SPITZKOPPE

Pitch your tent and watch the sunrise at this sacred spot.

Spitzkoppe wasn’t on my original itinerary, but I added the 555 km detour between southern Namibia and Tsumeb because I had to wake up here at least once.

Spitzkoppe is irresistible, maybe even magical. No wonder there are so many rock art sites hidden around the mountain. It’s impossible to come here and not be touched by some primal force.

There are beautiful views in all directions, but Arch Rock is my favourite. Sit here early in the morning with the dassies and watch the sun rise. In the late afternoon, the rock spire in the background will turn ochre and the heat of the day will seep from the rock into the soles of your feet.

If you’ve been here once, you’ll always want to come back.

How to get there? Turn off the B2 about 23 km west of Usakos and drive northwest along the D1918 (the road to Henties Bay). After 18 km, turn right onto the D3716. The turn-off to Spitzkoppe is 12 km further, on the left. GPS: S21.83977 E15.20162

Facilities: The campsite has 31 stands among the boulders set far apart from each other with good privacy. Each stand has its own long drop toilet. There are communal showers with hot water and flush toilets at the reception office. There’s also a lapa, bar and a restaurant that serves breakfast, lunch and dinner (book beforehand). Braai packs are available.

Rates: Camping R150 per adult; R100 per child aged 2 – 12. Day visitors R50 per person; R60 per vehicle. A guided outing to rock art sites in Bushman’s Paradise costs R50 per person and takes about two hours. Contact: 00 264 64 464 144 (Anja); spitzkoppe.com