A Complete Guide to the Erongo Region
Written by Nina van Zyl
The Erongo Region in Namibia can easily be described as the gateway to the coast and Damaraland, as well as being dense with popular tourist attractions and hot spots. It’s a large area with lots to see, but don’t worry, we’ve put together everything you need to know about the Erongo Region before you set off on your trip of a lifetime through Namibia.
Location
How to get there
The Erongo Region encompasses a large tract of land stretching inland from the coast up to the southern part of Damaraland and extending down to the Namib-Naukluft. It’s easy to reach the Erongo Region from Windhoek simply by heading west on the B2. Travellers can take gravel roads branching off from the B2 to the Brandberg, Spitskoppe and Twyfelfontein. Along the coast, the roads between Henties Bay, Swakopmund and Walvis Bay are tarred and clearly marked.
Seasonality
As with most of Namibia, the ideal time to visit (weather-wise) is during the autumn and winter (March-September). During these seasons, the desert temperatures are more hospitable and not as scorching as during the summer months (December - February).
However, December along the coast is a cool respite from the hot inland weather and is a popular time at the beach for locals. This is also the time of the year when the Atlantic waters are not as chilly as usual, perfect for water-lovers to take the plunge.
Main Attractions
Brandberg
The Erongo Region is synonymous with Namibia’s coast, but there is a lot more to see than just the Atlantic ocean. Consider the fact that Brandberg, Namibia’s tallest mountain and the home of thousands of rock art sites, is located in the Erongo. The most famous of these, the White Lady, is an ancient rock painting that seemed to depict a white woman among a group of indigenous hunter-gatherers. However, more recently researchers claim that the figure is most likely that of a shaman. There are others though, who still firmly believe that it is a lady of European ancestry, specifically a Viking. Have a look and make your mind up for yourself. The mountain is also a superb challenge for hikers, especially in years with good rainy seasons as these allow drinkable water to be found on the mountain (plus pools to splash around in).
Spitzkoppe
Then there is the Spitzkoppe, a small collection of bouldered mountains in an otherwise flat landscape, where locals and tourists alike enjoy scampering up its heights, leaving it to the professionals to rock-climb to its tallest peaks. You’ll find many informal stalls on the road to Spitzkoppe selling pretty stones and crystals mined from the area. You might be lucky and find one truly stunning smoky quartz - the stone Namibia is known for. The Spitzkoppe is a popular camping spot with comfortable campsites and ablutions, not to mention stunning sunsets to end off the day.
The Erongo Mountains
On the doorstep of Omaruru lies the Erongo Mountains, an ancient volcano that collapsed and formed a large caldera, with a striking red granite ring created after centuries of erosion ate away at the top layers to expose it. While the southern ring of the caldera is inaccessible, a drive from Omaruru to Uis takes you through the northern part of the Erongo Mountains and has pleasant views to wow the weary traveler.
As with the other mountains on this list, the Erongo are also well-known for being the home of many rock paintings. The area must have been a landmark for prehistoric people and frequently visited by them, judging by the number of rock paintings and etchings on its rocky surfaces. Access to these can be arranged with management at any of the guest farms located around and on the mountains.
The Erongo Mountains also happen to be home to a population of black rhinos, which have been conserved and protected by the local community through what is called the Rhino Sanctuary.
Swakopmund and Walvis Bay
You can’t visit the Erongo Region and not see Swakopmund, though. With its quaint German-colonial architecture and sleepy personality, a day is well spent exploring the town on foot. A short drive south brings you to Walvis Bay, where the Walvis Bay Lagoon is famous for its vibrant birdlife. This town is also the departure point for boat trips to see dolphins and more. There’s even talk of whales returning to this ancient breeding site (the town’s name is “whale bay” in Afrikaans). Nearby is the epic Dune 7, which you really should only consider climbing early in the morning. Temperatures can soar, and trudging up the dune’s hot sands is quite a challenge later in the day.
Henties Bay
Further north is Henties Bay, a small settlement perfect for fishing enthusiasts. It is also from here that you’d get your permit at the Tourism Office to enter Dorob National Park.
Dorob National Park
Dorob National Park is truly the first of its kind in Namibia. What makes the park so unique is that it is at once a space in which the public can enjoy a wide range of activities, while at the same time it was created to protect the fragile ecosystem it encompasses. There are no park gates or manned entrances, with only signs to let you know you’ve entered it. Stretching from the Kuiseb River in the south to the Ugab River in the north, the park covers 8.176 km2 and connects the Skeleton Coast and the Namib-Naukluft. Remember that there is no off-road driving allowed within the park - always keep to roads and tracks.
