Rock climbing in Namibia

Namibia, renowned for its breathtaking vistas, can offer even more extraordinary views from the knife-edge of a mountain. 

Here are some options. 

Rising abruptly above the Namib plains, the Spitzkoppe is Namibia’s top rock-climbing destination. Since the first successful ascent in 1946, there have been more than 600 ascents to the 1 728 m-high summit. There are several sport-climbing routes that have been secured with bolts. Some 44 sport-climbing routes, ranging from South African grades 10 to 27, have been opened in the Spitzkoppe area. Contact Spitzkoppe Reservations or contact Nico at nico@scarab.com.na

The Erongo Mountains also offer excellent rock-climbing challenges, such as Omandumba in the western Erongos, offering 30 traditional routes, up to the SA grade 20, as well as 20 sport-climbing routes, ranging from SA grades 16 to 23.

A selection of climbing routes is available at Aussenkehr in the south, about 50 km west of the Noordoewer border crossing. With high summer temperatures, climbing is best done between April and September.