In the heart of north-western Namibia, Gondwana Collection Namibia has introduced a new way to experience the country’s wild soul - the Damaraland Elephant Explorer. Offered at Damara Mopane Lodge, just 20 kilometres before Khorixas, this full-day guided adventure takes guests deep into the rugged terrain where desert-adapted elephants roam.
Damara Mopane Lodge. Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia
The day begins early, with the first light spilling over the Mopane trees. Our guide, Timo, a local born and raised in the area, greeted us with the easy confidence of someone who knows this land by heart. He spoke the local language fluently, exchanging greetings with passing villagers as we headed out. His knowledge of the region; from its wildlife to its people and geology, set the tone for what would become an unforgettable journey. The route wound through dry riverbeds, dusty plains, and valleys. Along the way, Timo pointed out subtle tracks in the sand, reading them like a story. The search for the desert-adapted elephants wasn’t just about spotting them, it was about understanding how they survive here, in one of Namibia’s harshest environments.
Desert Adapted Elephant sighting. Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia
By midday, we stopped beneath the broad canopy of a mopane tree for a well-earned break. Timo quickly set up a fold-out table and camping chairs, producing a simple but satisfying picnic lunch. With the sound of cicadas in the distance and the desert stretching endlessly around us, he shared stories about the local culture, the significance of the land, and how the elephants have learned to live in harmony with both. It was the kind of moment that defines real travel - unhurried, authentic, and deeply connected to place. After lunch, then came the highlight: a small herd of elephants emerging from behind a ridge, moving quietly through the scrub. Watching them in their natural habitat, far from crowds or fences, was a rare and grounding experience.
Traditional performance by the Damara people at Damara Living Museum. Photo credits: Gondwana Collection Namibia
Other optional activities include visiting Damaraland’s geological landmarks, Twyfelfontein’s ancient rock engravings, the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain, and the Organ Pipes, each stop revealing another side of this remarkable region. As the day drew to a close, we returned to Damara Mopane Lodge, where dinner and sunset views over the plains rounded off the adventure perfectly. The Damaraland Elephant Explorer, officially bookable from 1 November, captures exactly what Gondwana Collection Namibia does best - combining comfort with genuine discovery. For those seeking a hands-on, guided experience that reveals the wild heart of Damaraland, this new adventure offers a perfect balance of thrill, insight, and connection.