Towering over the desert landscape, anyone who has explored the area can attest that the Brandberg is an icon of Damaraland. The mountain holds the mythical secrets of the people who lived here many centuries ago, secrets preserved in their rock art and remains of their dwellings. It serves as a beacon to travellers, the more than 2500 metre Königsstein peak is visible from far away. It is the subject of numerous photographs, sketches, paintings, and even poetry, in an attempt to capture the feelings evoked by this imposing feature in an otherwise flat area marked by the gravel plains of the central Namib Desert.

What better way to bask in the grandeur of this imposing mountain than spending a starry night in the veld overlooking the Brandberg? Uis Elephant Guesthouse offers a sleepout glamping adventure, an unforgettable experience of everything this fascinating environment has to give.

Guests depart from Uis Elephant Guesthouse late in the afternoon for a picturesque drive to the sleepout location. As the sun slowly moves toward the horizon, the vehicle slowly meanders along a jeep track heading in a westerly direction. The enclosed game viewer ensures a comfortable trip, protected from the elements. Learn more about the environment from your expert guide Anton as you head further into the vast expanse of Damaraland. Anton, who has worked in the area for many years, will point out birds and wildlife and explain everything from the geological features of the Brandberg to the subsistence farmers who bravely rear livestock in this arid part of the country.

As sunset approaches, the camp comes into view, the dome tents and burning campfire incredibly inviting in the middle of nowhere. The camp is tucked away in a small open space created by a rocky outcrop. The granite walls offer perfect protection against the predominant southwesterly wind that blows most afternoons, while at the same time allowing for glorious views of the Brandberg.

Arrival at the camp is timed to give just enough leeway for scrambling up the granite slope of the outcrop for a refreshing sundowner. As the sun dips below the horizon it bathes Brandberg in deep hues of orange, red and purple. After your sundowner, when you move down to the campfire, a chorus of barking geckos start their ritual communication, breaking the otherwise absolute silence of the desert.

A delicious dinner is prepared in typical Namibian fashion – on the fire. Afterwards, everyone moves back to the campfire. It keeps the chill of the night at bay, and along with a star-studded sky and good company makes for the perfect end to an eventful day.

Energised after a good night’s rest on a stretcher and under a cosy duvet, rising early is recommended to watch, steaming cup of coffee in hand of course, as the rising sun magically colours the majestic mountain. Then it is a short drive back to the guesthouse for a breakfast with all the trimmings.

Uis Elephant Guesthouse is situated in the heart of the small mining town of Uis, the gateway to Damaraland. It offers four standard and five luxury rooms, as well as three duplex luxury suites. With its rustic, yet elegant and modern furnishings, it is the perfect base from which to explore Brandberg and its surroundings.

Apart from the sleepout, Uis Elephant Guesthouse also offers full-day excursions to Brandberg, sundowner drives as well as elephant drives through the dry riverbed of the Ugab in search of Namibia’s famous desert-adapted elephants. To fully explore Brandberg, you can book a three-night guided hike that takes you to the summit of Namibia’s highest mountain.

Visitors heading further north can experience Kaokoveld with an exciting sleepout in the Hoanib River arranged by Sesfontein Guesthouse, the sister establishment of Uis Elephant Guesthouse. TNN