Spitzkoppe

A granite peak rising 700 meters from the plain, known as 'the Matterhorn of Namibia.' Camping under its stone arch to watch the Milky Way is the country's most famous stargazing experience.

Spitzkoppe is a granite peak formed about 120 million years ago. It rises to 1,728 meters, about 700 meters above the surrounding plain. Its sharp shape has earned it the name 'the Matterhorn of Namibia.' It sits on the road between Swakopmund and Etosha. The site is managed by the local community, and admission costs about N$100 per person. The most popular activity is camping at the community campsite at the foot of the mountain. The campsite is scattered among giant boulders with no light pollution, and at night the Milky Way stretches across the sky, making it Namibia's top spot for astrophotography. The famous natural Rock Arch is on the west side of the campsite. At sunrise and sunset, the rocks glow gold and orange. During the day, you can hire a local guide (about N$100 to 150) to visit the ancient rock paintings at Bushman's Paradise. Reaching them requires climbing smooth rock slopes with the help of iron chains. If you don't want to camp, you can stay at Spitzkoppen Lodge at the foot of the mountain or in the nearby town of Usakos.

Getting there: It is about 2 hours' drive from Swakopmund (B2, then the D1918 gravel road), and about 3.5 hours from Windhoek. It is often used as an overnight stop on the way from the coast to Etosha or Damaraland.

Tips: Camp facilities are basic, with pit toilets and no electricity, so bring plenty of water and food. The rocks get extremely hot at midday, and climbing requires grippy shoes. Nights are cold, and snakes and scorpions are occasionally present.

Spitzkoppe

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