Recently, I found myself in Swakopmund, Namibia, itching to explore the stunning landscapes around me. I had initially hoped to join an organized tour to Spitzkoppe, but with no available options within my budget, I faced a dilemma. The tour prices were shockingly high, and I couldn’t justify the cost for a single day trip.
My next idea was to rent a car. Namibia’s popularity as a tourist destination meant that rental prices were steep. Although the idea of driving a Toyota Hilux 4×4 and spending a few nights under the stars was tempting, I realised that wasn’t quite the focus of my trip. Overwhelmed by the vastness of my African adventure, I decided to tackle this challenge using a lesson from my 10 years in management consultancy: break it down into basics and just get started.
A Simple Plan
Here was the plan:
- Get to Spitzkoppe.
- Explore for the day.
- Return home-all in one day.
Simple enough, right? With no tours available, I opted for hitchhiking. (I can hear my mum telling not to do this as it far too dangerous. even though she did it in her 20s across Europe but as she’d then tell me, the world was different then. i then asked myself ‘is it? – i concluded its not and so I made my way to a service station on the edge of Swakopmund, located on the B2 road heading west toward Spitzkoppe. The first leg of the journey was straightforward, but the real challenge awaited me.
I stuck my thumb out and, to my surprise, within minutes, I was in a car heading 120 kilometers to the Uiba Oasis Crystals Market. From there, I needed another ride for the short distance north to Spitzkoppe. Namibia’s flat and fast roads had me thinking this trip would be a breeze. However, my optimism quickly met reality as I found myself waiting at a crossroads under the blazing sun, with only one other person in sight-a man lingering under a tiny tree about 50 meters away.
Patience and a New Friend
Hours passed with no cars approaching. Remembering the cardinal rule in Africa-do not travel after sunset-I began to worry about being stranded. Desperate for information, I approached the man under the tree and learned he was also hitchhiking, trying to get home. He smiled when I mentioned Spitzkoppe and revealed he could see it from his mum’s house.
We were both heading to the same destination. This university student, visiting his mom for the weekend, shared his wisdom: patience is key. We waited together, and after what felt like an eternity, a pickup truck finally appeared. My new friend signaled the driver and spoke with him before turning to me and saying, “Hop in.”
Though I hesitated, worried about the return trip, I reminded myself of the countless times I’ve found a way out of sticky situations. So, I jumped in, and we drove through the sand-filled desert for the next 40 kilometers, enjoying the company and stories along the way.
Exploring Spitzkoppe
Arriving at Spitzkoppe was worth the wait. Spitzkoppe, often called the “Matterhorn of Africa,” is a striking granite mountain located in the Namib Desert. The name “Spitzkoppe” means “pointed dome” in German, aptly describing this geological marvel formed over 100 million years ago from a volcanic collapse. whats better is we had the entire thing to ourselves.
In Namibia, Spitzkoppe stands as one of the most breathtaking landscapes. The mountain’s sheer granite faces and the surrounding desert create a stunning contrast. Even though my visit was brief, I was captivated by the raw beauty of the place. The sunset painted the landscape in rich, vibrant colors, offering a view that made the entire adventure worthwhile.
While getting back wasn’t exactly easy, as it involved navigating the darkness of the desert, the day was a memorable one. My spontaneous adventure and the kindness of a stranger made the trip to Spitzkoppe an unforgettable experience.
After hours #hitchhiking in to the hot Namibian desert, I found myself between a rock and a hard place.
My choice on this occasion was to welcome it with open arms.
Hello #Spitzk
