Climb Namibia

Granite in the Desert

Namibia offers one of the most distinctive climbing landscapes in Africa — vast desert plains punctuated by isolated granite domes and hidden river valleys. Most major crags lie on the central plateau between the Namib and Kalahari deserts, making it possible to link several areas into a single trip while camping under spectacular night skies.

Winter, from May to September, is prime season: dry weather, cool mornings, and perfect friction on sun-warmed slabs. Expect big horizons, wildlife encounters, and an experience that feels far removed from crowded European or North American climbing destinations.

"You will be outdoors virtually the whole time, it is a great destination for nature lovers"

— The Crag Journal

Climb Namibia Festival

Rising dramatically from flat desert sands, Spitzkoppe is the country's most famous climbing area, known for its golden slabs, sharp summits, and long, adventurous routes. The Namibia Climbing Festival takes place here over 9 days in May.

Camping, Community, and Festival Life

Camping is central to the Namibian climbing experience, and Spitzkoppe delivers it in style: isolated pitches, fire pits, star-filled skies, and desert silence broken only by wind through granite towers. Facilities at the rest camp make long stays comfortable while preserving a wild, remote feel. Showers, running water and toilets are available. Bring a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

Camping gear can also be rented for those not able to bring their own camping gear. Tent, stretcher, mattress and bedding - email richard@climbnamibia.org to organize this, all rental equipment must be booked before May 2nd, 2026.

What to Expect on the Rock

Spitzkoppe's coarse granite and run-out slabs demand composure and careful footwork. Bolting is often spaced, the climbing highly technical, and route character varies significantly by sector. Some walls offering excellent compact stone, others requiring a more adventurous mindset.

There will be a trad workshop and woman-only climbing clinics, both hosted by professional international climbers. A mountain rescue workshop, film nights, community project and other activities are planned to keep everyone busy.

Seasons and Weather in Namibia

May in Namibia is the beginning of our winter months so evenings can get chilly. The average low/high temperature is 9/29°C (48/85°F). The nights can be cold, so we recommend bringing a good sleeping bag as well as a warm jacket. The afternoons will be hot and the sun is strong, so bring sun protection, like a light long-sleeve sun shirt, wide-brim hat and sunscreen.

Festival Tickets

Early-bird special event price N$6240, applies if booked before April 10th, 2026. Standard price N$7000. 10% discount for MSCA members (only when paid via EFT before April 10th). Festival ticket includes all meals, camping and the event t-shirt.

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What to Bring

We recommend bringing a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. Camping gear can also be rented for those not able to bring their own camping gear. A headlamp is also recommended. Bring your climbing gear, including a helmet, harness, rope, quickdraws and a belay device. A 60m rope is recommended, as many of the climbs are long and/or multipitch. A trad rack is also a great idea.

Transportation

You can contact one of these two companies to organize transport from Windhoek to the turn off of Spitzkoppe, this needs to be pre-booked by the company you choose to work with.

Mc Clunes Shuttle - http://www.mcclunes.com
Namibia 2go shuttle - https://go2.na

There will be a shuttle to transfer you from the tar road to the festival itself on May 22nd and drop off on May 31st (shuttle cost N$100pp) if you need transport on any other day, you need to email richard@climbnamibia.org before May 10th, 2026.

For those interested in renting a vehicle in Namibia so you can do a safari self drive before or after the festival, contact info@climbnamibia.org our team will help you find the best deals & can also suggest the best locations for you to see incredible wildlife, visit some of the iconic areas around Namibia and suggest more adventure activities to make this an unforgettable experience.

Book Transport

Climbing Guidebook

The most current resource for climbing in Namibia is Namibian Rock by Tony Lourens, released in 2025. It updates the long-standing 2010 guide and includes modern topos, access notes, and expanded coverage of key areas such as Spitzkoppe, the Pontoks, Erongo, and Omandumba; making it the best single reference for festival visitors planning days on the rock.

The guidebook can be bought locally in Namibia for N$400, email info@climbnamibia.org to purchase a hard copy for the festival. Otherwise it's available online through specialist climbing retailers such as Climb-Europe and from outdoor shops in southern Africa. Many climbers also cross-reference it with theCrag and the Namibia Mountain Club website for the latest route information and local updates before arriving.

You can also pre-book your copy of Spitzkoppe guide book for N$450 to be collected at the festival – for pre-bookings email info@climbnamibia.org.

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After the Festival

Chase Namibia's Waves
7-day Surf Camp, May 30th - June 6th

One more week. A whole new playground. Extend your adventure after the Climb Namibia Festival with a special-edition surf camp at Salty Jackal Surf Camp.

Enjoy a full week of fun, uncrowded waves suited to all surf levels, expert coaching, and a relaxed, social atmosphere with fellow climbers. Surfers are grouped by ability so that beginners learn supportive fundamentals while experienced riders chase different waves and refine technique with ISA-qualified instructors.

Surfing in Namibia is uniquely wild: dramatic desert seascapes and wild jackals roam the beaches while lineups remain refreshingly uncrowded. The consistent waves around Swakopmund offer ideal conditions to progress, explore, and experience an unforgettable climb-and-surf adventure.

This is the perfect way to unwind, learn to surf (or level up), and explore more of the coastal Namib Desert area. For bookings follow the link provided in the info pack.

Info & Bookings

Join Us in the Desert

World-class granite and desert sunsets are waiting for you

What's included:

9 nights camping fees at Spitzkoppe, with showers & toilets
Access to world class climbing routes
All meals starting with dinner day 1 ending with breakfast day 10
Workshops presented by professional climbers
GPX maps for easy access on approach of different big wall routes
Sundowner drinks on a set evening
Event t-shirt with welcome goody bag

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With the support of

Thank you to the companies and individuals that help make this project possible.