Namibia is full of surreal landscapes, and one of the lesser-known gems worth visiting is Spitzkoppe. This collection of stunning rock formations is located between Swakopmund and Damaraland, right in the heart of the desert. It was one of my favorite stops during my 13-day road trip across the country.
From the surreal orange landscape with the striking granite formation known as the "Matterhorn of Namibia", to the incredible arch rock, here’s a complete travel guide to Spitzkoppe. This guide contains all the information you need to plan the perfect itinerary around this stunning and surreal landscape, and so much more.
- Spitzkoppe Points of Interest Map
- 6 Best Things to Do in Spitzkoppe
- Where to Stay in Spitzkoppe?
- When to Visit Spitzkoppe?
- How to Get to Spitzkoppe?
- How much does it cost to visit Spitzkoppe?
- How Long does it take to visit Spitzkoppe?
- Is it Safe to Visit Spitzkoppe?
- What to Pack for Spitzkoppe?
- Further Reading for Namibia
Spitzkoppe Points of Interest Map
6 Best Things to Do in Spitzkoppe
1. Take the Iconic Photos at The Rock Arch
One of the most iconic landmarks here, and probably the one that inspired me to visit Spitzkoppe in the first place, is the Rock Arch. This remarkable natural rock formation, shaped like an arch, was formed from ancient granite, sculpted over millions of years by wind and water erosion, resulting in the distinctive arch shape we see today.
Although most of the photos you see of the Arch make it look massive, the actual rock is quite small, especially when you see it in the context of the larger rock formations surrounding it. Not gonna lie, it took me embarrassingly long to recognize it when I was driving around trying to find the arch.
That said, once you get closer to the rock, especially when you stand right under it, you’ll really appreciate its true scale as you look up and see the arch stretching across the beautiful blue sky. It's truly quite a sight to behold!
- Bush Campsite (Budget)
- Wagon Tent Camp (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
- Spitzkoppen Lodge (High-End)
- Spitzkoppe Day Tour from Swakopmund (7 - 8 hours) 👍 Top Pick
- Spitzkoppe Guided Tour from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay (8 hours)
- Swakop River Valley & Spitzkoppe Full Day 4x4 tour from Walvis Bay (8 hours)
When you arrive, make sure to wear shoes with good grip so you can climb the rock formation and take photos like I did. Avoid wearing flip-flops, as the rock can be steep and slippery when climbing. Be sure to walk around the rocks and check out the view from the other side of the arch, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
2. Check Out Small Bushman's Paradise
You might be surprised to know that Spitzkoppe is also rich in history, and the best way to learn more about it is to visit the Small Bushman's Paradise, a significant archaeological site located under one of the massive rocks in Spitzkoppe. It is famous for its ancient rock art and carvings.
Here, you will find several intricate carvings and paintings on granite surfaces created by the San people thousands of years ago. These artworks depict various scenes, including hunting, rituals, and daily life, highlighting how important these rock formations were to the indigenous people and how they played a role in sheltering them from the harsh climate.
It also gives insight into the culture and traditions of the San people here, as they used the cave paintings to not just tell stories but also to warn others of the predators here. You will find carvings of lions, rhinos, and scenes of hunting here.
The area is closed off to the public, and you can only view its rock art with a guide, who can be found at the entrance between 8 AM and 6 PM every day. It's not a very long walk, but there's a lot to learn from the stories the guide will share, so be sure to spend some time here while you explore Spitzkoppe.
3. Check Out the Rock Pool
If you happen to be here during the wet season or after it has rained a few days prior, you might be able to see the Rock Pool in all its glory. Tucked away between the rock formations, there is a natural rock pool with an amazing view of the area that you can check out.
It took me a while to find a way to get up to it (the exact location to access it is here), but unfortunately, I was there when it was dried up, so I didn't get to see it in person or swim in it. The hike is pretty easy though and took me like 2 minutes to get to the top. If you're luckier than I was, be sure to check it out and let us know in the comments below how it is!
