Spitzkoppe - mountain in Namibia

Spitzkoppe is in the Erongo region of central Namibia.

Understand

The Spitzkoppe rises majestically out of the surrounding plains and is visible from great distances away. The Groot Spitzkoppe is considered to be a 'inselberg' (island mountain, alike the Monument Valley mountains).

History

Landscape

The Groot Spitzkoppe is 1728 m above sea level. The Klein Spitzkoppe is 1584 m. There is also Pondok Mountain. The Groot Spitzkoppe is often referred to as the "Matterhorn of Namibia" because of the similarity in shape.

Flora and fauna

Climate

Get in

The nearest town is Usakos. From the B2, take D1918 to D3716. This is approximately 50 km from Usakos.

The Spitzkoppe area is run by a women's cooperative who maintain campsites throughout the brilliantly colored rocks. A nominal fee is paid at the entrance and camping can be arranged. The volume of visitors is relatively low, despite the dramatic rock formations.

Fees and permits

Entree fees in 2007 were N$35 per person.

Get around

There are often local guides to take the visitor around at minimal cost (voluntary sum in Nov 2021). Some places like the rocks with San art are only accessible with a guide.

See

The mountains are brilliantly colored and rise abruptly out of the plains surrounding them. The large depository of San art has been vandalized, but still is definitely worth visiting.

Do

Do climb around the magnificent rock formations. Enjoy the dassies playing on the rocky surfaces.

Buy

There is a small gift shop which supports the women's cooperative. Please help the locals!

Eat

Drink

Be sure to bring plenty of water as there are few facilities in the vicinity.

Sleep

Lodging

There are some traditional Damara huts for rent.

The closest town is Usakos, 50 km away.

• Bahnhof Hotel, Usakos, websmith@iway.na. The, has 14 rooms with airconditioning and TV. Fully licenced restaurant and safe parking.

Alternative Uis about 90 km away.

Camping

The Spitzkoppe area is a camper's dream. Campsites are located in all types of interesting rock formations with trails leading out. It is possible to get to most campsites by a regular car. There is no water on the campsites and only some have outhouses. But the landscape is absolutely spectacular! N$125 for 2 adults and a car (2007).

Backcountry

Stay safe

Tourists have repeatedly been waylaid in this area.

One trick to make tourists stop and disembark is to fake a flat tire and then robbing the party that stops to help. Namibians do not expect tourists to stop and help with car problems, for precisely this reason, so drive on without a bad conscience.

Another trick is to strew spikes onto the road so that tourists get a flat tire. If that happens to you, and if people immediately appear in the middle of nowhere to help you with changing tires, then this was likely no accident. Swallow your anger but make it absolutely clear that you can do this on your own. If they say they are thirsty, offer water. If they ask for money, tell them (as unlikely as this is) that you plan to camp wild, and did not take any money along.

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