The Spitzkoppe range raises to a height of about 1728 meters above sea level and is used by both tourists and locals as a tour land mark in Namibia. The
Spitzkoppe range
has been around for more than 500 million years and just like any other
Mountain in Namibia
, it does not have only one peak but has several of them and all these can be accessed by all tourists who visit the range. The main peak on the Gross Spitzkoppe peak and the others include the
Island Mountain peak
and the
Pondok Mountain peak
. The numerous activities that tourists can carry out while in Spitzkoppe include camping, hiking and trekking and exploring with the locals.
Some tourists say that the Spitzkoppe is best seen during the night on a clear night with the stars shining above and this is only achievable if you are into camping. For all those that are not so eager to spend a night around the Spitzkoppe range and would just want to explore it during the day, then you should at least budget for about four to five hours of your time as this is the only time that you will be able to explore the Spitzkoppe fully.
Hiking up the Spitzkoppe
The Spitzkoppe range is commonly known for hiking and trekking and this has several hiking trails that you can use. When you get to the different ranges of the Spitzkoppe after along hike, you will have a good view of the whole place and that is a reward enough for anyone who dares to hike up the range. Not all routes are hard to use and you should choose be able to choose the ones that you are extremely comfortable with. The different routes that are located within the Spitzkoppe and can easily be used for trekking include the following:
-
The Pontok route
The Pontok route takes about four to five hours and it is not an extremely difficult route to use and it takes to the peak of the Spitzkoppe.
-
The Bushman circle route
The Bushman circle route takes about seven hours to complete and it will take you through the San bushman settlement but after the difficult climb, you will find a flat surface that is all rock and sand.
-
The Matterhorn Route
This is the most difficult route to use for hiking up the Spitzkoppe and you will need to be extremely fit in order for you to make the climb. Your hike will end almost near the Spitzkoppe summit and note that on this route, no climbing gear is provided and therefore only those that are experienced should take it up and it takes about seven to eight hours.
As you head out for hiking remember that a group of not more than ten people is allowed to go for hiking and you will not be allowed to access any of the trek routes if you do not have an experienced tour guide with you. Do not also not forget to carry lots of water on your hike to keep hydrated.
Take a historical walk around the Spitzkoppe
The Spitzkoppe has over 37 rock art paintings that you can find while hiking up the range. No one knows when the paintings that were done but several archeologists have always said that the paintings date back to about 4000 years ago and they are believed to have been done by the San Bushmen, the first inhabitants of the country. It is a historical tour in its own way as you will be told about the history of the rock art, the Bushmen and Namibia as a country. The rock art is of different things that is some paintings re of the different wild animals, the early tools that were used for hunting and domestic purposes, people and many more other things.
Some of the things that have been found in the Spitzkoppe to show that there was once life around and on top of the range include animal hides, tools made out of rocks that were used for hunting by the Bushmen and the Bushmen also used to get food and water from the ranges.
Camping around the Spitzkoppe
Camping around the Spitzkoppe is a fun activity for every tourist to take part in while in Namibia. There are no specific places for one to camp while in Spitzkoppe which means that you are allowed to freely camp anywhere that you want for as long as you are safe and if you are to camp, you will need to be at least two or more but not less. While camping in the Spitzkoppe, you are highly advised that you stick next to the camp or next to the van so that you keep safe from harm. There is no cell reception in Swakopmund and therefore if you are going camping around Spitzkoppe, you should first communicate with whoever you want to communicate with in Swakopmund then head out to have a phone call free camping session in the Spitzkoppe.
Get a chance to sleep under the stars while in Spitzkoppe and what better way to enjoy the wilderness in Namibia to be specific in spitzkoppe other than camping under the stars on a clear night. Some of the rules that govern camping around the Spitzkoppe include:
- After cooking make sure that you turn out the fire so that you don’t attract animals to the tents.
- Carry heavy clothing because it sometimes gets hot during the night.
- Make sure that you have an experienced tour guide with you as you head out for camping.
- When you enter your tents, make sure that all your body parts are inside the ten.
All tourists are expected to pay a small fee in order to gain entrance to the Spitzkoppe and the camps that are located within and this is because the money that is paid at the entrance helps in taking care of the community in terms of providing safe water, construction of schools and providing jobs for some of the community people thus improving n their standard of living.
A photo safari in Spitzkoppe
Its location near the Namib Desert is enough to attract all those that love photography to the area. The huge Mountainous that is Spitzkoppe is a good place to start your photo safari, the Namib sand dunes and the view that you get when you get to the peak of the Spitzkoppe is all that it takes to blow your mind away and one way to keep all these memories alive is by taking a camera with you.
Birding in Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe is surrounded by a habitat for numerous bird species making it a top spot for birding. Some of the bird species that you will get to see while in Spitzkoppe include the white tailed shrike, the Herero chat, Monteiro’s hornbill, the chestnut vented tit babbler, stark’s lark, rosy faced love bird, Ruppel’s bustard, the lark like bunting, the yellow bellied Eremomela, the martial eagle, the African hawk eagle, Namaqua sandgrouse, the greater kestrel, the Augur Buzzard many more other bird species.
Go for a star gazing experience
Star gazing around the Spitzkoppe is one of the very exciting activities that many of the tourists are trying to engage in while in Spitzkoppe. Most of the star gazing is done in the camp that is found below the range and there are equipment that is used in spotting and naming of the stars and the different planets that you will be able to see. And if you are not sure of whatever you are seeing, there is an expert available who will explain the different types of stars that you will see and the planets and by the time you leave Spitzkoppe you will have learnt more about constellation and you might also learn how to tell direction using the stars.
Accommodation facilities around the Spitzkoppe
The nearest accommodation around Spitzkoppe is campsite that is located right at the foot of the Spitzkoppe and it is perfect for all those that are always tired after the hike and don’t want to travel to other places for accommodation. There are however other accommodation facilities that are located around the Spitzkoppe especially in the Erongo town and in Swakopmund.
How to get to Spitzkoppe
The easiest way for you to get to Spitzkoppe by driving through Swakopmund which is about 180 kilometers away from Spitzkoppe and from Swakopmund, you can drive through Usakos and to Henties Bay. After driving from the Bay you will drive for a few kilometers and then you will be rewarded with the huge sight of the Spitzkoppe. If you want to fly to Spitzkoppe, then you will have to board from the capital city of Namibia Windhoek as the nearest airport is found in the city. This might be extremely expensive but it is a faster way for tourists to get to the Spitzkoppe.