Spitzkoppe Namibia
Driving between Usakos and Swakopmund, it is impossible to miss the rocky outcrops of the Spitzkoppe in an otherwise flat landscape. From a distance, Spitzkoppe looks like a solid rock. It is only when one gets up close and personal with the Spitzkoppe that one realises that it is made up of several boulders and rocks.
Growing up in Otjiwarongo, we always skipped past the Spitzkoppe on our way to our beach holidays in Swakopmund. Those rocky mountains kept me dreaming until one very hot summer’s day when my dad decided it was time to go and explore. Having a little sister seven years younger than me and who didn’t travel well made the experience maybe a little less exciting than what I had hoped it to be. The fact that my mother was really nervous about her eldest daughter exploring the rocks didn’t really help either, and so my investigative nature was rather curtailed.
Many years later I had another opportunity to explore. This time, I did it properly — without a nagging little sister and an overprotective mom. I fell in love with Spitzkoppe and promised myself to return – with a lot more time.
Camping at Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp
Fast forward to a little more than a decade later… Surviving a rather corrugated, if not challenging gravel road to Spitzkoppe, we were pleasantly surprised with the reception. Getting out of an air-conditioned vehicle, the sweltering heat of the Namib Desert hit full force. To no one’s surprise, the ice cream fridge was the first thing I noticed as I walked into reception.
The introduction was quick and efficient. Just beyond the gate was a clean washing area with longer pipes on the ground to fill empty water canisters. To the right were solar showers and a small restaurant. I could not believe my luck – I thought it would be three days of no showering. Big smile. Relief maybe. Three boys and three days without showers wasn’t exactly what I’d call fresh.
Spitzkoppe works on a first-come, first-serve basis. Map in hand, we started looking for a campsite. Being first-time visitors, we felt like explorers in a foreign world. We eventually found a lovely campsite nestled between rocks and trees, ensuring shade for most of the day. Our boys immediately noticed all the climbing possibilities and disappeared long before the camp was set up.
Early the next morning we set off on our first climbing experiment. With a nine-year-old scientist and a four-year-old wildling, we soon realised that our first attempt was maybe too adventurous. Returning to the campsite, the boys dug into the food until they could not move (or so I hoped). Replenished, they continued their explorations.
Around 13h00, we headed to the showers. Clean, fresh and with plenty of hot water, we returned to what we thought would be a hot campsite. Turns out, the coast is near enough for a lovely cool western breeze in the afternoon. Nap time was a sudden possibility.
Around five-ish, we headed to our next destination. The climb was easier, and the boys scaled rock after rock. Exhausted but happy, we returned to camp for a second night of stargazing.
The next morning, we headed for another rock, and both boys really went for it. They climbed until we were tired. Returning to camp, we followed the same routine and again, the cool western wind brought relief from an otherwise very hot Namib Desert.
That afternoon, I went out to meet Ben and Silje for their elopement photoshoot. Part of our climbing expeditions entailed scouting for locations, and knowing that here at the Spitzkoppe I could photograph a hundred elopements, my heart started thumping wildly with excitement.
Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp
Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp is managed by an international investor who was asked to manage the camp for the Gaingu Conservancy. The money that is raised through camping fees is used to support the Gaingu community as well as to keep the sites clean, the showers working and fresh, etc.
There are about 20 employees from the community, and all are paid from the money raised. That is 20 people who can support their own families.
Though the campsites do not have electricity, running water or flushing toilets, the long drops are all relatively clean (as much as a long drop can be!), and water is only 5 km away. The bins are cleaned every day, and they even rake the campsites.
For N$200 per person, you can camp at the foot of the Spitzkoppe under the Milky Way, listen to jackals at night and find yourself staring at a yellow-billed hornbill at the break of dawn. The camps are far enough from each other that you don’t hear the other campers. It is safe. It is clean.
If you need the convenience of power and running water, then this is probably not your type of camp, but the Gaingu Conservancy can rest assured – I’ll be returning with two newly discovered climbing enthusiasts and many couples that want to elope here. This is value for money.
Here, at Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp, I found more than a beautiful campsite. I found peace. I cannot help but feel that Spitzkoppe is one of the most underrated campsites in Namibia and probably its best-kept secret.
Spitzkoppe Namibia as an Elopement Destination
I have done elopements in Dead Valley (Sossusvlei), in the bush close to Etosha National Park, and now at Spitzkoppe. There is magic to be found in each location.
Spitzkoppe, because it is so big and spread out, has more opportunities for photos. It is also the lesser-known location – so fewer people.
I think as far as elopement locations go, I’m going to vote for Spitzkoppe, with Dead Valley a close second!
Three Things to Do While Staying at Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp
- Climb… explore and climb some more. There are easy walks and then there are some serious climbs. Whatever suits your fitness level, you can do it here.
- Stargazing!
- Pack a picnic bag, head to the arch, and enjoy a sundowner on the rocks. Nothing beats those views!
Some beautiful rock paintings in the area can also be visited, as well as a nature drive. Whichever you choose to do – Spitzkoppe won’t disappoint.
Let's Connect
Hi! My name is Mariëtte du Toit. I am a professional photographer and a Namibian travel expert. I love to think of myself as a visual storyteller and content creator committed to visualising an unseen Namibia.
If you want to elope in Namibia but need advice and a photographer, I’m your photographer.
And if you would love for your lodge to not only have professional photos but photos that tell a story, I’m your photographer.
Spitzkoppe Community Rest Camp
Website: https://www.spitzkoppe.com/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +264 64 464 144
Spitzkoppen Lodge
Website: https://www.spitzkoppenlodge.com/
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (00264) 81 143 5048
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