Omaruru
The little town of Omaruru is known as a vibrant artist community, with many art studios and one or two galleries throughout town. Every year, the town attracts many visitors from across the country for its annual Artist Walk, in which the town's resident artists showcase their work to the public. With the Omaruru River snaking through the town (usually dry, except after much-needed rains), there is a plethora of bird life and many species to look out for. Nearby are rock-paintings at Paula Cave and Etemba Cave. On the outskirts of town is the Kristall Kellerei where both brandy and local wines are produced, and is worth a stop to do a tasting.
Erindi Private Game Reserve
About an hour’s drive inland from Omaruru, Erindi is the largest private game reserve in the country and well worth the visit. The 70.719 hectare reserve has many species of animal to be found inside its boundaries, from elephants to African wild dogs, rhinos to hyaenas. There are two camps within the park, the Old Traders Lodge and Camp Elephant. One of the most exciting activities that you would want to take part in is a guided nature walk, in which you truly get up close and personal with all the creatures inside the park.
Activities
As Erongo is a massive area, there’s much to see and do. Of course, you’ll want to spend some time at the coast, especially Swakopmund, Namibia’s activities epicentre. From skyding to quad-biking, sand-boarding to surfing, there is just so much to do in this little town.
Further inland, consider camping under the stars at Spitzkoppe and Brandberg, followed by hikes around the area, exploring the massive geological formations and the fascinating rock art the area is known for. We can also recommend a spot of bird watching at Spitzkoppe, where you have the chance to see the near-endemic Herero Chat between the boulders.
Running close to the Brandberg is the Ugab River, which has a large population of free-roaming rhinos in the area and is an interesting place to explore on a self-drive.
There’s also the ancient landscape around the Messum Crater, a massive formation in the desert that can be visited on a self-drive into the desert.
All along the coast of the Dorob National Park is fantastic fishing, and you’ll see many road signs marking well-loved fishing “holes” where you can pull out galjoen and steenbras.
Crystals, gems and semi-precious stones
Namibia’s crystals and gemstones are well known the world. These stunning stones are mined in the Erongo Region around the Brandberg, Spitzkoppe and Erongo Mountains.
And while large, valuable specimens may be sent to markets overseas, often smaller but no less pretty crystals are sold in the simple stalls that dot the gravel road to Spitzkoppe or in the markets and shops in Swakopmund.
For real crystal-enthusiasts, it’s a must-visit to the Crystal Gallery in Swakopmund, where you can see the world’s largest crystal, found and extracted in Namibia.
Nearby
Very close to the southern border of the Erongo Region is the tiny settlement of Solitaire, famous for its apple pie as well as being the jumping-off point for excursions into Sossusvlei.
Up north, it’s less than a day’s drive from Henties Bay into the Skeleton Coast National Park, where you can be sure to see a few shipwrecks littering the beach. The Erongo Region also serves as the entry point for Damaraland, which includes the previously mentioned Brandberg, a hotspot for animal sightings.
The Erongo Region makes up the southern part of Damaraland, an area famous for its vast wilderness and unspoilt landscapes. Travel north of the Brandberg into the heart of rhino country and explore the famous Twyfelfontein, site of thousands of pieces of rock art.
Wildlife & Safari
Forming part of southern Damaraland and encompassing the desert ecosystem of the Namib Naukluft National Park, you can be sure that there is a wide variety of animals in the Erongo Region. You might spot kudu and springbok around the B2 road and close to the Spitzkoppe and Erongo Mountains. Leopards also frequent these mountains, but are more elusive and difficult to see. Around the Spitzkoppe is the near-endemic bird, the Herero Chat, a must-see for birders.
From Swakopmund, venturing into the desert may yield sightings of desert chameleons, lizards, snakes and small tok-tokkies (a species of beetle) and the only truly endemic bird to Namibia, the Dune Lark. A boat trip from Walvis Bay’s harbour is a great way to spend the day with seals, dolphins and pelicans.
The most overwhelming animal sight in the area is the Cape fur seal at Cape Cross Seal Colony. There are over 200.000 seals here! As a visitor, you can view them from the walkway that spans along the beach while also absorbing the thundering waves and orange sands that make up the backdrop.
