Spitzkoppe stands alone on a flat plain, about 120 kilometres east of Swakopmund. At 1,728 metres it rises some 700 metres above the land around it. Its shape has earned it the name Matterhorn of Namibia, though it is made of granite, not limestone. The massif has several summits, among them Little Spitzkoppe at 1,557 metres.
- above sea level
- 1,728 m
- above the surrounding plain
- about 700 m
- first ascent on 13 November
- 1946
- of gravel from the B2
- about 33 km
The granite is about 100 million years old. It rose as molten rock and cooled underground without ever reaching the surface. Erosion later stripped away the softer rock around it and exposed the hard core, which is why geologists call such mountains inselbergs. Climbers first reached the main summit on 13 November 1946.
The land around the mountain is managed by the local community. You pay an entry fee at the gate, and if you stay at the community camp the fee is included. The pitches are scattered among the boulders, close to wild camping. There are long-drop toilets, and a shared ablution block with hot showers by reception.
Rock paintings with a guide
There are rock paintings at several places around the mountain. You can reach most of them only with a guide from the community. The best known is Bushman's Paradise. That is exactly where visitors have largely destroyed the paintings. The Rhino Wall is in better condition.
The community offers a guided walk to three rock art sites that takes about three hours. Ask at the camp reception for the price and start time.
Getting there
From Swakopmund you head east on the tarred B2 for just over 120 kilometres. Then turn onto the D1918. After about 18 kilometres the D3716 branches off, and after another twelve or so you reach the gate. That makes about 33 kilometres of gravel each way and roughly 160 kilometres in total from Swakopmund. From Usakos it is 50 to 60 kilometres, depending on the source.
Coming from Henties Bay, the D1918 also leads straight to Spitzkoppe. Reports on its condition differ: travellers described it as poor in 2019, while a guidebook calls it well maintained and fine for an ordinary car.
- Time needed
- half a day, better a night at the camp
- Cost
- entry N$ 120, camping N$ 210 per person per night including entry, according to an undated guide (as of October 2026)
- When
- late afternoon and sunrise, when the granite glows
Our tipSpend a night at the community camp rather than just passing through. Entry is included, and you get the mountain in the evening light and again in the morning.
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
Check prices on trivagoSpitzkoppe: frequently asked questions
How high is Spitzkoppe?
Spitzkoppe is 1,728 metres high and rises about 700 metres above the surrounding plain. It is made of granite about 100 million years old.
Can you camp at Spitzkoppe?
The local community runs a campsite at Spitzkoppe with pitches scattered among the boulders, long-drop toilets and hot showers by reception. Entry to the area is included in the camping fee.
Do you need a guide for the Spitzkoppe rock paintings?
Most rock paintings at Spitzkoppe, including Bushman's Paradise, can only be visited with a guide from the community. The paintings at Bushman's Paradise have been largely destroyed by vandalism.
Is the road to Spitzkoppe tarred?
No. From the B2 you drive about 33 kilometres on the gravel D1918 and D3716 to Spitzkoppe. The B2 itself is tarred.