The incredible rock formations of Spitzkoppe are located in the Namib Desert of Namibia. These huge mountains offer a wide range of activities from rock climbing, hiking, and stargazing. Spitzkoppe consists of several mountains that rise from an otherwise flat landscape. The 3 highest of these are Sugarloaf at 1285 meters, Pontok Mountains at 1629 meters, and lastly, Gross Spitzkoppe with a height of 1728 meters. Being nearly 700 million years old, Spitzkoppe is a striking landscape that you cannot miss when in Namibia.
Everything you need to know for a visit to Spitzkoppe in Namibia
When you are visiting new places around the world there is almost always something that you wish you had known before your visit. A visit to the stunning landscape of Spitzkoppe is no exception to this. Therefore, we have gathered everything you need to know for a visit to Spitzkoppe in Namibia.
Entrance fee
The entrance fee for Spitzkoppe depends on whether you are camping inside the reserve or only want to visit for a day. In the following tables, you are able to see the prices for day visitors, as well as for campers.
| Spitzkoppe Tickets – Day visitor | Prices |
|---|---|
| Per adult | 80 NAD |
| Per child (6 – 12 years) | 40 NAD |
| Per vehicle (less than 9 pax) | 80 NAD |
| Per vehicle (more than 9 pax) | 100 NAD |
| Per motorcycle | 45 NAD |
| Spitzkoppe Tickets – Camping | Prices |
|---|---|
| Per adult per day | 190 NAD |
| Per child (2 – 12 years) per day | 130 NAD |
NB: Keep in mind prices might vary.
Accommodation inside Spitzkoppe reserve
It is possible to camp at one of the sites of Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp inside the reserve. There are about 31 campsites that are scattered around the area. These are all secluded with braai facilities. They are a bit primitive as there isn’t any electricity or water at the campsites. This means that the toilet is a hole in the ground. However, you are able to go to the toilet, take a shower, and wash dishes in the area around the reception. Therefore, it is not such a big issue to live without water or electricity for a night or two.
The campsites inside the area are first come first serve. This means that they never book too many people to sleep at the campsites, but it is you who picks which site to sleep at. When you arrive at the reserve you will be given a map with the campsites marked on it. Afterward, you will have to drive around the area to find a campsite you want to sleep at. We found it quite difficult to find an available one. However, we succeeded after some searching. We will recommend you get here early if you want some influence when it comes to picking a campsite.
Activities in Spitzkoppe
As mentioned earlier, there are so many things to do inside the Spitzkoppe area. It has become a rock climber’s paradise due to the many rock-climbing routes. However, if you aren’t as adventurous there are also several hiking trails. You are also able to visit some rock engravings, like the ones in Twyfelfontein. Exploring the area will reward you with some stunning views, various rock pools, and beautiful rock formations. The most popular of these is Rock Arch. From the arch, you are rewarded with some spectacular views overlooking the valley.
Also, stargazing has become popular in Spitzkoppe. The night sky is not as exposed to light pollution or air pollution as so many other places in the world. Therefore, you are able to see the constellation of stars that stretch over the horizon.
Tip: Watch the sunset from Rock Arch for some magnificent views.
The ideal number of days in Spitzkoppe
The number of days you should spend in Spitzkoppe depends a lot on whether you want to do every activity in the reserve or not. We found one night to be suitable for us, as we had already seen rock engravings in Twyfelfontein, didn’t want to go rock climbing, and weren’t so keen on a 5-hour or more hike. If you are like us and want to admire the stunning landscape and explore the cliff formations on your own, you might find the ideal number of days in Spitzkoppe to be just 1 night. That way you are able to explore in the afternoon when you arrive, and then watch a gorgeous sunrise the next morning before heading on. If you are an adventurous type, you should set aside 2 to 3 nights in the area. This will leave room for you to explore bigger parts of Spitzkoppe, including the engravings, hikes, and rock climbing.