4. Conquer the Matterhorn of Namibia
If you have time to spare and want the best sunset spot in the area, I highly recommend hiking to the top of the Matterhorn of Namibia, a striking granite peak that rises approximately 670 meters above the surrounding desert floor, reaching an elevation of over 1,700 meters above sea level. There’s no better place to watch the sunset than from up here!
The granite formations of Spitzkoppe are estimated to be over 120 million years old, and the main peak, with its sharp, pointed silhouette, does resemble the Swiss Matterhorn. That is why they called it the Matterhorn of Namibia. It is quite a hike, though, and can be extremely challenging, especially in the midday heat, so be sure you are prepared and pack lots of water.
You are also required to go with a local guide to hike the Matterhorn, and you can arrange the trip at the reception at the entrance of Spitzkoppe. The cost is about 600 NAD per person, and the hike will take approximately 6 to 7 hours to complete, so be sure to plan ahead if you want to catch the sunset. It is not recommended for inexperienced hikers due to loose rocks and the fact that you will have to scramble up several portions of the hike.
5. Join Other Awesome Guided Hikes
There are also many other guided tours you can join in Spitzkoppe that don't require you to hike for 6 - 7 hours. There is the Pondok Hike which takes about 3 hours and will take you to another iconic mountain range right next to Matterhorn. The hike is also great for sunset since it doesn't take as long, which makes it much more manageable for you to plan your time.
You don't need to be super fit for this hike, although you will be climbing pretty steep during the first 50 meters and the final push along loose and slippery rocks, so be sure you are prepared for it. The hike requires a guide, and it will cost you 450 NAD (24 USD) per person.
Another hike you might want to consider is the Bird Hike, also known as the Herero Chat, an early morning walk along a very easy trail around the park, taking about 3 to 4 hours or half a day. This is ideal for those who prefer gentler trails. The guided hike costs 400 NAD (21 USD) per person.
There are other smaller walks you can join that will take you to various attractions around the park, such as Bushman's Paradise, the Arch, Golden Snake, and more. These cost only 60 NAD and are great for those who prefer to explore Spitzkoppe with a guide. You can book these tours at the park's entrance reception.
6. Spend the Night under the Stars in Spitzkoppe
To truly immerse yourself in the surreal landscape of Spitzkoppe, you must witness it during sunrise, sunset, and under the stars at night. To do this, you'll need to spend a night either at Spitzkoppe Campsite if you have your own car and tent, or at Spitzkoppe Lodge, one of the most luxurious lodges in the area, if you're willing to splurge.
For the campsite, if you have your own tent, then you will only have to pay about 240 NAD (13 USD) per person. You can book the campsite online here or you can ask at the reception when you arrive. They do have a lot of campsites here, and I doubt it will get full at any one time, but if you want to be sure, I recommend you book the campsite online prior to your arrival.
Like most deserted areas in Namibia, the stars are incredible at night and, together with the beautiful rock formations of Spitzkoppe, you are in for quite a treat here once the sun is down. If you have a day to spare in your trip, be sure to spend a night in Spitzkoppe.
Where to Stay in Spitzkoppe?
When to Visit Spitzkoppe?
The best time to visit Spitzkoppe in Namibia is during the dry winter months, from June to mid-September. This period offers cooler temperatures and minimal rainfall, which makes for an ideal condition to enjoy an outdoor destination like Spitzkoppe.
If you're looking for the best conditions for photography, consider spending a night in Spitzkoppe and witness the place during the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. The true beauty of Spitzkoppe truly shines during the golden hour when the light is at its best.
You can visit in May or October, but daytime temperatures will be higher, which might make outdoor activities a bit more challenging. I visited in October during the middle of the day, and while it was quite hot, I didn’t find it unbearable to enjoy being outdoors, as long as I didn’t stay in the sun for too long.
There isn’t much shade here, except around the rocks where most of the tourist attractions are located, so I’d say you can still visit Spitzkoppe a bit outside of the recommended period.
How to Get to Spitzkoppe?
