Vingerklip
Namibia’s Towering Rock Monument
Rising dramatically like a stone finger pointing to the sky, the Vingerklip is one of Namibia’s most striking natural landmarks. Located around 70 km west of Outjo, between Outjo and Khorixas, it stands as a towering monument in the middle of the vast, scenic Ugab Valley.
The Ugab Terraces
To reach Vingerklip, take the C39 from Outjo and turn onto the D2743, following signs for "Vingerklip." This route leads to the Ugab River, a usually dry watercourse that only flows after heavy rains. As you approach, the landscape opens into the breathtaking Ugab Terraces, a stretch of layered plateaus and table mountains shaped over millions of years by erosion and sedimentation. The scenery is often compared to parts of Arizona, USA, with its dramatic desert beauty.
Formation and Features
Vingerklip is the erosional remnant of an ancient terrace formed by the Ugab River’s activity. Composed of conglomerate rock, its layers clearly reveal the area’s geological history. Perched atop a hill, the rock reaches a total elevation of 929 meters above sea level, with the pillar itself standing 35 meters tall.
Visitors can hike up the surrounding hill for a closer view of the formation, but climbing the rock itself is strictly prohibited to preserve its integrity.
The Lost Twin – Mukorob
Interestingly, Namibia once had two famous rock pillars. The second was the Mukorob, or “Finger of God” in Nama, which stood near Keetmanshoop. It was about 12 meters tall and balanced precariously on a narrow base, supporting roughly 450 tons. Tragically, it collapsed on 8 December 1988. While many believed strong wind was the cause, experts concluded that water damage, the weight of the rock, and seismic vibrations from a 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Armenia—felt even in Windhoek—likely triggered the collapse.
Since then, Vingerklip has remained the sole surviving rock finger, making it even more valuable as a geological and tourist attraction.
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