Erongo Mountains

The Erongo is the eroded remnant of a huge volcanic complex, now a ring of granite mountains and boulder fields rising above the plains between Omaruru and Karibib. San rock paintings are found in overhangs across the range, notably at Phillip's Cave, and the formation known as Bull's Party, a group of enormous rounded boulders balanced against each other, is the range's most photographed feature. Most sites sit on private farms, so access goes through the lodges.

What you actually see

• Phillip's Cave - a painted overhang with a well-known white elephant figure.
• Bull's Party - enormous rounded granite boulders balanced together.
• The granite domes - weathered rock hills across the whole range.
• The rock art - San paintings in overhangs at several sites.

When to go

March to October is the cooler window and the best for walking. Summer heat on the granite is severe. Rock art is clearest in early morning or late afternoon light.

Honest expectations

Almost everything is on private land and access requires arranging through a lodge or farm. Walks to the painted sites involve scrambling over boulders. Some paintings have been damaged by visitors wetting them.

Nearby

Omaruru is north, and Spitzkoppe is west.