Vingerklip (Finger Rock) | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Vingerklip (Finger Rock)
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Vingerklip (Finger Rock), Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

Vingerklip (Rock Finger) is a 35-meter-high sedimentary rock monolith located in the Ugab Valley, approximately 80 km southwest of Outjo and 50 km east of Khorixas. It is considered one of the most iconic geological landmarks in Namibia.

Visual Characteristics

The formation resembles a massive, upright stone finger or needle pointing toward the sky. It is situated on a hill within a broader landscape of table mountains and eroded plateaus known as the Ugab Terraces. The rock is composed of distinct horizontal layers of conglomerate and sandstone, often compared to the "Monument Valley" landscape of Arizona.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Reached via the C39 road from Outjo, followed by the D2743 gravel road.

Status: Located on private farmland (Bertram Farm), but open to day visitors for a small fee.

Hiking: A short, steep footpath leads from the parking area to the base of the rock.

Regulations: Climbing the Vingerklip itself is strictly prohibited to prevent erosion and for safety; however, hiking up the surrounding hill for vantage points is permitted.

Geological & Historical Origin

The Vingerklip is an erosional remnant (a "witness mountain") of an ancient terrace formed by the Ugab River during the Tertiary period, roughly 15 to 30 million years ago.

Sedimentation: The layers of conglomerate (rounded stones cemented together) and sandstone were deposited by the river system when it flowed at a much higher level.

Erosion: Over millions of years, the river carved deeper into the valley, and wind/rain erosion stripped away the softer surrounding rock, leaving this harder pillar standing in isolation.

The "Last" Finger: Since the collapse of Mukurob (the "Finger of God") in southern Namibia in 1988, Vingerklip has become the most famous rock pillar in the country.

Key Highlights & Activities

Eagles Nest: A restaurant and viewpoint located on the adjacent plateau, accessible via a steep metal staircase (13 stacks of upright stairs). It is highly regarded for sunset views.

Photography: The rock and the surrounding "Monument Valley" terraces provide high-contrast landscape opportunities, especially at sunrise and sunset.

Walking Trails: Several trails wind through the base of the terraces, where wildlife such as giraffe, kudu, and oryx are frequently spotted.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Vingerklip Lodge: A luxury lodge situated within view of the rock, offering thatched bungalows and two swimming pools.

Heavens Gate: An exclusive suite located on top of the plateau overlooking the rock finger.

Dining: Two restaurants (one at the lodge and the Eagles Nest on the plateau).

Connectivity: Wi-Fi is generally available at the lodge, and mobile signal is stable in the immediate vicinity of the main buildings.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months (May to September) are ideal for hiking the terraces without extreme heat. For photography, the late afternoon light illuminates the red and ochre layers of the sandstone, highlighting the geological stratification.

Facts & Legends

A specific geological fact: the circumference of the Vingerklip at its base is approximately 44 meters, providing it with a more stable foundation than the collapsed Mukurob. Historical note: despite the current ban, the first recorded technical ascent of the rock was by American mountaineer Tom Choate in 1970.