Spitzkoppe

The Spitzkoppe, often called the “Matterhorn of Namibia”, is not only an iconic granite mountain but also home to several remarkable rock engraving sites created by early San hunter-gatherers. Scattered around the granite domes and hidden in shallow shelters, these engravings represent one of the most significant concentrations of Stone Age art in the central Namib. Although fewer in number than the paintings of the Erongo Mountains, the Spitzkoppe engravings are valued for their clarity, age, and dramatic setting.

The engraving sites are located within the Spitzkoppe National Heritage Park, between Usakos and Henties Bay. Visitors enter the park through the gates and follow tracks that lead toward the smaller granite outcrops east of the main peak. Access to the engravings is guided and controlled to protect the fragile surfaces. Most sites are reached by short walks over sandy and rocky terrain, suitable for reasonably fit visitors.

The engravings are pecked or incised into darkened granite surfaces and include:

• Antelope and giraffe
• Zebra and rhinoceros
• A variety of small animals and track marks
• Abstract lines and circles, possibly representing ritual symbolism

The delicate patina over many images suggests great antiquity. As in other parts of Namibia, the engravings are attributed to San hunter-gatherers who inhabited the region thousands of years ago. Some panels show superimposition or reworking, indicating repeated use of the site over extended periods.

The most visited site is the Small Bushman Paradise (not to be confused with the painted “Bushman Paradise”). Here, visitors can see:

• Clear animal figures carved into smooth granite faces
• Human footprints and possible hunting scenes
• A number of “spoor engravings,” representing animal tracks rather than full body outlines

Other, smaller sites at the base of surrounding boulders contain additional engravings, often accompanied by natural rock shelters that may have once served as temporary campsites or ritual spaces.

The engravings are generally well preserved thanks to the hard granite and dry climate. However, some surfaces have suffered erosion or damage from past visitor interference. To ensure preservation, guided access is mandatory, and certain panels are viewable only from a short distance.

Visitors can explore the engravings with a local guide from Spitzkoppe National Heritage Park, who provides cultural background and ensures the sites remain protected. The walks are short but involve stepping over rocks, so sturdy shoes and water are recommended. The dramatic scenery of the Spitzkoppe enhances the experience, with sunrise or late afternoon offering the best light for viewing the engravings.