Looking for one of the most photographed areas of Namibia? How about a nice desert getaway with unique landscapes? Well, Spitzkoppe Park is the place to go.
This national park is budget-friendly, easy to get around, and simply stunning to explore. It's definitely one of our favorite places in Namibia, and one we recommend all tourists to add to their Namibian bucket list.
In this guide we're going to share everything you need to know for visiting Spitzkoppe Park, so that you can incorporate this amazing place into your itinerary.
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Where is Spitzkoppe, Namibia Located?
Spitzkoppe Park is located 60 km inland from both Swakopmund and Hentiesbaii. It's inside of a desert that is in Central Namibia, and takes about an hour and a half to access from either of the two towns.
How Do I Get to Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia?
The best way to get to Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia is to rent a car, preferably a high-clearance vehicle or a 4x4.
It's best to drive around Spitzkoppe Park in a high clearance vehicle.
We rented our vehicle from Johannesburg and did a big 6-week road trip through Southern Africa, but it is also very popular to hire a jeep or camper van from Windhoek, the capital of Namibia, where many tourists start their travels through Nambia.
What is the Closest Town to Spitzkoppe Park?
The closest town to Spitzkoppe Park is the village of Spitzkoppe, which is right outside the national park itself.
That being said, this is not an area that has a lot of accommodation, and the main town which is the gateway to Spitzkoppe Park is Swakopmund, a popular coastal town.
How to Get to Swakopmund, Namibia
The Most popular destinations to visit Swakopmund from are Sossusvlei (a popular park in the desert) or Windhoek (the capital city).
If you are coming from Sossusvlei, it is a 4 1/2 hour drive down a pretty straight and flat gravel road, which goes through Walvis Bay.
If you are coming from Windhoek, you can rent a car, take the bus, or take a tour to explore Spitzkoppe Park.
Here are some tours that go from Swakopmund to Spitzkoppe Park:
How Do I Get to Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia from Swakopmund?
There are two roads that lead to Spitzkoppe Park, one to the west gate, and one to the east gate.
We took the road from Hentiesbaii to get there (D1918) because we stopped at Cape Cross to see the sea lions. Then leaving we took the road (B2) from the east entrance to go straight back to Swakopmund.
Driving to Spitzkoppe Park from Hentiesbaii
Visiting Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia: What to Expect & Things to Do
Spitzkoppe Park is a simply stunning area, and it has some really unique rock formations. We were drawn to it by some of the incredible pictures we saw taken here! So we're going to share exactly what to expect, and the things to see while there.
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Entering Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia
There are two entrances for Spitzkoppe, and despite the confusion from Google Maps, we're going to clarify the best way to visit Spitzkoppe Park.
The west entrance is the one that you can take from Hentiesbaii via highway D1918. You'll drive this road for 88 km, which should take around an hour. Then you'll turn left on D1925 and in around 15 minutes you'll arrive at the West entrance of Spizkoppe Park.
The East entrance is the one you'll enter if you're driving from Swakopmund, via route B2. You'll drive east for 120 km, which should take a bit over an hour, and then turn left on D1918 for 29 km before making a right onto D3716. After 12 km take a left onto D1925, and you'll reach the East entrance of Spitzkoppe Park.
Arriving at Spitzkoppe Park
As soon as you enter Spitzkoppe park, you'll be given a slip and have to go to the reception to pay for your ticket. If you are staying the night, you will be expected to provide a campsite you'll be staying at.
We actually arrived right before they were closing, and just stayed in our van. We didn't actually use the camping facilities, and paid in the morning for our entrance, although we technically were supposed to be at a campsite.
Inside the office you'll be able to get a map, drinks, use the ATM, and you can use the bathroom across the road.
Things to Do at Spitzkoppe Park, Namibia
When we first arrived, it seemed overwhleming! You'll be greeted with various unique orange rock formations, a bunch of small side roads, and little signage. There actually are just a few areas to visit though, and it's not as confusing as it may seem by the map you'll recieve.
The Bridge at Spitkoppe Park
The bridge is the absolutely highlight of Spitzkoppe park, and is the most photographed part of the area.
Some call it the "bridge" and others call it the "rock arch". While they are two separate places on the map, don't let this confuse you to thinking that these are different places.
Actually, don't follow Google Maps at all! You'll be able to reach here by following the small road on the left after the West entrance (or on the right, right before exiting).
There is a parking lot right next to the bridge, and you can get there in just a few minutes by climbing the rocks. We loved this spot so much that we went for sunset, at night for astrophotography, and in the morning a bit after the sunrise.
We visited the rock arch for sunset, at night, and in the early morning.
Make sure to also spend some time exploring the area, as there are some excellent viewpoints, and unique landscapes surrounding the area to take advantage of.
There are some other beautiful landscapes around the arch.
The Rock Paintings of Spitzkoppe Park
The second main highlight of Spitzkoppe Park is the rock paintings, which are in two different areas, and can only be visited with a guide. The first set of rock paintings is located at Small Bushman's Paradise and Golden Snake Fossil.
In order to visit these sites, you'll have to drive to Small Bushman's Paradise, and there you'll hire a guide to take you. Payment is simply upon a tipping basis, so you can decide the amount you'd like to give after the experience.
The Cultural Village in Spitzkoppe Park
Unfortunately the cultural village was not open when we showed up, and we simply only saw one topless village woman roaming around the area.
If you'd like to experience the culture of this unique village, there is a camp site here for just 120 Namibian dollars/person, as well as a show with traditional dances at 6:30 pm daily.
The Other Rock Formations at Spitkoppe Park in Namibia
Aside from the main attractions, make sure to leave some time to enjoy the natural beauty of Spitzkoppe Park! There are so many incredible rock formations, and you can simply spend hours roaming around and photographing the stunning display that nature has provided here.
The Shops Inside Spitkoppe Park
In between the East entrance and the main road to Spitzkoppe Village you'll notice that woman and their small children are lined up with their kiosks along the road selling wind chimes, stones, and other small souvenirs.
Stopping to make a little purchase is a nice way to support the locals and their families, and even if you don't want to buy anything you can show your appreciation with some snacks or water for the kids.
There are a lot of locals selling handmade souvenirs along the road.
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Amenities at Spitzkoppe Park in Namibia
Now that you know the highlights of Spitkoppe Park in Namibia, we're going to go over the amenities you can find on the premises. This way, you can fully prepare before your visit.
🏧 ATM
While the reception and restaurant accept credit card, guides and local vendors only accept cash. Due to poor service, you may also have to pay for admission in cash as the machine doesn't always work.
If you do need cash, there is an ATM right inside the reception.
🚽 Bathrooms
There are bathooms scattered all around the park. They have normal toilets in small shacks. You'll need to have your own toilet paper, and also perhaps bring your own hand sanitizer and soap to most of them.
The only equipped toilets we visited were those at the main receptiona area, as well as the restaurant on site.