Visiting Spitzkoppe : Camping, Bushman Art, Hikes And Stars

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This post was crafted with care and occasional typos by Colleen (and not AI)

We travelled to Spitzkoppe as part of our Africa Overland adventure; we’d not heard of Spitzkoppe and had little idea of what to expect.  We knew we’d see some ancient cave paintings and we’d been warned not to expect much in the way of services at the campsite.

What we discovered, however was so beautiful.  A Mars-like landscape steeped in history and a truly magical night under a canopy of stars.

If you find yourself in Namibia, visiting Spitzkoppe is an absolute must. Take a guided hike to see the ancient Bushman art, watch the sun set over the orange rocks and enjoy a night by the campfire stargazing in this glorious landscape.  Trust us, it’s worth a visit and you won’t be disappointed.

A Brief History Of Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe is German for pointed dome, a name that aptly describes its peaks and sometimes referred to as the Matterhorn of Namibia due to its distinctive shape. Spitzkoppe’s granite formations, in the Namib Desert, are believed to be over 120 million years old and the highest peak reaches approximately 1,728 meters.

During colonial times, Spitzkoppe was part of German South West Africa and served as an important outpost. But its history stretches far deeper than that. The original inhabitants were the San, or Bushmen, who have a rich cultural heritage and a profound connection to this land. Considered one of the oldest cultures on Earth, the San people were traditionally semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers, moving seasonally in search of food and water.

They left behind an incredible legacy in the form of rock art; thought to be in part messages for their fellow tribesmen. These remnants can still be found at Spitzkoppe, depicting scenes of daily life, animals and spiritual beliefs, telling the stories of their lives.

Where Is Spitzkoppe?

Spitzkoppe is located in the Erongo region of Namibia, partway between the coastal town of Swakopmund and the inland desert town of Usakos. It’s about a three hour drive from Windhoek, the capital and around two hours from Swakopmund.

We reached Spitzkoppe from the South Etosha Trading Post, as part of our overland journey from Victoria Falls to Cape Town. This leg of the journey took us around five hours.

How To Get To Spitzkoppe

Getting to Spitzkoppe is relatively straightforward if you’re self-driving. Simply take the highway from either Swakopmund or Windhoek, and then turn off onto a gravel road leading to Spitzkoppe. A 4×4 vehicle is highly recommended for this part of the journey due to the rough terrain.

Alternatively, you can join one of the tours departing from either Swakopmund or Windhoek. Or, consider an incredible Africa Overland Adventure, like the one we took from Victoria Falls to Cape Town. You can then experience the stunning landscapes from a specially converted bus!

Top Rated Tours That Include Spitzkoppe

Best Time To Visit Spitzkoppe

The best time to visit Spitzkoppe is during the cooler months from May to September when temperatures are more comfortable. We visited in June and while the air was definitely chilly at night, the days were beautiful. And clear skies at night make for perfect stargazing.

During the summer months, from October to April, the area can become very hot and humid. Between November and March, whilst rare, you can expect short but intense periods of rainfall too. These rains can transform the arid desert, creating temporary waterfalls cascading off the mountains; a spectacular sight for photographers and a good time for birdwatchers too.  However, if visiting during this time, a 4×4 vehicle is essential.

Things To Do When Visiting Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe might be a bit off the beaten path, but it’s a unique destination, known for its stunning landscapes, incredible sunsets and exceptional stargazing. It’s a haven for photographers, hikers, and anyone looking to experience Namibia’s raw beauty.

Bushman Art And Cave Paintings

Living in France, not far from where Cro-Magnon man was first discovered, we’re used to seeing ancient cave paintings, but the Bushman rock art at Spitzkoppe is something entirely different.

You can only visit the Bushman art with a guide who will explain not only its significance but also share stories of the ancient San people and why Spitzkoppe holds such deep spiritual importance for them. Our guide was arranged by our tour, but if you’re travelling independently you can arrange a tour when you check in at the campsite.

