'Naukluft Hiking Trail' inspected and rated

120 kilometres long. Up and down. In some places, installed iron chains for climbing or inching your way along narrow rocky ledges. The eight-day 'Naukluft Hiking Trail' is anything but a walk in the park. Inspectors have once again checked trail markers, accommodation, and other key facilities.

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT) announced this on its Facebook page. The eight-day inspection hike was conducted to ensure the safety of hikers from both within the country and abroad. The trail runs through the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park, which has been part of the Namib Naukluft Park since 1979.

According to MEFT, the inspection covered trail markers, iron chains on steep sections and overnight shelters. Regular inspection of the chains is particularly important, as hikers rely on them during challenging stretches. Prime example is the 'Tufa chain'.

The team inspected all seven overnight stops: Putte, Ubusis, Adlerhorst, Tsams-Ost, Die Valle, Tufa, and Kapok-Vlakte. All sites were found to be clean and in good condition, including the toilets, water reservoirs and pipes.

One of the seven overnight stops on the 120 km-long 'Naukluft Hiking Trail' in the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park (Namib Naukluft Park). Photo: Facebook post by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).

Most of the roofs had recently been repaired or replaced. The MEFT plans further maintenance work once access roads have been improved. There are also plans to replace some benches with railway sleepers, which better withstand sun, rain, and wind.

Naukluft Hike: Options for eight, seven, and four days

The 'Naukluft Hiking Trail' is considered one of the most challenging hiking trails in Southern Africa. This is not only due to its length of approximately 120 km but also because of the significant changes in elevation encountered on almost every one of the eight stages.

A valley in the Naukluft mountain massif within the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park (Namib Naukluft Park). Photo: Facebook post by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).

Fit hikers can complete the 'Naukluft Hiking Trail' in seven days. Alternatively, there is a four day option. The routes for the first four days are considered moderately difficult, while the remaining stages are more challenging. First-hand accounts and photos can be found in the Facebook group 'I hiked the Naukluft Hiking Trail'.

The 'Naukluft Hiking Trail' is open from March 1 to October 31; it is too hot during the rest of the year. The hike must be booked in advance through the state-run accommodation provider, Namibia Wildlife Resorts (NWR).

However, the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park also offers two shorter hiking trails. The 'Naukluft Waterkloof Trail' is 17 km long and the 'Naukluft Olive Trail' is 10 km long. Both of these hiking trails are open all year round.

A dream for fit, adventure-loving hikers: glimpses of the 120 km-long 'Naukluft Hiking Trail'. It runs through the Naukluft Mountain Zebra Park (part of the Namib-Naukluft Park since 1979) and has now been inspected again by park officials. Photos: Facebook post by the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism (MEFT).