The Brandberg Camino is a fully-catered, 9-day slackpacking wilderness journey that takes you around the entire circumference of the majestic Brandberg, Namibia’s highest mountain. This trail offers a diverse landscape: you’ll traverse savannah grasslands, navigate fields of small rocks, experience the stark beauty of the western Brandberg, and walk along ancient riverbeds.

Starting and ending at the charming Brandberg White Lady Lodge, the trail covers approximately 125 km over 7 days of hiking, with an average daily distance of 17 km. We take advantage of the cooler morning hours for our hikes and rest during the hottest part of the day. Our support team sets up a large shade net at camp each afternoon, creating a comfortable space for you to unwind and recharge.

Trail Breakdown

• Day 1: Arrival at Brandberg White Lady Lodge, meet your fellow hikers, and enjoy a welcome dinner.
• Days 2 to 8: Trekking around Brandberg, covering roughly 14-19 km per day (different distances)
• Day 9: Enjoy a scrumptious breakfast & a last swim in the pool before your return journey to Windhoek.

 

The Camino Experience

This is more than just camping—it’s glamping in the heart of the Namibian wilderness. You’ll be staying in comfortable 2-man dome tents (2.5×2.5×1.9) equipped with camping beds, mattresses, sheets, side table and pillows (just bring your own sleeping bag). Our campsite includes communal facilities like tables, chairs, a bush bathroom, and shower areas, all set up by our dedicated 3 to 4-person support team (depending on group size). The team handles all camp chores, so you can focus on enjoying the journey.

Our backup vehicle with trailer transports your luggage from camp to camp, leaving you to carry only a light daypack with your essentials.

Navigating the Brandberg Terrain

While the trail might sound straightforward, this trek is more challenging than it appears. Due to the rugged terrain and deep gorges surrounding the mountain, we can’t follow a perfectly direct route. Instead, we navigate through rocky outcrops, dry riverbeds, and sandy gorges.

There will be sections where we must keep pushing forward until we find suitable campsites—sometimes walking longer stretches to reach the riverbeds where we can set up camp. Fortunately, these natural resting points are generally spaced about 16 to 17 km apart, offering just enough respite in this rugged landscape.

For those who are interested in routing: we walk clockwise around Namibias famous mountain.

This adventure is perfect for those who seek a mix of physical challenge, natural beauty, and a touch of comfort in the wild. Join us on the Brandberg Camino for a unique exploration of one of Namibia’s most iconic natural wonders. 

Catering for Everyone
We take great pride in serving delicious, lovingly prepared meals that are as nourishing as they are flavorful. Whether you’re a herbivore or a carnivore, we cater to all dietary preferences using the freshest, locally sourced ingredients. Our menu features a variety of options, with a focus on free-range, local game meats alongside organic chicken, beef, and pork.

Best of all, each meal is enjoyed at a proper dining table—no breakfast packs or soggy lunch boxes here. Expect hearty sit-down meals that provide the perfect fuel for your day’s adventure, allowing you to savor the tastes of Namibia while immersing yourself in its wilderness. 

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Brandberg White Lady Lodge
Your adventure begins with your pick up at your accommodation in Windhoek (usually between 8 and 9) and the shuttle leaves for Damaraland. Bring your snacks for lunch en route or get some biltong or ice cream at one of the Padstals along the way. We all meet late afternoon at the lodge, where you can settle in, meet your fellow hikers, and enjoy a welcome dinner. This is the perfect opportunity to relax, soak in the mountain views, and prepare for the days ahead.

Days 2 to 8: Hiking Around the Brandberg
For the next seven days, we’ll trek around the entirety of the Brandberg, covering approximately 15-18 km per day:

• Early morning starts to take advantage of the cooler temperatures.
• Breakfast is served en route as you walk at around 8 km, enjoying the peace of the morning light.
• Each day’s trail takes you through diverse terrains—from savannah grasslands teeming with wildlife to rocky outcrops and ancient riverbeds.
• Our experienced hiking guide will lead the way, sharing insights about the unique flora, fauna, and geology of the area.

We can’t get too close to the mountain as it has a lot of gorges So, we will find a route through these areas and often camp in riverbeds or sandy gorges. There will be days where we cannot stop until we hit these areas. There are just too many rocks. However, the gods are smiling on us and the riverbeds is on average 16 km apart.

There is potentially elephant, lion, leopard and rhino in the Ugab and Brandberg West. So, we will stay together in areas where it is necessary, and safety is of foremost importance. Mostly you will be able to walk your own pace as we have meet-up points to catch up. Our back-up vehicle also makes sure everyone is safe and happy. 

While we encourage you to embrace the adventure on foot, we understand that everyone has their own pace and limits. That’s why our back-up vehicle is always available if you wish to take a break and enjoy a more relaxed day.

Afternoon Breaks
We aim to reach our campsite by lunchtime. As the afternoon heat sets in, our support team will have set up a large shade net for you to relax beneath. Spend your afternoons unwinding, napping, or reading a book, surrounded by the raw beauty of the desert landscape.

 

• Sundowners: As the day cools, enjoy a refreshing drink while watching the sun set behind the towering Brandberg cliffs.
• Dinner: Evenings are spent around the campfire, where our team serves up a lovingly prepared, hearty dinner under the stars.

Campsites Along the Route
This is a glamping experience, combining the thrill of wilderness camping with added comforts:

• 2-man dome tents with camping beds, mattresses, and pillows (just bring your own sleeping bag).
• Our 4-person support team handles all camp chores, including setting up tents and all communal facilities, preparing meals, cleaning and keeping the camp running smoothly.
• A backup vehicle transports your luggage between camps, so you only need to carry a light daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and sunscreen.

At each wild camp along the way, the team will construct a desert bathroom and shower facility. They are screened off for your privacy but have an amazing desert view!

Day 9: Return to Windhoek
After a leisurely breakfast at the lodge, we pack up and begin our return journey to Windhoek. Reflect on the incredible landscapes and memories as we transport you back to the city, arriving by late afternoon.