Spitzkoppe
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Understand
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.
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.
See
The mountains are brilliantly colored and rise abruptly out of the plains surrounding them. The large depository of San art has largely been vandalized.
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!
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.
-
address: UsakosThe, 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.
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.