Messum Crater | Swakopmund

Information

Landmark: Messum Crater
City: Swakopmund
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Messum Crater, Swakopmund, Namibia, Africa

The Messum Crater is a massive circular geological feature located in the Damaraland region of the Namib Desert, Namibia. It is situated between the Brandberg Massif and the Atlantic coast, within the Dorob National Park.

Visual Characteristics

The crater spans approximately 18km in diameter and is defined by concentric rings of hills and ridges. The terrain consists of dark basaltic rocks, light-colored granites, and vast gravel plains. The interior floor is largely flat and hyper-arid, punctuated by sparse, highly adapted flora such as Welwitschia mirabilis and various crustose lichens.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is located approximately 100km northeast of Henties Bay. Access is strictly via 4x4 vehicles on unmarked desert tracks branching off the D2303 or C34 roads. There is no public transport or formal road infrastructure leading into the crater. Navigation requires GPS and high-clearance vehicles due to soft sand and sharp volcanic rock.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Geologically, it is not an impact crater but a collapsed volcanic caldera belonging to the Etendeka igneous province, formed approximately 132 million years ago during the break-up of Gondwana. It represents a massive volcanic complex that collapsed into its emptied magma chamber.

Key Highlights & Activities

Self-guided 4x4 driving along the interior perimeter is the primary activity. The site contains significant archaeological deposits, including Stone Age tools and circular stone hut circles left by nomadic Damara groups. Botanical observation of ancient Welwitschia plants is possible throughout the crater floor.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is zero infrastructure within the crater. There are no restrooms, water sources, shade structures, or food vendors. Cellular signal (4G/5G) is non-existent. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient with fuel, water, and recovery gear.

Best Time to Visit

The best months are from May to August when daytime temperatures are manageable. Photography is optimal during the "golden hour" shortly before sunset, which highlights the relief of the concentric mountain rings. Avoid visiting during the summer months (October–March) when temperatures regularly exceed 40°C.

Facts & Legends

Despite its name, the crater was named after Captain Messum, an explorer who surveyed the coast in the 1840s, rather than a geological descriptor. A local legend among desert travelers suggests that the crater’s unique magnetic properties can interfere with traditional compasses due to the high iron content in the basaltic rocks.