Accommodation
Basic
Spitzkoppe Campsite
Explore the stunning mountain-scape that is the Spitzkoppe just a few meters from your campsite. The Spitzkoppe campsites are spaced far enough apart to give each visitor the sense of complete privacy and isolation. Climbs up the rocks at dusk offer spectacular views over the surroundings.
With care and concern for the environment in mind, Kramersdorf Guesthouse prides itself on being energy efficient through its use of solar geysers and its attention to detail: recycling, composting and the minimum use of plastics throughout. Not only that, but the guesthouse supports local communities by offering Namibian products whenever it can. With a background in hospitality internationally, owner Robert Becker’s passion is clear throughout the establishment.
With a variety of accommodation options to choose from, including camping, tents, rooms and self-catering units, the Brandberg Rest Camp ticks all the boxes. With such a great location - close to the Brandberg Mountain and on the doorstep of Damaraland - it would be easy to spend some time here enjoying the sights.
Mid-level
Hohenstein Lodge
At the foot of the Erongo Mountain’s highest peak lies Hohenstein Lodge. With spectacular views of the mountain - especially at sunset, when it becomes bathed in red - as well as Spitzkoppe in the distance, the lodge is the perfect starting point for excursions into the region. The nine en-suite chalets have everything to make a stay memorable.
Nestled in the heart of the Etusis Marble Mountains, Etusis Lodge is located on a 22.000 hectare sanctuary of untouched African Wilderness. The lodge was built according to sustainability concepts and offers guests options from campsites to the ultra exclusive Waterfall Suite. Guests can hike into the surrounding mountains or explore the environment on horseback.
Set against the dramatic backdrop that is the Erongo Mountain range, Ai-Aiba Lodge is immersed in the ancient history of the surroundings. Guests to the lodge have the opportunity of exploring the environment and visiting the extraordinary rock-art to be found with guided walks, game drives and even mountain bikes. The 10 African-inspired chalets offer the perfect reprieve after an exciting day to rest and relax.
Fancy
15 tasteful and stylish chalets beautifully furnished and settled a comfortable distance from each other. Each chalet is en-suite and has its own private deck from which to view the ancient Spitzkoppe a short distance away. Spitzkoppen Lodge only accommodates 30 guests at a time and was built to sensitively exist in this fragile ecosystem.
The Strand Hotel was completely renovated a couple of years ago, and the hotel now has a fresh look coupled with timeless elegance and atmosphere. Located right on the ocean on the popular Mole Beach, the Strand Hotel also features three of only a few restaurants in Swakopmund with a sea view. In addition, guests can enjoy the exclusive Welwitschia lounge, work off some sweat at the in-house gym or relax at the hotel spa.
Located on the solitary Pelican Point peninsula, Pelican Point Lodge is nestled on a stretch of land jutting out into the ocean, with the Walvis Bay Lagoon on one side and the Atlantic on the other. Excursions into the surroundings include guided drives to visit the seal colony. When the day comes to an end, the best spot is at the lodge, with the beam from the lighthouse flashing across the waters, immersed in the desolation.
How to include the Erongo Region in your Namibia adventure
The Erongo Region is definitely a worthy addition to your Namibian adventure! Start your journey by having a look at these trips that include the Erongo Region:
1. The Namibian Starter Pack
Meet desert-adapted wildlife including elephants and lions roaming around freely in Etosha. Then, learn about ancient rock engravings before feasting on the cherry on top - epic sand dunes in Sossusvlei.
2. Dunes & Deserts in 10 days
After crossing from the Kalahari to the Namib Desert, the iconic sand dunes in Sossusvlei will be awaiting you. Enjoy a beachside break at Swakopmund before continuing to the Erongo mountains for more picturesque views.
3. Wanderer’s Namibian Bucket List
Begin your journey with an exciting game drive observing Etosha’s wildlife. After a stop at rocky Damaraland and world-famous Sossusvlei, end your adventure at the Kalahari Desert for a chance to meet more wild animals.
Insider Tips
Remember that the desert gets very cold at night, especially during winter, so pack your jacket and beanie.
Always take a hat when you go for a walk, even if you plan on only being away a short while.
Have a bottle of water at hand when you go on an excursion and more stashed in your car.
With so much to see and do in the Erongo Region, there’s no time to waste. Ready for your journey of a lifetime? Head over to our website.