Spitzkoppe – The Best Campsite in Namibia
Rising from the vast nothingness of the Namib desert of Namibia, in an otherwise uneventful spot between Swakopmund and Usakos, lies Spitzkoppe
– bald granite peaks that reach 1,784m above sea level. Set up camp in what is perhaps the most beautiful campsite in all of Namibia, under a bazillion stars, surrounded by the nearly 700 million year old “Matterhorn of Namibia”.
Located just off the B2 between Swakopmund and Okahandja, Spitzkoppe is a great place to spend the night between Swakopmund and Etosha (whether sticking to the tarred B-roads or taking the adventurous Arid Eden Route). We were lucky enough to see a meteor shower during our two nights there but even on a normal night you can expect the clearest skies you can imagine.
The Campsite
Spitzkoppe was definitely the surprise gem on our Namibia trip. Camping in this location is what wanderlust is made of. As the sunsets, campers climb onto the nearly 700 million year old granite formations and watch as the last bits of sunlight dance over the plain. Soon after, the sky is filled with more stars they you could ever imagine.
The campsites were clean and well-spaced. The website notes that campsite numbers 2, 3, 4 and 5 are overlander only – which might explain why we got stuck in the sand en route to campsite 4 on the first day. Unfortunately there is no electricity and no water on the campsites – only a dry toilet and a braai facility. But the scenery more than made up for it.
Facilities
Close to reception there is a restaurant and bar area offering food and drinks at very reasonable prices. We had french toast for breakfast (N$55) served with bacon and cheese. We loved the rustic decor (everything was made from raw materials from the area), the friendly staff and their pet meerkats – Boris, Igor, Juri – who are all girls.
For those not interested in camping and after some more creature comforts, there are also three rustic, thatched rooms available at N$375 per person per night. Rooms 1 and 2 have three single beds each and Room 3 has 2 single beds and one double bed. None of the rooms have en-suite bathrooms – these are shared and walking distance from the rooms.
Activities
Star-gazing
Adam is always in search of a beautiful foreground for star trails – Spitzkoppe definitely delivered. We were lucky enough to be camping at Spitzkoppe during a meteor shower. Well more like a meteor trickle, but either way, it was simply breathtaking. This is a great spot for star-gazing with no city light or pollution – stars from horizon to horizon.
Rock-climbing and Bouldering
We were pretty lazy and didn’t get around to any rock-climbing at Spitzkoppe. It gets pretty hot during the day in summer and we ended up driving in the early hours on both days. But we did manage to haul our lazy asses up one or two boulders and loved sitting there just watching the landscape.
Hiking or Walking Trails
Spitzkoppe also has a number of hiking trails that include bushmen rock art sights. Guides are available. Adam went for a walk and spotted these klipspringers on some boulders – they almost look like minute little deer on pebbles.
Spitzkoppe Community
Close to the Spitzkoppe Campsite there is a small community of approximate 500 local people. Many make a living from the campsite – selling crystals and curios to tourists, acting as guides on hikes and even collecting rubbish from campsites using a donkey cart.
Spitzkoppe: Quick Stats
Getting There
Whether approaching Spitzkoppe from Windhoek or Swakopmund you will take the B2.
The B2 is a good quality, tarred road connecting Okahandja and Swakopmund. We still felt that this road was a bit dangerous due to the number of slow rises and the absence of a shoulder (for passing). Many locals zoomed past us at times we considered it too dangerous to pass. We managed to maintain an average speed of 80 to 100 km/h.
After turning off the B2 onto D3716 there are two route options (forming a loop – and we tried both):
- turn left onto D1918 and then right onto D1925 or
- continue on the D3716 and then turn left onto D1925.
All the D-roads mentioned were wide and relatively smooth, with some corrugation in patches. We managed to maintain an average speed of 60 to 80 km/h.
Bookings
We didn’t book and just arrived early enough to get a campsite each day. You can however make bookings via the website (www.spitzkoppe.com), by calling (Logufa on +264 64 464 144) or by emailing (logufa@africaonline.com.na).
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