BRUKKAROS MOUNTAIN

The flat-topped mountain that can be seen from B1 in the misty distance is the Brukkaros volcano (1 590 m). It is located in the territory of Namas, which covers 21 677 km² of arid and stony land. On this land, huts and tin huts still house many families who live by raising goats. Berseba is the main village near the volcano. The excursion to Brukkaros is not a must, but if there is time, on the road between Mariental and Keetmanshoop, it is an interesting detour of a few hours as much for the view from the top of the volcano as for meeting the Namas in the villages of Tsès and Berseba. The black and jagged rock is of a poignant austerity. The quiver trees or kokerboom(Aloe dichotoma) have taken root in the rocks. But the bristling tuft of their meager foliage does not provide shade for the walker. The gorge slowly deepens, the chaos of the shining rocks rounds, the main crater is there, now silent. Count on a small hour of walking (3,5 km).

At the height of Tsès on the B1, the M98 gravel track goes west. Once you reach Berseba, take the D3904 track which soon narrows, twists and climbs up the stony side of the volcano. Halfway up, it ends on a median overlooking the dusty valley. The footpath that continues to climb gently overlooks a wide, deep, dark gorge. The trail that accesses the volcano is gravel covered and well maintained.