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Spitzkoppe

Spitzkoppe

The Spitzkoppe is one of the most photographed mountain motifs of Namibia. This inselberg surmounts its surrounding by 700 metres with an overall height of 1728 m above sea level. Due to its distinctive form, which can be spotted from a great distance the Spitzkoppe is often called the “Matterhorn” of Namibia.

Map

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Specifications

Type
Landmark
Sleep
-
Campsites
Several Campsites
Location
Erongo region
Activities
Walking trails

The "Matterhorn" of Namibia

The Spitzkoppe is situated about 120 km north-east of Swakopmund and is a mere 30 km away from the well-travelled route between Usakos and Swakopmund.

Actually the Spitzkoppe consists of two separate mountains: The large Spitzkoppe, which is 1728 m high and the small Spitzkoppe, which has a height of 1584 metres. Further west we also find the so-called Pontok Mountains.

For hikers and mountaineers the Spitzkoppe is a paradise. Beginners can practice nicely here and for professionals the ascent of the peak is a real challenge as it is difficult. The first ascent of the challenging west side was in 1946 and up to today only 600 roped parties have succeeded to reach the peak. One reason for this is also that during the summer months it is not possible to climb the Spitzkoppe due to the unbearable heat.

All around the Spitzkoppe hundreds of rock paintings can be found, same goes for the Pontok Mountains. Here you find the most prominent place of discovery, the so-called Bushmen’s Paradise. Unfortunately many paintings have been damaged by vandalism.  You will also find paintings of rhino here, which indicates that the animals must have roamed the area many, many years ago.

The Rock Arch is also a well-known formation and has featured as backdrop in numerous films already and which has been depicted in calendars, photographic competitions and in travel guides.

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