Mowani Mountain Camp: a Damaraland wilderness retreat

The original Swahili word M’wane means Place of God and to me, that’s exactly how Mowani Mountain Camp feels. The lodge is built into huge boulders on an outcrop in the middle of Damaraland, so it blends into the wilderness. The landscape may look barren but it’s actually full of life and supports some of Namibia’s most unique animals, such as desert-adapted elephants. We’re also just a few kilometres from the Twyfelfontein UNESCO World Heritage Site, a collection of prehistoric rock art carved by Namibia’s Bushmen.

My father-in-law André Louw was the brains behind Mowani. He had been searching for somewhere to build a lodge in Damaraland for quite some time, then one day he climbed some rocks for a better view and thought: this is the place, right between these boulders. Everything was designed to showcase the views and blend into the landscape; the lodges are circular and ochre coloured, with thatched roofs and private decks overlooking Uibasen-Twyfelfontien Community Conservancy.

We have a pool built into the rocks and a spectacular terrace with beanbags and comfy chairs where you can watch the sunset over the valley with cocktails– the colours are just incredible. Sometimes you’ll be sat there and a springbok or giraffe will wander by. Guests love our open-air boma restaurant, which specialises in Namibian game meat, and then sitting around the fire pit beneath the stars.

You can spend your days on nature drives searching for desert-adapted elephants; we have an excellent track record of locating them. One of our star guides Rosie, who happens to be one of Namibia’s first female guides, is great at tracking elephants. We can also take you to visit the petroglyphs and famous geological landmarks like the organ pipes and burnt mountain. Often, guests just like to relax at the lodge and absorb that special feeling you get when you look out over the ancient Damaraland landscape.