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Voykit pocket guide · Namibia

Brandberg

Spend 2 days base in Uis, hike the White Lady rock paintings (45 min walk, N$270 permit) and the Königstein (3‑day climb, N$2 400 permit).

Brandberg is Namibia's highest mountain and a remote wilderness area. Most visitors stay in Uis and use a 4×4 to reach rock‑art sites and the Königstein. Two days cover the main short hikes and permits; longer climbs need extra nights.

AusEpupa FallsGobabisGrootfonteinKatima MuliloKeetmanshoopKhorixasLüderitzMaltahöheMarientalNoordoewerOkahandjaOpuwoOranjemundBrandberg500 kmdots: other places in this guide
Sketch, not to navigate by: shapes follow this guide’s areas and places, not official boundaries. North is up.
Country
Namibia
Best months
Apr–Oct
Avoid
Jan–Mar (cold nights, limited road access)
Stay
2 nights

Checked 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change; anything marked (check) is not confirmed.

Essentials

Currency
NAD
Money
Currency is the Namibian dollar (NAD, N$), pegged 1:1 to the South African rand; rand is accepted in Namibia, but Namibian dollars are not accepted in South Africa.
Daily spend
Budget N$300–500 excl. bed · Mid N$600–900 excl. bed (estimate; check)
SIM and data
MTC has the widest coverage; TN Mobile is the alternative. Buy at the airport or town shops with a passport (registration required).
Emergency
Medical / ambulance 112
Plugs
Types M, D · 220–230 V · 50 Hz · Same large round-pin sockets as South Africa; bring an adapter and a car charger.
Tipping
Restaurant: About 10%.; Fuel attendant: N$5–10.; Car guard: N$5–10.; Lodge guide: N$100–200 per guest per day.; Lodge staff: N$50–100 per guest per day in the communal box.
Water
Tap water is safe in Windhoek and main towns (Windhoek recycles water to drinking standard). Carry plenty in the car.
Toilets
Clean at fuel stations, lodges and park camps; few facilities between towns.

What things cost

ItemPrice
White Lady permit (International)N$270
Königstein climb permit (International)N$2 400
Brandberg gorges hike permit (International)N$700
Beer (tap, at lodge)N$35–50

Desk estimates, checked 2026-09; check locally.

Get in

By air

WDH · Hosea Kutako International Airport (Windhoek)
Main international gateway; self-drive to Uis takes about 5–6 h via the B1 and C35 — check road conditions before setting off.
WVB · Walvis Bay Airport
Closest airport to the Brandberg area; about 3–4 h by road via Hentiesbaai and the C35 — check car hire and transfer options.
Show 7 more sections and the pocket cardHideGet around, See and do, Sleep, Language, Etiquette, safety and scams, One and two days, Sources, Pocket card

Get around

From Uis drive west on D2342 (4×4 recommended) to White Lady site; D2359 to eastern sites. Sedan can reach camp but 4×4 needed for most tracks.

See and do

Known for

  • White Lady rock paintings
  • Königstein summit climb
  • Brandberg gorges hiking

Day trips

WhereHowTime
UisC35 between Hentiesbaai and Khorixas; turn west on D2342 or D2359About 1 h from Khorixas, 2.5–3 h from Swakopmund
White Lady rock paintingFrom Uis west on D2342, then walk about 45 min from the parking areaAbout 1.5–2 h from Uis
TwyfelfonteinD2303 from the old Brandberg West mine; 4x4 only, GPS essentialAbout 3–4 h
SwakopmundD2342 or C35 to Hentiesbaai, then the B2 coast roadAbout 3 h

Sleep

Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Campsite with chalets, Wi‑Fi voucher, meals; car camping N$220 pppn + N$55 car fee.
Brandberg Rest Camp
Former mine casino, rooms and pool; beer N$25. Campsite free, limited shade.

Language

English is the official language and works everywhere in tourism. Afrikaans is a common lingua franca in the south and centre; Oshiwambo dominates the north; German is spoken in Swakopmund, Lüderitz and by many lodge owners. Damara/Nama is a click language.

  • WhatsApp is used by lodges, guides and rental companies.
  • Lodge directions are often given as GPS points; save them offline.

Etiquette, safety and scams

Etiquette

  • Greeting: Greet and ask 'how are you' before any question; avoid: Straight to business
  • Village visits: Go with a guide and ask permission; avoid: Photographing without asking
  • Roads: Wave at passing drivers on quiet gravel; stop for anyone in trouble; avoid: Speeding through villages
  • Lodges: Follow staff instructions about walking at night; avoid: Leaving your room after dark in unfenced lodges without an escort
  • Language: English or a few words of Afrikaans or Oshiwambo; avoid: Assuming everyone speaks German

Scams and watch-outs

  • Desert elephants roam the Ugab riverbed – keep ≥10 m distance.
  • Guides are compulsory for White Lady and Königstein permits.
  • Cell coverage only in Uis; carry satellite phone for emergencies.

Remote area with wildlife and limited services – follow guide advice, keep water supplies, and have a satellite phone.

One and two days

No timed day plan for Brandberg yet. Suggested stay: 2 nights. Build a day from the list below, mornings for the big sight.

  • White Lady rock paintings
  • Königstein summit climb
  • Brandberg gorges hiking

Sources

Written by Voykit; facts cross-checked against these sources, last desk check 2026-09. Prices, hours and rules change: check on the day.

Pocket card

Cut along the border and keep it in your wallet. Show the local-script lines to a driver.

Brandberg

My hotel (write the name and address in the local script)

  • Medical / ambulance112

Voykit · checked 2026-09

Printed from Voykit (/brandberg). Written by Voykit; checked 2026-09. Estimates only: confirm prices, hours and entry rules on the day.