The Namibian Climbing Safari.

North-West of Windhoek, on the edge of the ancient Namib Desert, towering above the plains, are the Spitskoppe, Erongo and Brandberg massifs.

After some time spent sport climbing in Boulder Valley, on the Klipdachswand, and on the Sugarloaf, we can summit the Grosse Spitskoppe via The Normal Route, a classic mountaineering excursion. We follow, literally, the footsteps of the first ascentionists, marvelling at their audacity way back in 1946.

East of Spitskoppe lie the Erongo Mountains.This ancient volcano offers great climbing in an area abounding in wildlife and centuries old rock art and artefacts. A choice of three areas, each quite different in character, and offering different accommodation options, provides some of the finest quality granite climbing in Namibia.

The Brandberg, the site of Namibia's highest peak, is a treasurehouse of rock art, and provides fantastic hiking in a dry and unforgiving environment. The effort is well rewarded though as the upper Brandberg is a stunning area with little surprises around every corner. For the rock climber, the imposing Orabeskopf throws out a challenge ...

In addition to the above mentioned areas, there are the quartzite routes at Etusis Lodge and on Otjipatera, the sport climbing at Harmony and on Falconstein, rumours of walls near Naukluft and up near Sesfontein, the magnificent Waterberg, and a clutch of other seldom visited crags.

The enormous diversity in Namibia allows us to combine the climbing with visits to the renowned Etosha Pan game reserve, or perhaps to visit Sossus Vlei where we can float in a balloon over the desert, or hike to the elusive White Mountain. Perhaps a venture into the Kaokoveld in search of the desert dwelling elephant and black rhino. Maybe a fly-in safari to the Skeleton Coast to experience some of the most awesome landscapes on the planet. Then there is still the Kavango and Caprivi regions, teeming with wildlife ...

Other activities which can be enjoyed while fingertips are recovering are : white water rafting on the magnificent Kunene River, where the Himba still lead a very tradional exostence; quad-biking or sandboarding in the Namib dunes; sea kayaking in search of dolphins; caving; angling; and many other rest day options.