By using logical search terms you can find
all the info you
want here: accommodation, immigration and visa info, maps, tour companies,
self drive and all the info you need for planning your visit to Namibia
|
|
There are presently over 5,000 Namibia
registered Business listed in the Namibia-1on1 Directory
Services
|
|
|
Spitzkoppe and the Pontok Mountains
Impressive granite structure having dramatic
surrealistic rock formations. A must see.
|
|
|
|
|
Early morning summer clouds over
the Gross Spitzkoppe and Pontok Mountains
About
25km west of Usakos traveling on the B2 road to
Swakopmund you will see
the Spitzkoppe rising an impressive 1728 m above the
surrounding gravel plains. Most
self drive tourists are unaware of the attractions of the
Spitzkoppe area and speed right past. You need to budget at least 4hrs with a planned overnight camp being the ideal, as the best times for photographs are
following sunrise and just before sunset in the summer months when the
sun is well on the south side of the rock formation. The rocks reflect
deep reds with sharp contrasting shadows. The formation of Spitzkoppe happened about 130 million years ago during a time when the ancient
continent of
Gondwana
was separating to form the continents of Africa and South America. Many areas of Namibia experienced volcanic
activity and it is at this time that the intrusion of magma to
become known as the Damaraland Rock Complex thrust its way upwards
through the older Damara Sequence that had formed between 760 to 460
million year ago. At the time of the magma intrusion and cooling
within the surrounding rock, the peak of the Spitzkoppe would have
been below the then ground-surface-level. The ongoing erosion
of 130 million years have reduced the level of the surrounding, and
softer rocks to present day ground levels. This process is called Inselberg formation and the Spitzkoppe area has many of
these worn into interesting shaped rock forms.
Sapling rooted in cracks |
Whale ashore? |
Rock Finger |
Fingers or toes? |
in the midst of all of this apparently
harsh and strange world you will find an abundance of life forms that have
adapted. You will find places where trees grow seemingly defiant out from
the thin cracks in the rock faces. their fine root systems penetrating deep
into the rock fissures where they collect moisture.
|
Erongo Region
21º 49'S
- 15º11'E
|
Rock bridge |
And next ? |
A Perfect Picture frame |
There is a secluded area nestled
about one hundred meters up on the eastern end of the Pontok Mountains
known as 'The Bushman's Paradise'. There are lengths of chain fixed to
the sloping rock face to assist climbers while making their way up the
smooth granite surface. The view from the top across the desert plains
is reward enough, but if you're lucky and your visit coincides with the
rainy season you will be treated to an understanding of why this place
is named so. You'll see mini waterfalls and pools
which are such a luxury in a rocky desert. Trees and flowers
bloom and the wildlife will have some respite from the heat and
drought, and you climbed and saw
it all. Sadly many of the Bushmen paintings in this area have been vandalized. The
below selection are from what is referred to as 'The Small
Bushmen's Paradise' which is easy to access and is to the north
of the Pontok Mountains by the Spitzkoppe. It's well signed and
the rock overhang allows for an amount of shade allowing for
good photographs.
Spitzkoppe from rear |
After the rains |
Hunting ? |
Rhino |
Camp Site |
Third
Rock from the Sun? The local Damara Community manage the site. For a reasonable fee you can camp over night at designated areas amongst the
rocks. It's quiet and remote and as you sit down and watch the setting sun
light-up the rocks, you'll know that you really are on the 'third rock
from the sun'.
Acknowledgements and further reading: G1, H12, P1
Spitzkoppe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Namibia-1on1... get to know us and
you'll get to know Namibia. See Our Complete Information and Directory
Services Below |
|
