Usakos lies 214 kilometres west of Windhoek on the B2, about two and a half hours on tar, and 140 kilometres short of Swakopmund. It is the nearest town to the Spitzkoppe, about 60 kilometres away, the last 30 or so on gravel. North of town the Erongo Mountains begin. At the 2023 census Usakos had 5,094 residents.
- residents, 2023 census
- 5,094
- to Windhoek on the B2
- 214 km
- to Swakopmund
- 140 km
- to the Spitzkoppe
- 60 km
Usakos was founded in the early 20th century as a workshop and watering stop for the locomotives on the railway to the coast. The Catholic church dates from 1905. The station still stands, and the town has stayed small.
Ameib and Philipp's Cave
Ameib is a guest farm in the Erongo north of Usakos, and on its land is Philipp's Cave, a rock shelter whose walls carry old paintings. Ask at the farm about the route to the cave and permission to visit. Take water.
The Erongo Mountains stretch north from Usakos to just short of Omaruru. Around Usakos the accommodation feed lists the Hohenstein Lodge and the Etusis Lodge, among others. Ameib itself is not listed there, so book direct.
The Spitzkoppe nearby
The Spitzkoppe lies northwest of town. From the B2 you turn onto the D1918 and then the D3716, about 33 kilometres of gravel to the mountain. Many people drive out from Swakopmund and then spend the night in Usakos or carry on to Omaruru.
On the B2
The B2 between Karibib and Usakos has been upgraded, and the new road was open by October 2026. Next, the section from Usakos to Arandis is to become a dual carriageway. No start date has been fixed.
Today, as of Usakos is growing slowly: 2,962 residents at the 2001 census, 3,583 in 2011 and 5,094 in 2023. The 30-kilometre stretch of the B2 to Karibib has been upgraded and was open by October 2026. In May 2026 the minister announced a dual carriageway for the road from Usakos to Arandis.
- Time needed
- one night, with the Spitzkoppe or the Erongo the day before or after
- From Windhoek
- 214 km, 160 minutes
Our tipDrive out to the Spitzkoppe in the afternoon and stay there or in Usakos. The rocks glow in the last light, and the drive back takes only an hour.
Places to stay in Usakos and Erongo
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Etusis Lodge
Etusis Nature Reserve C32
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €186per night on 23 November 2026
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Achab Self Catering Tent
D1914
- Pool
- Parking
- Fireplace
- Pets allowed
from €81per night on 23 November 2026
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Okambishis Rest
Plot 28
- Pool
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Pets allowed
from €82per night on 23 November 2026
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Newly Listed!charming 1-bedroom Apartment Outside Of Usakos Near The Spitzkoppe
D1914
- Pets allowed
from €104per night on 18 November 2026
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Newly Listed! Spacious 2-bedroom Apartment In A Little Oasis Near Spitzkoppe.
D1914
- Kitchen
- Parking
- Pets allowed
- Wi-Fi
from €165per night on 18 November 2026
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Hohenstein Lodge
Usakos Street, Usakos Usakos Street
- Pool
- Breakfast
- Restaurant
- Parking
from €267per night on 23 November 2026
Check prices on trivagoUsakos and Erongo: frequently asked questions
How far is Usakos from the Spitzkoppe?
From Usakos to the Spitzkoppe is about 60 kilometres. The first part is on the tarred B2, the last 30 or so on the D1918 and D3716 gravel roads.
Where is Philipp's Cave?
Philipp's Cave lies in the Erongo Mountains on the land of the Ameib guest farm north of Usakos. The rock shelter is known for its old paintings; ask at the farm about the route and permission.
Why does Usakos exist?
Usakos grew up in the early 20th century as a workshop and watering stop for the locomotives on the railway to the coast. The station still stands, and the Catholic church dates from 1905.