pick their way up the side of towering basalt mountains, sending loose rocks tumbling back onto the valley floor is a unique sight. The younger less experienced climbers often resort to sliding down the mountain side on their bespoke baggy trousers. We have found a solitary mother and young calf who have decided to remain in the river bed until the herds return. The calf was not strong enough to join the exodus and they are spending their time wandering between the areas permanent waterholes.
The most exciting news on the wildlife front has been the local tour undertaken by a lioness and her two cubs. They have been steadily moving south from the neighbouring concession, which has brought great excitement to the local subsistence farming community. An unfortunate incident with a local cow has led to a nocturnal curfew for all domestic livestock. The community receives a monthly income from the camp, which adequately compensates for stock loss and helps to improve the local attitude towards natural resource management.
On a lighter note, one of the camp guides went to investigate baboon alarm calls coming from a long deserted farm. He traced the noise to a defunct dam which had an entire troop of baboons trapped inside, evidently the thirsty primates had climbed into the dam to drink and then a combination of over full bellies and steep dam walls, led to their unhappy predicament. Although we have a strict policy of observing and not interfering with wildlife, given the unusual circumstances, a log was dropped found to provide a means of escape. Evidently, after realising they were stuck, the baboons had decided to make the most of the water available and just kept drinking. Aloysius described the water-filled band, hauling themselves with difficulty from the dam and staggering away like drunken sailors.
In the meantime, the people and wildlife of Damaraland enjoy the last of the rains and await the approaching winter when the waterholes will be hives of activity again.
Situated on the northern face of the Huab River valley and looking south toward the imposing Brandberg Mountains, Damaraland Camp offers its guests endless vistas.
Early morning mists generated by the clash between the icy Atlantic Ocean and the warm desert air of the Skeleton Coast, drift inland along the river sand canyon, providing sustenance to the flora and fauna of the region. This comfortable and friendly camp offers walks and drives in one of the best wilderness areas in Namibia.
Although wildlife is not concentrated, Damaraland Camp is situated where the rare Desert Elephant roams, alongside Gemsbok (Oryx), Springbok, Ostrich and other hardy desert animals. Rare succulent plants somehow manage to eke out an existence in this harsh countryside.
Damaraland Camp accommodates guests in nine comfortable tented rooms, with en-suite facilities including flush toilets and showers with hot and cold running water. As a result of water shortages, it is unfortunately not possible to offer a laundry service.
The dining room and pub are combined under canvas, and an open fire is enjoyed on calm evenings. A feature of the camp is the unique rock pool. Activities throughout the area are in 4x4 vehicles and on foot (as well as mountain bikes available for guest use from June 2003 onwards).
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