Spitzkoppen
The Spitzkoppe mountains are a very recognizable feature of Namibia, and some maintain that no visit to Namibia is complete without seeing them. We offer a tour to this wonderful destination! A fine example of an inselberg, this very beautiful destination rises above the landscape like a beacon.
Spitzkoppe is actually quite accessible, as the tarred B2 passes fairly close by, and only 30km of gravel road stand in your way from the turnoff 30km from Usakos towards Swakopmund. The scenery around Spitzkoppe is usually quite arid, even for a desert. However, rain sometimes does fall in this region, and then it turns green practically overnight.
——————————————————-
Due to the natural beauty and the amount of things to do at Spitzkoppe, one really needs to stay for at least two nights. Accommodation is either basic camping with no running water and “long drop” toilets, or luxury tented camps at Spitzkoppe Mountain Camp
—————————————————————
The roads between the campsites are fairly good, and during the day one simply has to go see the various parts of the mountain.
There are no bad campsites here, and all are different, with various things setting them apart. Some offer beautiful sunsets with shade until late in the day for those who are not really morning people, some campsites are really private while others are close together.
Whichever style of camping you prefer, Spitzkoppe has something that will satisfy you.
—————————————————————————-
Whichever style of accommodation you chose, the night skies are truly amazing due to the usually clear skies and low levels of light pollution.
One of the many things to see at Spitzkoppen is the natural rock arch, which is especially beautiful near sunset or sunrise.
If you are visiting Spitzkoppen just after some rain, the rock pools may be filled with water, and is well worth visiting, even though it is a little easy hike up the side of a mountain near campsites 2 & 3.
——————————————————————
The Bushman paradise is an area where the Bushmen used to shelter and is guided tour only.
This site is quite protected by the mountain itself and getting there involves a bit more strenuous climbing.
However, this site has a lot of Bushmen rock art and is high on the list of things to see and do at Spitzkoppen.
The Tour and guide must be booked in advance.
——————————————————————-
The wildlife at Spitzkoppen is quite diverse and adapted to the desert. With a bit of patience and a keen eye, many different animals can be seen, as well as a variety of birds. The Rock Lizards and the Rock Hyrax are there all year round, whereas the Red Velvet Mite only come to the surface after rains. It’s common name in Afrikaans is the “Reen gogga” which translates to rain bug.
Near the entrance to Spitzkoppen there is a bar and restaurant, together with public showers and toilets.
The showers themselves are solar heated and available to campers, and quite welcome after a long day of touring the dusty, hot roads. While there is no roof to the showers, they are still quite private. The experience of the water with the hot, dry air and the open skies make for quite a singular and enjoyable experience.
Spitzkoppen is one of my favorite places on earth, and should you chose to visit, you will see why. 🙂
Contact us for a tour to this wonderful destination! We offer various full day tours, including a tour to Spitzkoppe.
