Namibia Brandberg Rock Art Trek

Brandberg Massif, Namibia · Namibia

Challenging7 daysAfrica~£800 est.

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Overview

The Brandberg is a granite blister on the Namib gravel plains - Namibia's highest mountain at 2,573m, rising sheer and alone, its rock glowing furnace-red at sunset (the name means 'fire mountain'). The classic walk climbs the Tsisab Ravine with a compulsory local guide to the White Lady: a delicate figure painted by San artists some 2,000 years ago, centrepiece of one of the richest rock-art mountains on earth, with thousands of paintings hidden through its ravines. Reaching the Konigstein summit itself is a serious two-to-three-day undertaking - waterless, trackless granite that demands a permit, a specialist guide and heavy water carries. Pair it with Spitzkoppe, the 'Matterhorn of Africa', a day south: granite domes and arches made for scrambling and some of the darkest night skies anywhere. Heat is the variable that dictates everything - hike at first light, carry more water than seems rational, and come between April and September; summer on the rock is dangerous. Watch for desert-adapted elephant along the Ugab riverbed on the drive in. Around £800 covers a week with guides, permits, camping and a hire 4x4 from Swakopmund.