Brandberg
The Brandberg is Namibia's highest mountain. It is situated in the Erongo region of Namibia.
Get in
See
- , a famous rock painting of at least 2,000 years ago
Do
- The Brandberg is great for hiking and rock climbing. You need a permit from the National Heritage Council; the prices are somewhat steep: 2,500 N$ for the three-day climb to the Königstein, the highest point, and 300 N$ for any other gorge. If you need a guide-the Königstein is serious climbing-then that fee comes extra. You can book both at the Brandberg Rest Camp.
- There are several off-roading opportunities near the Brandberg:
- One track leads completely around it. It is scenic, easy to drive and easy to navigate—just stay at the foot of the massif—but don't underestimate the distance. Once around the Brandberg is about 125 km, and at 10-15 km/h... you do the math. Part of the track goes through the Ugab River and might not be passable, as there are many water ponds, but there is always an alternative track outside the river bed. You may camp along the track but not in the gorges of the mountain. Apart from the Ugab River bed there are no narrow passages, so all-terrain trucks can attempt it, too.
- D 2303 This district road leads from the old mine at Brandberg West to Twyfelfontein. Travel by sedan is not possible, even though the northern part of the 75-km track does not look very challenging. There are sandy patches, the Aba Huab River is to be crossed, and closer to the mine the track becomes steep and rocky. GPS is essential, as there are almost no signs and many crossing paths. Medium difficulty. Suitable for trucks.
Buy
- features a petrol station and a supermarket. There are no other amenities in the area.
- All roads around the Brandberg have stalls for semi-precious stones, collected from informal mines in the area. If you buy such souvenirs anyway then buy them here where you directly support the miners.
Sleep
Brandberg White Lady LodgeWell-maintained and scenic camp on the bank the Ugab River with a nice view of the Brandberg. Chalets and the very spacious campsite are situated under old trees that give a lot of shade. Hot and cold water, the reception has a bar and a pool. No electricity at the camp site but the receptionist has no problem with hoards of people charging their electronic equipment there. Very friendly and accommodating staff. At night, a Khoekhoe cultural group sings and dances for guests (also on the camp site) in exchange for a tip. Access is possible, albeit challenging, in a sedan; all further driving requires a 4x4. The Ugab is home to desert elephants which occasionally pass by closely.
Brandberg Rest CampThe building is the former casino of the mine and does exhibit some colonial charm. Rooms and campsite, bar, restaurant, pool billiard and table tennis. The huge pool alone is a reason to stop over (day visitors allowed) but it is closed for renovation (Dec 2018). The campsite has trees but very little shade.
Ugab Base CampVery basic camp site with long-drop toilets, hot and cold shower, and firewood for sale, all else needs to be brought along. Only two or three of the camping spots are really nice, but the spot is very remote and inaccessible and therefore rarely crowded. Not for the faint-hearted, as you can hear predators howling at night, and the Ugab River elephants, if they pass the spot, walk right through the camp site.