One of Namibia’s most recognisable landmarks is Spitzkoppe. Spitzkoppe is approximately 180 kilometers from Swakopmund. This is a true hiker / rock climber’s paradise.
A trading post named “Spitzkopje” was built below the mountain in 1896. At the time it was in the centre of a 120 000 hectare farm. The german Colonial Society built a five room farmhouse as well as stables and other outbuildings. The farm held 1 500 cattle, 4 000 sheep and goats as well as 120 horses.
As early as 1904 legend has it the peak was reached. The story goes that a soldier of the Imperial Schutztruppe soloed the peak and supposedly made a fire on the summit. It’s a mystery as to what he burnt as there is no natural fuel for a fire on the upper parts of the peak. Asa the story goes he never returned form the peak and his body was never recovered.
Many people miss this magnificent landmark and drive pass totally unaware of the beauty that awaits closer inspection. Spitzkoppe rises an impressive 1 728 meters above the ground. An overnight stay at the rock, offers the visitor enough time to capture the variety of contrasting light and shadow patterns that can be seen as the sun rises and sets.
The granite of the Spitzkoppe mountain is dated at about 700 million years. Nicknamed the “Matterhorn” of Namibia because of its shape, there are several large peaks that jut up in different areas. The main peak is known as “Gross Spitzkoppe”, with several smaller peaks known as “Klein Spitzkoppe”, “Pondok Mountain” and the “Inselbergs” or islands mountains. These mountains form part of the Brandberg Mountains which are located to the north which are said to be formed by ancient volcanoes that split the Gondwanaland apart over 750 million years ago.
Spitzkoppe not only offers opportunity to the avid hiker or rock climber but also magnificient photographic opportunities because of the outstanding panoramic views of the mountain and the desert or just sit quietly and enjoy the stillness and vast beauty of the area.
Why not take it one step further and spend the night camping under the stars while the huge granite rock looms over you. Be sure to be up before sunrise so that you can watch as the sun slowly wakes the rock up and changes its colour changes from bright red to orange and then yellow as the shadows shift around you.
Habitation in the caves have a long history and are well documented by bushmen paintings. Climbing the rocks reward you with amazing views and can be done along or with a guide. Visitors interested in history will be captivated by the stories told by the guides during organised walks around the areas rock art and ancient drawings.
A tour of Namibia is simply incomplete when you have not seen the magnificent rocks of the Spitzkoppe. Make sure that you book your tour today or contact us to discuss your tour plans and ideas with one of our helpful consultants.