Namib Nuakluft Mountians



Home	Namib Naukluft Mountians Walking Trail
Departure Dates 2007	On request conditions apply	Camping N$ 500-00
Departure Dates 2008	On request conditions apply	Camping N$ 600-00
Departure Dates 2009	On request conditions apply	Camping N$ 8000-00

		Walking trail
What you need to know. The entire trail covers about 120km and is a circular 8day route.An option to hike the firts 4 days have been incorporated.the 4 day's hiking is moderate and the last 4 day's are more difficult.The trail can be completed in 7 days by combining the last 2 days (day 7 and 8).This should only be done attemted by extremely fit hikers. On making a reservation a medical form wil be e-mailed to you.it must be filled in not later than 40 days prior to the start.forms is handed in at reseption. Hiking is only permitted between 1 March and 31 October.NO fires are permittd so backpacking stoves are required. A good pair of walking shoes is needed in this rugged country.A full water bottle at least a 2 liter is needed for each day.bottles can be filled up at every overnight stop. Hikers must take warm clothing with becuase temperatures can drop below freezing point. Poisonous snakes do occur in this area, so be alert.		Day 1 The trail starts at the Naukluft hut near the 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 valley some 300 m below. The overnite stop,The Putte named after the handpump enabling hikers to obtain water and to enjoy a shower. About 6 hours are required to walk this 14km part of the trail. Day 2 The second day's hike mainly traverses the undulating plateau and once again requires about 6 hours to complete the 15km stretch. About 3 hours setting off,Bergpos is reached and the rail now descends down the sopectacular Ubisis 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 plateua to the Adlershorst Shelter.Keep an eye out for mountian zebra and kudu which can often be spotted in the area.The day's hike covers about 12km and requires about 4 - 6 hours. Day 4 The fourth day's trail to Tsams Ost covers 17km and initially traverses fairly level terrain before branching off into the beuatiful gorge carved by the Tsams River.After following the kloof for 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 circumference of close on 4m, is passed.A number of beuatiful springs are passed shortly before reaching the campsite at Tsams Ost and the final 2km to the Tsams Ost Shelter is along a gravel road. Day 5 The fifth day's hike to Die Valle covers about 17km and 6 - 7 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 moringas trees to Fonteinpomp where water-bottles can be topped up.The final 11km follows a fairly level route along a river valley. Day 6 On the 6 day the trail leads towards the Die Valle Waterfall, a magnificent sight, despite being usally dry. For a short while you climb steeply 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 Arbeid Adelt Valley. Approximately 16km is covered between Die Valle and Tufa Shelter and about 6 hours are required. Day 7 Day 7 (the second last day) begins with a steep ascent up a well-vegetated kloof where chains assits hikers to scale a waterfall.After about 3 hours the plateua is reached and from Bakenkop the hiker is rewarded with magnificent vistas of the valley carved by the Tsondad River some 600m below.The trail then winds over Kapokvlakte, where springbok and sometimes gemsbok canbe seen, before reaching Kapokvlakte Shelter.About 5 hours are required to complete this 14km leg. Day 8 The final day's hike covers about 16km and is hiked in about 5 hours. After following a jeep track for about 3,5km the trail raverses 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 cristal clear pools.This section follows the onward route of the Waterkloof Day Trail and from the firts pool it is about 40 minutes to the Naukluft Hut.		Facilities The old farmhouse at Naukluft(starting point) can be used prior to starting, and after completing the trail.Facilities compromise bunk-beds, kitchen, ablution(with hot water) and an outside fireplace. Firewood/chacoal can be bought at 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 fireplaces, cement tables with benches,refuse bins and ablution block facilities. Accommodation on other overnight stops on the trail consists of stone-built shelters and a hut.Only water and toilet facilities are provided.Refuse bins are only alvialable at Ubisis, Tsams Ost, De Valleand Tufa Tavern overnight stops. No refuse bins are provided at Putte, Adlerhorst and Kapokvlakte shelters on the plateua. Hikers must carry their litter to the next overnight stop where they can dispose of their litter.

Remember: Carry out what you carry in!! If you smoke, put the stub in a litter bag. Do not use soap or even Biodegradeble soap or detergents in the springs. Do not feed the animals in the park. Use the "cat-method to dispose of human waste other than at the overnight stops. Select a flat screened spot at least 50 metres awy of the hiking trail and from water.				Climate Winter days are pleasantly warm with temperatures avraging about 20°C.However evenigs are cool and temperatures of below freezing point are not uncommon at night. Most of the area's rainfall occars between December and April as thunderstorms. The average for the area is about 200mm, but is extremely unpredictable.