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Activities


star gazing

Stargazing

Sunsets are spectacular, but only when night falls you are reminded what that over used word ‘awesome’ truly means. Living in a city and have forgotten the unearthly potential that stars embody. At Spitzkoppe, they stretch from horizon to horizon, shimmering in the dry air, unfettered by light pollution or air pollution.

The dry winter months are particularly good, this is primarily because there are no clouds and the crisp winter air makes for clear viewing. Some of the star constellations that can be seen in the Southern African night skies during the summer months:

  • Great Square
  • Orion
  • Leo

Some of the star constellations that can be during the winter months:

  • Southern Cross
  • Scorpio

Some of the planets that can be seen during the year:

  • Venus
  • Mars
  • Jupiter
  • Saturn
  • Own equipment is necessary.


    climbing

    Climbing

    The Gross Spitzkoppe is known as the Matterhorn of Namibia. The Western face was first climbed in 1946 and has since then drawn raves from climbers. Bouldering opportunities are also abundant in the area.

    Click here for route discriptions and more information
    Mountain Club of South Africa - Namibia Section

    hiking

    Hiking / Walking Trails

    The Spitzkoppe is known to contain at least 37 rock art sites and test excavations at one of these revealed a well preserved archeological sequence spanning the last 4000 years. Evidence from the excavation include a wide range of stone artifacts used in hunting weaponry and in the preparation of animal hides, as well as the remains of hunted game and plant foods. From this evidence it appears that the Spitzkoppe served as a dry season base with reliable food and water resources. The rock painting sites at Spitzkoppe contain a number of motives that are closely associated with rain making rituals. In Namibia, the archeological evidence of rain making relates to entire landscapes, such as the Spitzkoppe, rather than to individual painted rock shelters.

    These sites can only be visited with a guide due to their vulnerability and can be booked at the reception upon arrival.

    There are 3 walking routes available:

    Pontok Route

    +/- 4,5 h
    Difficulty - fit
    - this route takes you to a look out point on the top of Spitzkoppe.


    Matterhorn Route

    +/- 6-8 h
    Difficulty - very fit
    - experienced climber
    - no climbing gear needed
    - Exposed scrambling for experienced and fit hikers, no climbing gear involved. The steep and exposed hike reaches a high viewpoint not far from the summit.


    Bushman Circle Route:

    +/- 7 h
    Difficulty - fairly fit
    - this includes a chain climb up a steep area to the bushmans paradise and afterward a flat walking surface with sand and rock.

    *All routes need to be done with a guide
    *Groups not exceeding 10 persons


    birding

    Birding

    The habitat around the Spitskoppe is made up primarily of scattered acacia scrub with vegetated washes. Other areas have granite boulders and outcrops, the pogmatitec within these have been formerly mined for semi-precious minerals such as tourmaline, aquamarine, topaz and smoky quartz.

    The following bird species can be spotted at the Spitzkoppe: