Travelling east from the coast at Henties Bay, one will encounter a mass of granite suddenly appearing from the plains, this is Namibias highest mountain, named Brandberg, or Burnt Mountain, it stands at some 2573 metres above sea level, and is known in the local Damara language as Daureb.
Situated some 450 kilometres from Namibias capital city, Windhoek, and a few kilometres from the small community of Uis, and having a major concentration of Bushman paintings the most famous of which is “The White Lady”, the Brandberg area offers much to people who really want to “get away from it all”, and a hike to the top of the Brandberg is a great addition to your Namibian safari itinerary.
Konigstein, which is the highest point, can be ascended and descended in 2 days, but that would be pushing the limits with experienced climbers. A more comfortable pace would be to allow 3 or more days there and back. With water being the necessity to life that it is, it is necessary for a heavy pack, that contains at least 7 litres.
The base of the Hungorob Gorge is the starting point and is at 700 metres above sea level. With millions of rocks forming the landscape, the little piles of rocks that mark this route are not what you would call blindingly obvious, but an experienced guide, will know the rocks. Initially following the winding Messum River, this easy section will not last for long.
The first day, you should aim to reach the stone circle plateau. I call it a plateau, but it is just the first bit of flat ground that is available after all the climbing. Close to this piece of flat ground is another very important feature, Springbuck Fountain. This fountain is so named due to the beautiful Bushmen paintings of Springbuck in the area. It is a strong fountain with plenty of good drinking water. When in the Brandberg, fill up all your bottles whenever there is water available.
After a stiff climb and following some contours the next morning, another fountain will present itself. This is known as Bushmens Fountain, and you should be here at around 12 noon, so it is a good spot for lunch with its large granite boulders providing some much sought after shade. After lunch is the most strenuous part of the trip, and almost every step will get you higher up the mountain. Just before the Branderg plateau is encountered, there is a smooth granite rock to negotiate, but the angle is shallow enough to make it a fairly easy climb.
Although named the plateau, it is more a collection of valleys and rolling hills. A waterfall is the next point to head for, although like many water courses in Namibia, water is not always present. Some magnificent Bushman paintings are to be found around here, and it is important that these are preserved and not damaged or interfered with in any way. The archaeology department of Namibia is working on these site, trying to learn more bout these ancient people. Take only photographs and leave only footprints. Once on top of the waterfall, following another dry river bed, the most beautiful of all Bushman paintings on the Brandberg is to be found. Snake rock is truly a work of art, and the ancient Bushmen really knew what they were doing when they painted this rock face. Near to here is a good spot for the nights camp, where there is a fantasic view down the Hungorob Gorge, and on a clear night, some 90 kilometers away, can be seen the light of Henties Bay on the Atlantic coast.
The next day is time for the final section to get to the summit. With all camping gear left in camp, you feel much lighter when tackling this tough section, carrying only a few snacks and some water. After following a few valleys, you will reach Konigstein, and when reaching the top, you will be presented with marvellous panoramic views and photographic opportunities from the highest point in Namibia. The opportunity is now available to “phone a friend” due to the availability of cell phone reception via the small nearby town of Uis. Spitzkoppe can be seen in the distance, also known as the Matterhorn of Namibia, but that’s another story.
Sometimes, the descent can be more strenuous than the climb up. A very different set of muscles are in use than were during the climb up. Collecting the gear from last nights camp, the objective should be to reach the first nights camp at the stone circle. You should make this at around five in the afternoon, all being well.
You should be able to get to your original departure point at around ten the next morning, this gives ample time to reach your next destination during your Namibian safari, whether headed inland, to the coast, North or South. As long as common sense is used, good planning and sufficient supplies are taken, this should be a safe and enjoyable hike.
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