Exploring The Serene Landscape Of Spitzkoppe

Sat here in the lobby of a 5 star hotel (not a travelers budget I know, but a birthday/Christmas treat) we find ourselves putting pen to paper, so to speak. Compelled to write about our time in Spitzkoppe, as Damaraland calls back to us.

I might add, it’s a call we would happily answer! Trading the plush linens, oversized bed and hot showers in the blink of an eye, even just for the fresh air and appreciation of having dirt beneath our fingernails again. If it meant we were able to spend one more dusty night there, just us, under a carpet of brightly lit stars, surrounded by the serene landscape – bush and boulders as far as the eye can see.

Guide to Spitzkoppe

We loved everything about this Spitzkoppe. The wildlife, the landscape, the friendly people who threw incomprehensible clicks and pops into their speech, and the sense of scale you only get when standing on a house-sized lump of granite. It really is one of the best places to visit in Namibia!

After driving for over an hour across barren landscapes, we approached the granite peaks of Spitzkoppe.

The mountains didn’t seem real! They looked like they were made from putty, and had been sculpted by hand, with their distinct globular peaks.

They protruded from the flat earth like some other-worldly manifestation, lightly glowing in an orangy-red, sun-kissed aura. Our first question was how! How did these towering peaks come to be, just sat there in the middle of nowhere?

Spitzkoppe was formed 130 million years ago when the ancient continent of Gondwana was separating. Unlike most mountains, the Spitzkoppe peaks were formed by ongoing erosion, in which the surrounding, softer rock has been reduced to present day ground levels.

It’s a place that quickly dulled our senses to the outside world, replacing them with something more wild and appreciative.

The rocky outcrops, sprawled out in various directions, and beckoned us to explore every nook and cranny. As we moved from one unique rock formation to another we were encompassed by a sense of isolation, but also stricken by the natural beauty, of this unworldly landscape.

Spitzkoppe means pointed dome in German, a word that perfectly describes these bald granite peaks.

Spitzkoppe has also been nicknamed ‘the Matterhorn of Namibia’, and given the striking resemblance to the original we can see why. The mountains rise 1,584 meters above sea level and 700 meters above the surrounding plateau.

The whole area is a photographers paradise! As the light changes from day to night, it brings with it a palette of reds and oranges that strike their way across the giant boulders and surrounding peaks.

Spending a night under the stars, overshadowed by the towering granite peaks, and seemingly endless horizon, has a way of making you feel small! Not just small, but small in every conceivable meaning of the word.

As the air of insignificance drifted over us we were transfixed by the milky way, which was so bright and fluorescent, it carved its way across the sky cutting through a billion other brightly-lit stars!

You can’t help but be captured by the beauty of it all!

Activities At Spitzkoppe

Most people go to Spitzkoppe just to enjoy the rocky outcrops and admire the landscape, which in our opinion you can spend a whole day doing. It’s also a great spot for stargazing, not to mention the phenomenal sunrise and sunsets.

Another big draw to the area is the premier rock climbing. There are a large number of bolted and trad climbing routes for the adventure worthy. However if anyone wishes to bolt a new route, this isn’t permitted without the prior consent of the Mountain Club Namibia.

There are also a number of local tours and activities which can be arranged from the various camps and lodges.

Highlights

• Camping
• Climbing
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Hiking
• Visiting Bushman paintings
• Birding

Getting To Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe is located around 160 km’s from Swakopmund and 280 km’s from Windhoek.

From Windhoek you can get there via the B2 highway, passing Usakos. The last 40 minutes or so is on gravel roads, travelling along the D1918 then the D3716. The journey time from Windhoek is around 3 hours.

From Swakopmund you also travel via the B2 highway but from the opposite end, turning off at the D1918, 20 km’s before Usakos. The journey time from Swakopmund is around 1 hour 45 minutes.

How To Visit Spitzkoppe

You can visit Spitzkoppe as a day trip, but we highly recommend spending at least one night there if you have time. It will allow you to enjoy the area in all it’s beauty, especially at dusk and dawn, and throughout the night.

If you are plan on visiting the area as a day trip then it’s best to go from Swakopmund due to its close proximity, as well as range of organized tours that go from there. Most day trips will be around 8 hours as the journey time itself from Swakopmund takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.

We spent a night at Spitzkoppe on our 30 day Namibia road trip.

Fees for Spitzkoppe (updated in 2023)

The entrance fee for day visitors to Spitzkoppe is 120 Namibian Dollars (NAD) per adult and NAD 80 per child (age 6-12)

Camping rates at the main campsite are NAD 210 per adult and NAD 150 per child (age 6-12). These are daily rates and are inclusive of entry and vehicle fees.

Accommodation Options At Spitzkoppe

Camping

The main campsite is located inside Spitzkoppe. The campsites are spread out around the mountains and rocky outcrops, each one technically coming with its very own piece of the mountain. There are 31 campsites available, with a max of 8 guests at each campsite.

Spitzkoppe Campsite Facilities

You’ll find shared shower and toilet facilities located at the main entry area only. The actual campsites are very basic with drop-hole toilets, no electricity and an area for a braai.

There is a small restaurant and bar area near the entrance. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner but you must pre-book your meals when you arrive. You can purchase beer, cider, snacks and cold refreshments from the bar area.

At the reception area you will find a curio shop where you can purchase local crafts. They also sell fire wood there – NAD 50 for a small bag. There are also some local tours that can be arranged from the reception.

Tented Camp

There is also a small tented campsite not far from the entrance into Spitzkoppe. It has luxury tents with large beds and private bathrooms, as well as campsites with running water, and hot showers. There is an outdoor swimming pool, onsite restaurant and bar.

Rates start at NAD 970 per person for a rustic bush tent.

Luxury Chalets

The Spitzkoppen Lodge offers a little more luxury with its 15 spacious chalets, each one furnished and complete with private bathroom and viewing deck. There is a spacious deck and pool area, dining room and bar.

Rates start at NAD 4,200 per person for dinner, bed and breakfast.

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