Discover an unknown Erongo
Do the Messum Crater route
The Messum Crater was first discovered by 1939 and is not an impact crater, but rather the site of a volcano about 130 million years ago. The large circular, igneous ring complex measure around 23 km in diameter and consists of a large number of diverse rocks for the geology enthusiast. The crater provides some truly breath-taking views coupled with the sense of pure desolation. Also found within the crater are some stone circles used by ancient Damara nomads as well as some rock paintings. The route to the crater from the C34 also offers some interesting sites like huge lichen fields and some excellent specimens of the famous desert plant, the Welwitschia mirabilis.
Permits are required to visit this area and can be obtained from the Henties Bay information centre or the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Swakopmund.
Spitzkoppe
The instantly recognisable outlines of the Spitzkoppe that lie the north as one drives to Swakopmund always have a very attractive appeal, towering over the flat landscape around it.
The Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks and consists of two separate mountains called the large Spitzkoppe, which is 1 728 metres high and the small Spitzkoppe, which goes up to 1 584 metres. We also find the Pontok mountains further west.
Very popular amongst climbers, geologists, and stargazers, the Spitzkoppe is also just an incredible place to camp amongst the 120 million-year-old rock formations. Every sunset and sunrise is a spectacular event with the constant change of light creating a canvas that continuously transforms the colours and the way our eyes perceive it.
www.spitzkoppe.com
Naukluft Park
It is hard to explain the absolute peace and relaxation that the isolation and wide open spaces of the desert brings. It puts things into context by showing how large this world is and how small you are are in the bigger sense of the system. One of the best places to experience this is camping at one of the beautiful campsites of the Naukluft National Park. An easy drive from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, these campsites are underrated and underutilised, although this works in your favour by often having an entire campsite all to yourself. Entering the Naukluft Park requires a permit. Permits can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism office in Swakopmund.
These are three of the best spots to overnight:
Blutkopje
A little more than an hour away from Swakopmund is the Blutkopje campsite. Blutkopje meaning blood hill, received its name due the way the large granite outcrop becomes blood-red at sundown. Here you’ll find lots of different grasses and quiver trees dotting the landscape. Be aware that there is not much shade to hide under during the heat of day. This campsite is therefore better to only overnight and not for long stays.
Groot Tinkas
The slightly tricky drive to Groot Tinkas through this rocky area is definitely worth the effort. Tinkas is hidden away in a valley with loads of small hills to explore on foot. Its campsites set by some lovely shady rocks.
Mirabib
One of a couple of inselbergs in the park, but this one, being furthest away from the coast, is often the least visited. Finding the right campsite is key, as the best ones offer exceptional views of the surrounding area right from your camp chair. Sunsets over the vast plain surrounding Mirabib are spectacular.
Scenic drive through the Welwitschia plains
The round-trip route of about 160 km is an excellent opportunity to explore the desert just east of Swakopmund and its remarkable plants and animals, as well as its interesting geological features. The most prominent feature on this route is certainly the splendid view it gives of the Swakop Valley moon landscape. Created over a period of two million years by the erosive actions of the Swakop River, the inhospitable and desolate moon landscape very much lives up to its name.
Receive a map and information sheet for this route when obtaining your permit at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
The Messum Crater was first discovered by 1939 and is not an impact crater, but rather the site of a volcano about 130 million years ago. The large circular, igneous ring complex measure around 23 km in diameter and consists of a large number of diverse rocks for the geology enthusiast. The crater provides some truly breath-taking views coupled with the sense of pure desolation. Also found within the crater are some stone circles used by ancient Damara nomads as well as some rock paintings. The route to the crater from the C34 also offers some interesting sites like huge lichen fields and some excellent specimens of the famous desert plant, the Welwitschia mirabilis.
Permits are required to visit this area and can be obtained from the Henties Bay information centre or the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in Swakopmund.
Spitzkoppe
The instantly recognisable outlines of the Spitzkoppe that lie the north as one drives to Swakopmund always have a very attractive appeal, towering over the flat landscape around it.
The Spitzkoppe is a group of bald granite peaks and consists of two separate mountains called the large Spitzkoppe, which is 1 728 metres high and the small Spitzkoppe, which goes up to 1 584 metres. We also find the Pontok mountains further west.
Very popular amongst climbers, geologists, and stargazers, the Spitzkoppe is also just an incredible place to camp amongst the 120 million-year-old rock formations. Every sunset and sunrise is a spectacular event with the constant change of light creating a canvas that continuously transforms the colours and the way our eyes perceive it.
www.spitzkoppe.com
Naukluft Park
It is hard to explain the absolute peace and relaxation that the isolation and wide open spaces of the desert brings. It puts things into context by showing how large this world is and how small you are are in the bigger sense of the system. One of the best places to experience this is camping at one of the beautiful campsites of the Naukluft National Park. An easy drive from Swakopmund or Walvis Bay, these campsites are underrated and underutilised, although this works in your favour by often having an entire campsite all to yourself. Entering the Naukluft Park requires a permit. Permits can be obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Tourism office in Swakopmund.
These are three of the best spots to overnight:
Blutkopje
A little more than an hour away from Swakopmund is the Blutkopje campsite. Blutkopje meaning blood hill, received its name due the way the large granite outcrop becomes blood-red at sundown. Here you’ll find lots of different grasses and quiver trees dotting the landscape. Be aware that there is not much shade to hide under during the heat of day. This campsite is therefore better to only overnight and not for long stays.
Groot Tinkas
The slightly tricky drive to Groot Tinkas through this rocky area is definitely worth the effort. Tinkas is hidden away in a valley with loads of small hills to explore on foot. Its campsites set by some lovely shady rocks.
Mirabib
One of a couple of inselbergs in the park, but this one, being furthest away from the coast, is often the least visited. Finding the right campsite is key, as the best ones offer exceptional views of the surrounding area right from your camp chair. Sunsets over the vast plain surrounding Mirabib are spectacular.
Scenic drive through the Welwitschia plains
The round-trip route of about 160 km is an excellent opportunity to explore the desert just east of Swakopmund and its remarkable plants and animals, as well as its interesting geological features. The most prominent feature on this route is certainly the splendid view it gives of the Swakop Valley moon landscape. Created over a period of two million years by the erosive actions of the Swakop River, the inhospitable and desolate moon landscape very much lives up to its name.
Receive a map and information sheet for this route when obtaining your permit at the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
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