Namibian localities

In the course of many years, details about localities have been collected by the authors and might not all be up to date. Readers are welcome to contribute by relating recent observations and experiences. This is a short survey that deals with some of the most rewarding and fairly easily accessible localities. For more detailed information with respect to the whereabouts of sites, contact the authors. Many localities are on private ground, mostly on farms, in which case collectors need to contact the proprietors. Access on guest farms is less problematic.

Okahandja – Swakopmund


Spitzkoppe, seen from the D 1930
On the route from Okahandja via Karibib and Usakos to Swakopmund almost twenty localities can be found on both sides of the national road. With the exception of two, each is less than 20 km off the main road. The guest farm Etusis Lodge, 19 km southwest of Karibib, is especially promising because of its extensive programme, offering collectors a variety of sites that can be visited. The farmer on Eureka should be approached for permission before collecting at his site (monazite, biotite, calcite, opal, magnetite and other minerals). The farm entrance is on the B 2 opposite the turnoff to Uis. The souvenir and mineral shop Henkert in Karibib has specimens from Tsumeb, Spitzkoppe and the Namib desert on sale.

Another must is the small miners’ mineral market 24 km west of Usakos, off the D 1930 to Uis. The stone building is visible from the B2 and sometimes good bargains are to be had. From the D 1930, turn left immediately and follow the D 1918 towards Hentiesbaai. Then approach the ‘Nature Monument Spitzkopje’ and turn sharp left behind a gate at some derelict huts. The road leads to the Kleine Spitzkopje and eventually to two old mines, Stiepelmann mine (mostly micromounts) and Brusius mine (aquamarines). Follow the D 1930 north for a few km. Behind a white hilltop to the right is the location of the Sandamap mine, known for its rare phosphates.

Some sites are located less than 50 km east of Swakopmund, in the vicinity of the Rössing mountain, where you can find rose quartz, jasper, orthoklase, beryl, especially heliodore. About 8 km north of Swakopmund beyond the salt works one can find layers of sand rose that stretch for several kilometres in the desert sands. The two localities that are situated at a greater distance are the Sarusas Mine, Skeleton Coast National Park, and the Husab Mine on the western slope of the Husab mountain in the Naukluft area, 65 km southeast of Swakomund. On the dumps one might find, amongst others, uranium minerals, which are radioactive, so take care.

Erongo and its surroundings


View of the south-western rim of the Erongo crater
The Erongo massif has been in the mineralogical literature continually for years and has become quite famous for its spectacular aquamarine finds. However, the activities of small miners – especially when they have registered their claim and got a prospector’s licence - make it difficult for visiting collectors to gain access and/or have a go themselves. Some of the farms can be contacted beforehand to make sure the proprietor consents to collecting.

In the south of the Erongo, farm Hohenstein requires long-term prior arrangement. The same applies to Ameib with its old tin mine, but it is easier in the case of Omandumba West in the northern part of the massif and also at Okawajo, 5 km north of Karibib on the road to Omaruru, which is the site of an old tourmaline mine. At the Hotel Staebe in Omaruru, information and permission may be got for the former guest farm Etemba, 30 km west of the town and, leaving Omaruru in a northerly direction, one might find an old dig with yellow fluorites. With respect to other farms in the south of the Erongo such as Brabant 86, Bergsig, Erongorus, collectors should enquire at the settlement of Tubussis west of the mountain to get the assistance of a local “guide”. Tubussis is also the locality for demantoids but again, one should talk with the the local people.

The Brandberg region

Localities concentrate around the Goboboseb mountains with Tafelkop and the Copper Valley, the Messum crater area and the vicinity of the Brandberg West mine. Partly the sites, especially south and west of the Tafelkop mountain, can be reached by 4WD only. Sometimes, small miners working the digs there are interested in selling their specimens, mostly from geodes found in the hard basalt. Varieties of quartz like sceptre and phantom quartz, but also amethyst, calcite, baryte, chalcedony etc. are found here.

Then there are two sites north of the Brandberg, one at Sorris-Sorris and one at the Guantagab river near the Ugab. Last, there is one localitiy 3 km southwest of the Brandberg in the vicinity of the Amis ravine at the Little Dome which is interesting because of its rare earth minerals.


View of the Brandberg massif, looking towards the west

“Mineral shop” at the roadside, Damaraland north of Brandberg

The text on Namibian localities is a shortened version of the German one, also with less photos. For more details, refer to the German text or ask the authors - you are welcome!