
Ninety seconds on Groot Spitzkoppe
Spitzkoppe's granite looks its best at sunrise, at sunset and under the stars, so stay two nights at the foot of the big peak: book the guided walk when you arrive and do it the next morning.
After you check in, ask at the reception about the guided hike up Groot Spitzkoppe, because the longer walks need a day's notice. Collect your guide there at the agreed hour the next morning and drive them to the start in your own car.
The route suits experienced hikers and ends at a viewpoint high on the mountain, short of the top. Book any climb to the summit in advance, and bring all your own equipment.
On a clear night the Milky Way crosses the whole sky. For the sunset, aim for a pitch on the mountain's west side; pitches go to whoever arrives first, so get there early in the day to claim one.
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