Visiting Spitzkoppe as a Day Trip from Swakopmund
Once you’re in Windhoek, you can choose to base yourself in Swakopmund and visit Spitzkoppe as a day trip via an organized tour. To get from Windhoek to Swakopmund, you have 2 options: you can do what I did and rent a car to drive to Swakopmund as part of a larger trip, or you can take advantage of the daily shuttle bus services offered by Carlos Shuttle or Welwitschia Shuttle, both of which are excellent operators.
Keep in mind that the pick-up locations are often in Windhoek city center, not at the airport. This means you’ll either need to stay one night in Windhoek or take a taxi to the city center. The shuttles typically operate twice a day, at 7 AM and 2 PM for Carlos Shuttle and at 1 PM for Welwitschia, and the journey takes around 4.5 hours. The cost is approximately 350 NAD (19 USD) per person.
If you prefer to rent a car in Namibia, you can learn more about it here: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Experience and Things I Wish I Knew Before Renting and Driving a Car in Namibia.
Once you get to Swakopmund, you can book an organized tour in advance here, and they will pick you up the next morning. The drive from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe is quite long, taking about 2.5 hours one way, and you’ll be on gravel roads most of the time, so make sure you’re prepared for a long day. The tour typically lasts 7–8 hours, with stops at a few additional attractions along the way.
It's a great way to see Spitzkoppe without having to travel further north on your own. If you're short on time, I highly recommend joining an organized tour. Be sure to book in advance, as space is limited. You can book the tour here.
Visiting Spitzkoppe as Part of a Larger Trip
There are several ways to get to Spitzkoppe, but first, you’ll need to make your way to Windhoek, the capital of Namibia. You can find plenty of flights on platforms like Skyscanner or Expedia.
If you’re planning a larger trip around Namibia and want to stop by Spitzkoppe, you can do so when traveling between Swakopmund and Damaraland. This is how I managed it, I only discovered Spitzkoppe and its incredible rock formations a few days before arriving in Swakopmund. I had to reshuffle my route to fit in a visit to Spitzkoppe, but it worked out perfectly in the end. Here’s how I did it:
On the day of your departure from Swakopmund, you can take the coastal road north and visit the Zeila Shipwreck Namibia. You don’t have to, but it’s always nice to include another interesting point of interest as you continue your journey. The drive is on a well-paved road, and the shipwreck is a quick photo stop of about 5 minutes before you continue on to Spitzkoppe.
Once you are done, you can continue north to Hentiesbaai for about 5 minutes before taking the D1918 road all the way to Spitzkoppe. This road is mostly gravel and you might experience some corrugations, but it isn't as bad as in Etosha. You can typically drive at 90 km/hr much of the way, which is something I can't say for the horrible roads in Etosha.
The whole drive should take about 2.5 hours before you arrive in Spitzkoppe. Be sure to go to the right entrance, which is located here, not the one that is recommended on Google Maps as that is the park's back entrance and it is not open to the public. Trust me, I went there and had to backtrack quite a bit to go to the right entrance!
I highly recommend starting early in Swakopmund, so you’ll arrive in Spitzkoppe around 9 - 10 AM. This timing is perfect for good light and cooler temperatures. You can spend about 2–3 hours exploring the incredible rock formations here before continuing on to Damaraland via Uis. Spend a night there (I slept at Damara Mopane Lodge), then head to Etosha the next day, or you can opt to spend the night camping inside Spitzkoppe, which is an awesome way to truly immerse yourself in the landscape.
If you are coming from the other way, meaning you have already done Etosha and are driving from Damaraland to Swakopmund, you can follow my instructions above but in the opposite direction. You can travel from Damaraland to Uis first and from there, take the D1918 road all the way to Spitzkoppe. It should take about the same time, and you will arrive in Swakopmund before day's end.
How much does it cost to visit Spitzkoppe?
If you’re visiting Spitzkoppe as a day trip, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of 160 NAD (6 USD) per person and 100 NAD for a child. If you plan to camp at Spitzkoppe, the fee is 240 NAD (13 USD) per person and 180 NAD for children between 8–11 years old. For camping, they only allow a maximum of 8 people per group, so keep that in mind.
