Naukluft Mountains
The Naukluft Mountains are in a section of the Namib-Naukluft
Park that is often neglected by tourists. Most people head directly
for the dunes at Sossusvlei, ignoring the spectacular hiking offered
by these majestic mountains. The Naukluft Mountains rise from
the desert scrub, their stony slopes covered in rocky scree. The
vegetation is sparse, consisting mainly of low growing shrubs
and trees. Yet this harsh mountain environment is home to a surprising
abundance of wildlife and it is a delight to stumble across the
path of the nimble klipspringer, the clumsy kudu, or the elusive
mountain zebra.
The Naukluft Mountains park facilities are excellent and the
campground is situated in a beautiful canyon, near a stream, with
trees towering all around. Even in this harsh environment the
trees are usually green, nourished by the waters of the stream.
Baboons abound in the canyon, and one often hears their shouts
echoing off the walls of the canyon. As there is plenty of forage
for them, the baboons are rarely a hassle and it is one of the
few places where you may actually welcome their annoying company.
The hiking in the canyon and on the mountain ridges is outstanding, and is worthy of extensive exploration. The quaint campsite, nestled
in amongst the walls of the canyon will not disappoint you.
Practical Information:
The Naukluft Mountains are an easy drive from Windhoek. See the Namib-Naukluft
Park section for details. The price for camping should be
around $8 US/site of up to two vehicles and eight people. You
can purchase firewood at the park office and there are toilet
and shower facilities. There are a number of different hiking
trails for the visior, ranging from two different day hikes to
longer four and eight day hikes. There is also a 4x4 trail for
thoses who wish to let their vehicles do all of the work.
Overland Explorers Suggested Itinerary:
To coincide with our recommendations on a longer visit to the
Namib-Naukluft Park, we suggest that you take advantage of the
shorter hikes offered in the Naukluft Mountains. If you arrive
in the afternoon, you will not have the time to hike one of the
marked trails. However, the hills around the camp, while steep, are covered with sparse vegetation. It is possible to climb the
hills around the campsite, and if you climb out of the valley
in the late evening or early morning, the colors cast by the low
sun are spectacular.
Overland Explorers suggests that you arise early to view the
sunrise over the desert. The air will be chilly, but feels exquisite
on the skin. Climb into the hills to the west of the campsite
if you are able. The early morning sun splashed across the desert
is stunning. If you reach the crest of the mountain you will be
greeted to a panoramic view of the plains and valleys beyond.
It is breathtaking and there is a good chance you will encounter
a variety of wildlife. As the sun begins to warm the air, skirt
the hills and meet up with the trail that runs along the Naukluft
River. Here you will follow a small streambed and find crystal
clear pools inviting you to plunge in for a swim. You may even
find leopard footprints in the mud from the night before. The
hiking opportunities are endless. Enjoy and explore!