Brandberg

The Brandberg is Namibia's highest mountain. It is situated in the Erongo region of Namibia.

Get in
About halfway between Hentiesbaai and Khorixas on the C35 lies the small settlement of Uis, the gateway to the Brandberg. Turn westwards onto the D2342 to reach the southern and western Brandberg, or onto the D2359 to reach the location of the White Lady rock painting and eastern Brandberg.

See

 * . Part of, where tin and tungsten were mined.
 * . Part of, where tin and tungsten were mined.

Do

 * There are several off-roading opportunities near the Brandberg:
 * One track leads completely around it. It is scenic, easy to drive and easy to navigate—just stay at the foot of the massif—but don't underestimate the distance. Once around the Brandberg is about 125 km, and at 10-15 km/h... you do the math. Part of the track goes through the Ugab River and might not be passable, as there are many water ponds, but there is always an alternative track outside the river bed. Apart from the Ugab River bed there are no narrow passages, so all-terrain trucks can attempt it, too. You may camp for free along the track, but not in the gorges of the mountain. If you stop to take a hike in the gorges you need a permit, see above.
 * D 2303 This district road leads from the old mine at Brandberg West to Twyfelfontein. Travel by sedan is not possible, even though the northern part of the 75-km track does not look very challenging. There are sandy patches, the Aba Huab River is to be crossed, and closer to the mine the track becomes steep and rocky. GPS is essential, as there are almost no signs and many crossing paths. Medium difficulty. Suitable for trucks.
 * Several other tracks criss-cross the area and lead to the Doros Crater, the Messum Crater, through stretches called Desolation Valley and the Divorce Pass, various fountains, rock formations, and ephemeral rivers. They are all more or less manageable. Expect rocky ascends at rock formations and deep sand in river beds and river crossings.
 * D 2303 This district road leads from the old mine at Brandberg West to Twyfelfontein. Travel by sedan is not possible, even though the northern part of the 75-km track does not look very challenging. There are sandy patches, the Aba Huab River is to be crossed, and closer to the mine the track becomes steep and rocky. GPS is essential, as there are almost no signs and many crossing paths. Medium difficulty. Suitable for trucks.
 * Several other tracks criss-cross the area and lead to the Doros Crater, the Messum Crater, through stretches called Desolation Valley and the Divorce Pass, various fountains, rock formations, and ephemeral rivers. They are all more or less manageable. Expect rocky ascends at rock formations and deep sand in river beds and river crossings.

Buy

 * features a petrol station and a surprisingly well-equipped supermarket. There are no other amenities in the area.
 * All roads around the Brandberg have stalls for semi-precious stones, collected from informal mines in the area. If you want buy anything of value, consider that without a permit you may not export these stones. Custom officials will, however, rarely confiscate minor items bought for a few dollars. By the way, a half-hour walk in the area will give you the opportunity to see quite a few beautiful stones, although, picking them up is illegal.

Eat
There are several eateries, including a restaurant, in Uis. Elsewhere you need to prepare your own food.

Connect
Except in Uis you will not have cell phone connection. Guides to the Brandberg will carry a satellite phone for emergencies, and so should you if you do not hire a guide.

Stay safe
The Ugab riverbed is inhabited by desert elephants. If you are driving through it, remember that the area is theirs, not yours. They certainly know it. Don't drive too close towards a herd of elephants. 10-15 m is close enough for good holiday pictures and will normally not put your party in danger. Otherwise, the younger ones might play with your car, the older ones might get angry, either way your car might end upside down. You'll know that an elephant is angry when it shakes its head. In this case, stay in the car, switch off the engine, and avoid all unnatural noise (cell phone, camera, such things). They will eventually walk away; wait for this to happen instead of trying a daring escape.

The 4x4 tracks in the area are famous but not well-travelled. Some time ago, a tourist couple died of thirst here after a car breakdown, tragically within 5 km of a farm house. If travelling off-road here you must have a Plan B. This can be, ideally a combination of, a good map and GPS, a second party of travellers with their own car, several weeks' supplies of food and water, a satellite phone, clear instructions where you will drive and when people should start looking for you.

Go next

 * Spitzkoppe
 * Omaruru
 * Khorixas
 * Henties Bay