Namib Desert

As we travel from Swakopmund to the Spitzkoppe Mountain we pass through the oldest desert of the world, the Namib Desert. Your tour-guide will stop en route and explain the origin of the Namib Desert as well as the geological and climatic conditions of this coastal desert. As you approach the Spitzkoppe Mountain your guide will stop at some stalls where local people offer semi-precious stones for sale. You have a choice between Aquamarine, Topaz, Amethyst, Feldspar and many other semi-precious stones.

Spitzkoppe

Visit the Spitzkoppe, also known as the Matterhorn of Africa. This so-called "Inselberg" is a granite outcrop which rises 780m above the surrounding Namib Desert; its total height above sea level is 1728m. After passing the entrance to the Spitzkoppe Park, your tour guide will drive around the mountain and show you several spectacular rock formations like the "Rock Pool" and the "Rock Arch". The rich vegetation at the Spitzkoppe provides ample opportunity to study some of the flora of the Namib Desert, for example Vachellia (Acacia) species and "Kobas", the Butter tree, milk bush and Commiphora species, as well as 'Beesklou" and Cleome species. Several bird species can be seen, as for example the Pale-winged Starling and swallows as well as species of weaver birds. After a leisurely lunch break your guide will show you some interesting bushman paintings. Afterwards it is time for your return-journey to Swakopmund.