Apart from the two shorter day hikes, the Olive and
Waterkloof trails, the Namib-Naukluft Mountains is also home to a much longer
trail. The entire trail covers about 120km and is a circular eight day route.
An option to hike the first half only, i.e. four days, has been incorporated.
The first four days hiking is moderate whilst the last four days are more
difficult. Alternatively, the trail can be completed in seven days by
combining the last two days (days seven and eight). This should however, be
attempted by extremely fit hikers only.
Animals such as kudu and the rare mountain zebra are often seen on the hike,
and although they are elusive, leopard are not uncommon in the Naukluft
Mountains.
On making a reservation, a medical form will be forwarded
for each member of the party. It must be completed by a doctor not earlier
than 40 days prior to the hike and handed to the nature conservator at
Naukluft before commencement of the hike.
Should an emergency arise, the shortest emergency route
must be used to summon help from either the nearest farm or station of
Ministry of Environment and Tourism. The start of the emergency route is
indicated with a yellow cross with an arrow indicating the direction.
Vehicles can be left at the starting point of the trail
near the Naukluft campsite and at Tsams Ost where the four day trail ends.
Hikers booked on the eight day trail may leave a vehicle
with supplies for the last four days at Tsams Ost. Although parking at Tsams
Ost is generally safe, hikers do so at their own risk.
Hikers terminating their trail at Tsams Ost (the end of the
four day hike) must make their own transport arrangements from the ending
point. Eight day hikers can also arrange to leave food here so they do not
need to carry enough food for the entire eight days.
Hikers will not be permitted under any circumstances to
commence the trail at Tsams Ost.
Hiking is only permitted between March 1st and October 31st
because of excessively high summer temperatures.
Groups must consist of a minimum of three people and are
limited to a maximum of twelve.
Fires are not permitted, making it essential to carry a
backpacking stove.
It is an arid county and you must set off with a full water
bottle (preferably 2 litres) at the start of each day's hike and use it
sparingly.
The trail traverses extremely rugged mountainous country
and a good, stout pair of hiking boots is essential.
Hikers are strongly advised to pack warm clothing as winter
temperatures often drop to freezing point.
Poisonous snakes occur in the area, so be on your guard.
Snakes generally attack in self defense only and will normally retreat when
approached. In the event of an unexpected confrontation with a snake you
should retreat slowly to a safe distance.
Hikes are undertaken at your own risk and the Namibian
Government does not accept responsibility for any injuries or accidents
Facilities
The old farmhouse at Naukluft (starting point) can be used prior to
starting, and after completing the trail. Facilities comprise bunk beds,
kitchen, ablutions (with hot water) and an outside fire place.
Firewood/charcoal can be bought at the park office. For those wishing to spend
more time in Naukluft before or after the trail, campsites must be reserved
when making the trail booking. Facilities include fire places, cement tables
with benches, refuse bins and ablution block facilities.
Accommodation at other overnight stops on the trail consists of stone built
shelters and a hut. Only water and toilet facilities are provided. Refuse bins
are available at Ubusis, Tsams Ost, Die Valle and Tufa Tavern overnight stops.
No refuse bins are provided at Putte, Adlehorst and Kapokvlakte shelters on
the plateau and hikers must carry their litter to the next overnight stop
where they can dispose of it.
Recommended hiking equipment and other information
Naukluft trail synopsis:
Day 1 The trail starts at the Naukluft Hut near the Naukluft campsite and
except for two fairly steep ascents, the first day's hike covers easy terrain.
Much of the trail follows a zebra path with an easy gradient and the hiker is
rewarded with spectacular views of the wide valley some 300m below. The
overnight stop, Putte, takes its name from the nearby well which is equipped
with a hand pump, enabling hikers to obtain water and to enjoy a shower. About
six hours are required to hike this 14km section.
Day 2 The second day's hike mainly traverses the undulating plateau and
once again requires about six hours to complete the 15km stretch. About three
hours after setting off, Bergpos is reached and the trail now descends down
the spectacular Ubusis Kloof. Several chains have been anchored at points
which are otherwise difficult to negotiate. Ubusis Hut used to be a holiday
cottage before the land was acquired for the park and is a complete surprise
to the unsuspecting hiker.
Day 3 On the third day's hike, after backtracking to Bergpos, an easy
route is followed across the plateau to the Adlerhorst Shelter. Keep an eye
out for mountain zebra and kudu which can often be spotted in the area. The
day's hike covers about 12km and requires about four to six hours.
Day 4 The fourth day's trail to Tsams Ost covers 17km and initially
traverses fairly level terrain before branching off into the beautiful gorge
carved by the Tsams River. After following the kloof some distance the trail
leaves the river and climbs steeply to bypass a waterfall before winding down
to the river again where an enormous moringa tree, with a circumference of
close on 4 meters, is passed. A number of beautiful springs are passed shortly
before reaching the campsite at Tsams Ost, and the final two km to the Tsams
Ost Shelter is along a gravel road.
Day 5 The fifth day's hike to Die Valle covers about 17km and six to
seven hours are needed to complete this section. From the shelter the trail
ascends steeply up Broekskeur and then traverses undulating terrain covered
with patches of euphorbias and quiver and moringa trees to Fonteinpomp where
water bottles can be topped up. The final 11 km follows a fairly level route
along a river valley.
Day 6 On the sixth day the trail leads towards the Die Valle Waterfall,
a magnificent sight, despite being usually dry. For a short while you climb
steeply to a contour path which leads to the top of the 200m high waterfall.
From here the trail follows the narrow gorge carved by the river and continues
to gain altitude, before making its way down the Arbeit Adelt Valley.
Approximately 16km is covered between Die Valle and Tufa Shelter and about six
hours are required.
Day 7 Day seven begins with a steep ascent up a well vegetated kloof
where a chain assists hikers to scale a waterfall. After about three hours the
plateau is reached and from Bakenkop the hiker is rewarded with magnificent
vistas of the valley carved by the Tsondab River some 600m below. The trail
then winds over Kapokvlakte, where springbok and sometimes oryx can be seen,
before reaching Kapokvlakte Shelter. About five hours are required to complete
this 14km leg.
Day 8 The final day's hike covers about 16km and is hiked in about five
hours. After following a jeep track for about 3.5km the trail traverses a
watershed before descending into the Naukluft River by way of a tributary. On
reaching the Naukluft River you can cool off in any of a number of crystal
clear pools. This section follows the onward route of the Waterkloof Day Trail
and from the first pool it is about 40 minutes to the Naukluft Hut.
