Ugab Terrace | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Ugab Terrace
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Ugab Terrace, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

The Ugab Terrace is a series of massive limestone and conglomerate plateaus located in the Ugab River Valley of northwestern Namibia, situated between Outjo and Khorixas.

Visual Characteristics

The landscape is characterized by flat-topped table mountains and jagged pillars rising from the valley floor. The terraces are composed of distinct horizontal layers of sedimentary rock, primarily calcrete and fluvial conglomerates. The terrain is semi-arid, featuring mopane woodland, commiphora trees, and various desert-adapted succulents.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Situated along the C39 road and reached via the D2743 gravel road.

Proximity: Approximately 80 km west of Outjo and 50 km east of Khorixas.

Status: Much of the terrace landscape is located on private farmland and conservancy land, with several lodges providing direct access to the most prominent formations.

Geological Origin

The terraces are erosional remnants of an ancient riverbed. During the Tertiary period (roughly 30 million years ago), the Ugab River flowed at a much higher elevation and deposited thick layers of gravel and silt. As the river cut deeper into the earth over millions of years, the surrounding softer material eroded, leaving the harder, cemented sediment as the elevated plateaus and "witness mountains" seen today.

Key Highlights & Activities

Vingerklip (Finger Rock): A 35-meter-high monolith that is the most famous individual landmark of the terraces.

Plateau Hiking: Steep trails and staircases lead to the summits of several terraces, offering panoramic views across the valley.

Birdwatching: The cliffs and plateaus are nesting sites for birds of prey, including the Verreaux’s eagle.

Sundowner Viewpoints: The elevated position of the terraces makes them primary locations for observation of the valley during sunset.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The area is served by several specialized lodges:

Vingerklip Lodge: Features a restaurant on a plateau reached by a long metal staircase.

Ugab Terrace Lodge: Situated on a high plateau with bungalows overlooking the valley.

Facilities: Most lodges in the area offer swimming pools, guided nature walks, and Wi-Fi in communal areas.

Best Time to Visit

The winter months (May to August) are optimal for hiking and exploring the valley floor. During summer (November to April), the Ugab River may flow after heavy rains, transforming the arid valley into a green corridor, though humidity and heat levels increase significantly.

Facts & Legends

A specific geological fact: the terraces are part of the larger Damaraland landscape, which contains some of the most complex geological unconformities in Southern Africa. The height of the terraces indicates that the regional landscape has been lowering at a rate of approximately 1 meter every 1,000 to 2,000 years.