Crag features

Sometimes referred to as 'The Matterhorn of Africa', The Spitzkoppe (sharp head) is one of Namibia's most well-known landmarks. It is a massive plutonic granite inselberg rising high above the Namib Desert. It is one of only three inselbergs in Southern Africa and features both trad and sport climbing. The Spitzkoppe is to the west of the neighbouring Pondok Spitz.

There are single and multi-pitch routes, characterised by friction slabs and cracks on generally excellent quality granite in a very spectacular setting. Approaches range from virtually roadside to several hours. Both trad and bolted climbs exist. Some of the bolted routes have closely spaced bolts typical of sport climbs elsewhere and these tend to be the single pitch routes. Many of the multipitch bolted routes however are sportingly bolted, with long runouts and high first bolts making for some spicy climbing.

The latest definitive guidebook may be available to purchase (relatively locally) in Swakopmund, (a surreal place which is well worth visiting in its own right). Grades are South African.

Needless to say perhaps, but climbing is only feasible here during the winter months as otherwise it gets, er, a bit 'warm'.

The whole area is run by a women's co-operative who maintain basic campsites amongst the rocks. There is no water availability and it must be carried in. Neither is there the means to buy provisions locally.

Extremely useful information here: http://chossclimbers.com/testing/namibia/spitzkoppe/

See also: http://www.climbing.co.za/wiki/Spitzkoppe_%26_Pontoks