The paintings, believed to date back thousands of years (the oldest around 4,000 years), offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the Namibian nomads, even though they are faded, and the tour is short. Our guide explained the significance of the paintings, pointing out animals, hunting scenes, and spiritual symbols. She described how the paintings were partly left as messages for the next groups of Bushmen and told us about large tribal meetings where rain-making rituals would be held.

Bushman Language

Another highlight of our guided walk was a demonstration of the African click language. Our guide taught us four different clicks; it sounds simple, but it was surprisingly difficult!

Back at camp, we learned that our guide, Weston can speak click languages; He speaks eight languages so perhaps we shouldn’t have been surprised!

Guided Hikes At Spitzkoppe

To see the Bushman art, you must join a guided walk. If you’re staying at Spitzkoppen Lodge, there are several activities that you can book, including the guided Bushman Hike.

We took the guided hike which lasts a few hours, walking on flat terrain. For the more adventurous, there are more challenging hikes and climbing opportunities:

Hikes at Spitzkoppe range from easy walks to challenging treks. Our tour (Bushman Circle hike) offers stunning views and a chance to learn about the flora and fauna of this region.

Informal Hiking At Spitzkoppe

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, there are many informal trails to enjoy. You can collect a map when you check in to the campsite and wander among the landscape taking in the breathtaking views.

Top Tip: Be mindful of the terrain, bring plenty of water, and wear sturdy shoes. During our hike, I almost stepped on a Puff Adder snake. It was so well camouflaged that I struggled to see it even when our guide pointed it out!

Spitzkoppe At Sunset

There’s a lot said about the sunset here and trust us, it’s not just hype. Watching the sunset at Spitzkoppe is pretty magical.

The rocks really do glow under the setting sun and it really is a beautiful sight as it dips below the horizon. Find yourself a good spot, settle in and enjoy the natural spectacle.

Top Tip : Take a torch for the return journey on your way back to your tent!

Stargazing

Oh, how I regret not bringing a tripod or to be honest, learning more about time-lapse photography.  The night sky at Spitzkoppe is perhaps the most spectacular I’ve ever seen.

With no light pollution, Spitzkoppe offers an incredible opportunity for stargazing. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way in all its glory and our fellow travellers pointed out other famous celestial landmarks like Orion’s Belt and the Southern Cross.

Living in Europe, the night sky looks quite different but the lack of light pollution here takes star-gazing to another level. This night under the stars is one of the many reasons why we’ll treasure our memories of Spitzkoppe.

The Rock Arch

One of Spitzkoppe’s most photographed spots is the Rock Arch, an impressive natural formation that creates a perfect frame for photos, especially at sunrise or sunset.  It reminded us again very much of the landscape of Wadi Rum.

Near the campsite, there are also plenty of large granite hills where you can climb to secure the best seat for the glorious sunset.

Visiting Herero Women And The Himba People

On our journey from Etosha, we stopped near Sorris Sorris to visit the Herero women and after a small Himba village. It was an intriguing stop where you could explore the craft stalls of the Herero ladies and meet the families of the Himba people.

We were advised to bring a few gifts and many people opted for sweets, we took fruit and it was a much better choice!

It was an incredible experience to sit and talk with the Himba women, gaining a glimpse into their traditional way of life. However, for me at least, it also raised questions about ethical tourism (the eternal tourism question!) But despite these mixed feelings, I learned a lot from these women and their challenging lives and our visits do bring much needed additional income for their families.  If you have the opportunity, I recommend a visit.

I bought a small necklace from the Herero and a piece of art from the Himba. The items were inexpensive, and I’d encourage you not to haggle too hard.  Give generously, as life is difficult for them and their craftsmanship is beautiful.

Top Tip : Remember to carry cash and bring plenty of smaller notes, as there’s very little change available.

Wildlife At Spitzkoppe

While Spitzkoppe is primarily about the dramatic landscape and stunning natural beauty, there’s still some wildlife to be spotted if you keep your eyes peeled. Look out for small mammals like dassies (rock hyrax) as well as various species of lizards.  There are also a variety of birds flitting about the granite peaks.

