ESC0001 - *Erongo Mountains, Spitzkoppe & Coast - 9 Days / 8 Nights

Our front Desk, will help Guests plan their activities in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation

• Sundowner / Nature drives

• Guided half-day nature excursion to the most interesting landscape of the farm, characterized by spectacular rock formations and fascinating vegetation

• Hikes or walks on well-maintained trails on the farm grounds, through dry river beds and past ancient camelthorn trees

• Bird watching

This afternoon excursion starts with a 20 minutes drive on a game drive car to the staring point of the guided hiking tour and leads to the most interesting landscape of the farm, characterized by spectacular rock formations and fascinating vegetation. The experienced nature guide will explain the geological highlights of the Erongo mountains as well as the special vegetation of the area. The minerals found on the mountain - semi-precious stones like tourmaline and aquamarine are mined here - are just as much a subject as the rock paintings of the Bushmen. With some luck, giraffes, various antelope species or other animals can also be spotted.

On the way back, spectacular views including the sun setting behind the majestic Spitzkoppe mountain and amazing photographic opportunities are waiting. After having a sundowner on a beautiful place, another twenty minutes drive leads back to the lodge.

All hikes may also be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, who is able to provide detailed information with regards to the Fauna and Flora and lead the way to the small miners on the Boulder Forest Hike. Take along your binoculars and camera! Our game is not “tied down”, the diverse landscape offers many different feeding areas, enabling the game to move freely across the vast area. Our 1 – 2 hours or longer hiking trails take you through sandy riverbeds, to ancient camel thorn trees, past bizarre granite structures, over mountainous areas or to old Damara dwellings in the surrounding of the lodge. On the trails you are likely to spot Springbok, Oryx, Red Hartebeest, Baboon and many other, whilst enjoying the spectacular landscape.

The shortest trail is the Damara Trail, commencing from the terrace of the main building. Follow the sign posted route along the dry riverbed to the rocky outcrop. The trail turns right and then offers two options. One option takes you up to the two granite boulders, offering rock climbing possibilities as well as a fantastic panoramic view. The view across the valley at the foot of the Hohenstein is as spectacular as towards the west across the plains with the Spitzkoppe outcrop in the background. The second option takes you into the valley past the old Damara dwellings.

The Kudu Trail takes you further along the foothills of the Kainachab, far north across the farm area offering lovely views across to the lodge and the Hohenstein. The walk takes you to the farm border, up the hills of the Kainachab, then down into the valley crossing interesting dry riverbeds. It then again takes you up gigantic granite plates. Take a break under a shady tree, before this trail joins up with the Panorama Trail.

The slightly longer Panorama Trail offers you views across the most beautiful areas of the surrounding. From the lodge terrace the route leads along the broad dry riverbed in a northerly direction to the granite boulders. Follow the route further north. Spectacular vistas vary from views across to the Hohenstein and over past plains, where you may spot Springbok or other antelope. The diverse landscape is evident from big trees growing in the riverbeds to rocky plains with thorny bushes growing amongst soft flowers. Duration approx. 2 – 3 hours.

You are either taken by Land rover to the foot of the mountain or take a walk there. We walk up the gorge to the Boulder Forest. Here you encounter lush vegetation, where tree roots are plaited across the gigantic boulders. You ascend to the base camp of the ’small miners‘ and are offered an insight into the authentic life of the ’small miners‘. Semi-precious stones like tourmaline and aquamarine are mined here. On the decent the spectacular views offer amazing photographic opportunities. Duration approx. 3 – 4 hours.

Guided tours to archaeological sites. The Grosse and Kleine Spitzkoppe mountains are important sites in describing patterns of hunter gatherer settlement and subsistence that occurred in the area until the introduction of livestock during the previous millennium. Evidence is documented at over forty rock-art sites. In addition to their historical significance the cultural and spiritual value of the sites makes the Spitzkoppe an important heritage area for all Namibians.

Horseback Riding

A short horseback ride with a guide. This activity is done from the camp premises. Experience required.
Children to be accompanied with parents. Only 3 Horses available. (Rate 2019) N$ 350.00 per person

The Spitzkoppe/Pontok area is the premier rock climbing destination in Namibia. With over 100 sport- and trad routes to choose from on sculptured rock faces, with burning red sunsets and a breathtaking view into the Namib desert, this magical area has attracted climbers all over the world and yet you still find uncrowded climbing routes and wilderness. Rock climbers please note: Bolting is not permitted without the prior consent of the Mountain Club Namibia.

Our front Desk, will help Guests plan their activities in Swakopmund ensuring they experience and enjoy all on offer in Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and along this exciting and very unique Southern Atlantic coastline and neighbouring Namib Desert. Their sole objective is making sure that every guest's stay is personalised and filled with interesting, exciting, educational and cultural activities and adventures.

It provides:
* Airline Re-confirmations
* Car & Bicycle Hire
* Transfer Arrangements
* Restaurant Reservations
* Shopping Advice & Information
* Personalised Consultation