There are several activities you can do inside Spitzkoppe, most of which are free unless you plan to do small hiking excursions, such as conquering the Matterhorn of Namibia. These activities require local guides, and you’ll need to pay for the tour, which can range from 60 NAD to 600 NAD (3 USD - 30 USD) depending on the organized walks you choose.
If you want to visit Spitzkoppe with an organized tour from Swakopmund, the tour should cost around 170 USD per person, which includes lunch and all the logistics. This is perfect if you’re traveling alone or prefer not to rent a car and drive yourself.
How Long does it take to visit Spitzkoppe?
It takes about 2.5 hours one way to get from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe. If you're traveling from Damaraland to Spitzkoppe, the drive will take about 3.5 hours. You can visit Spitzkoppe as part of a larger road trip while traveling between Damaraland and Swakopmund, or vice versa. The entire day's drive will be around 6 hours, with about 2–3 hours to explore Spitzkoppe, so it’s definitely a full-day ordeal. Make sure you’re prepared for the long drive!
If you are visiting Spitzkoppe as a day trip from Swakopmund, then it will also be a 7 - 8-hour day, with 2.5 hours driving each way and about 3 hours to explore Spitzkoppe, as well as visit other attractions along the way. If you do not want to drive yourself, you can go with an organized tour instead.
If you have plenty of time and don’t mind camping in the desert with minimal facilities (no electricity, etc.), I recommend spending the night at Spitzkoppe to truly immerse yourself in the landscape and split your visit into 2 days. You’ll drive less each day and get to experience Spitzkoppe at both sunrise and sunset, which are hands down the best times to visit.
Is it Safe to Visit Spitzkoppe?
There’s nothing out there or along the way, so be sure to pack essentials like lunch, snacks, and plenty of water for the trip. If you plan to stay overnight, pack even more, as they sometimes don’t have running water or electricity. Make sure to keep your electronics charged and be prepared for anything. Other than that, there’s nothing to worry about here.
What to Pack for Spitzkoppe?
As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Spitzkoppe, Namibia:
- Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
- Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
- Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
- Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
- Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
- Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Spitzkoppe, Namibia in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
- Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
- Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
- Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
- Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
- Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
- Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
- Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.
For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.
Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:
Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.
Further Reading for Namibia
If you are looking for more articles about Namibia, here are a few articles that might help you plan your trip:
- For a complete itinerary to Namibia, check out: 2 Weeks in Namibia: A Road Trip Itinerary.
- Feeling a bit overwhelmed with planning your trip to Namibia? Check out this easy-to-follow guide: Namibia Bucket List: 10 Must-Do Experiences.
- Planning to visit Southern Namibia? You gotta stop by Luderitz! Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Luderitz.
- Who wants to visit an abandoned ghost town in Namibia? Kolmanskop is the famous ghost town often featured in many mainstream media and here is A Complete Guide to Namibia’s Ghost Town.
- You can’t visit Namibia without exploring Sossusvlei, home to the surreal sand dune landscapes the country is known for. To help you plan your trip, check out: The Ultimate Travel Guide to Sossusvlei.
- Out of all the cities I visited in Namibia, Swakopmund is hands down my favorite. To get the best out of it, be sure to check out: A Guide to Swakopmund: 10 Best Things to Do and More
- Want to visit Sandwich Harbor but not sure where to begin? Check this out: A Complete Travel Guide to Sandwich Harbor
- Have you ever dreamed of going on a self-drive safari in Africa? Well, you can do that in Etosha National Park in Namibia. Here's A Complete Self-Drive Safari Guide to Etosha National Park.
- If you want to see a real authentic Himba village and interact with the Himba people, here's a travel guide for you: Visiting the Himba Tribe: A Complete Guide.
- Planning to rent a car and drive in Namibia? You might wanna check this out: 11 Things I Wish I Knew Before Driving in Namibia.
- Not sure which car rental company to choose in Namibia? Here's my experience with Namibia2Go: Renting a Car with Namibia2Go: My Review.
- To see all articles about Namibia, be sure to check out our Namibia travel guide page.
- Looking for more travel guides for Africa? You will find more over at our Africa page.
- For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.
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