Be especially cautious of snakes. Puff adders are present in the area. We had an encounter with one and these little snakes, which can be quite dangerous. Always watch your step and be mindful of where you place your hands too when climbing.

Although larger animals are not typically found in this area, the smaller, often overlooked creatures add to the unique ecosystem of Spitzkoppe and part of the magic here is experiencing the little details.

Accommodation And Facilities At Spitzkoppe

We always knew that our night at Spitzkoppe would be back to basics. Travelling in our bus, we had food and supplies, but the campsite itself offers only basic facilities. Don’t expect shops, fuel stations or running water; you must come prepared with all your essentials.

Toilets and Showers

The campsite provides toilets and basic showers, but there is no electricity or running water. We didn’t use the shower, but I can say that the long-drop toilet was hands down the cleanest one I’ve ever used! If you’re nervous about bush camps, don’t be because everything is extremely well maintained.

Our bus was parked a few minutes’ walk from the toilet. If you need to go at night, you will absolutely need a torch, and don’t be surprised to see a few eyes reflecting back at you in the beam. We were reassured that the animals are harmless, but it’s always wise to shine your torch on the ground ahead and be mindful of where you place your feet.

Top Tip: Gerry made the trek to the toilet in the early hours and ended up stargazing for so long that we thought he’d gone missing!

Accommodation at Spitzkoppe

I found it a bit confusing to figure out the accommodation options at Spitzkoppe. It seems you have two main choices: camping under the stars in your own tent as part of an overland tour or a self-drive adventure or stay at the rather luxurious Spitzkoppen Lodge for a few extraordinary days of comfort.

Community Campsite

We stayed at the community campsite, which is the most popular choice for overland and self-drive travellers. It’s a spectacular setting, with pitches nestled among the rocks, offering fantastic views, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Spitzkoppen Lodge

If you’re looking for something truly special, book a stay at the stunning Spitzkoppen Lodge. During our journey from Victoria Falls to Cape Town, we stayed in some pretty swish campsites so when we first pulled up beside the lodge, my first thought was Wow!

However, we moved on to the campsite and didn’t stay there but the lodge has received rave reviews, and the photos are absolutely stunning! It offers private chalets with breathtaking views of the rock formations, a swimming pool, and a highly-rated restaurant. This would be a wonderfully comfortable way to enjoy the natural beauty of Spitzkoppe.

Top Tip : I read about the Tented camp, but it has terrible reviews, so I can’t recommend it.

Safety And Other Tips For Visiting Spitzkoppe

The most important advice we can offer is to remember that Spitzkoppe is off the beaten track. There are no facilities, so if you’re traveling independently, ensure you come fully prepared with food, water, and supplies. If you have a portable battery charger, make sure it’s fully charged before you arrive, as there is no electricity at the campsite.

What Makes Spitzkoppe Magical And Why It Should Be On Your Namibia Itinerary

If you’ve been following our journey from Victoria Falls, it might seem that we’ve found everywhere amazing, but that’s because they truly were!

Spitzkoppe stands out as a place of extraordinary natural beauty. It reminded us a lot of our time in Wadi Rum, with its ancient rock formations, stunning sunsets, and crystal-clear night skies.  Yes, it’s hours away from anywhere, so you need to have time in your itinerary to include Spitzkoppe, but if you have time then don’t hesitate.

For those on a self-drive adventure through Namibia, it’s the perfect stop between Etosha and Swakopmund. Just a few hours’ drive from both Swakopmund and Windhoek, it’s also an excellent place to break up a long journey.

If you love walking, photography or simply appreciate the wonders of nature, make sure you reach Spitzkoppe before sunset, sit back, and enjoy the show.

Travelling Elsewhere In Africa?

We travelled from Victoria Falls to Cape Town on an Africa Overland Adventure and we’re writing about our journey. You might find the following posts useful :