The Desert Mountain Adder is a rare snake that is endemic to southern Namibia and the northern Cape. It only occurs along the lower Orange River from Augrabies to the Richtersveld and Keetmanshoop in Namibia. It inhabits sparsely vegetated mountain tops and rocky hillsides and often shelters in rock cracks on rocky mountain slopes.

The color varies and can range from dark grey to light brown with dark or light crossbars. The head has no markings. As with all adders the head is triangular shaped and distinctive from the rest of the body with raised ridges above the eye.

Habitat loss, especially mining, remains the biggest threat to the species.

Although they are venomous, bites from this species are incredibly rare due to their restricted range. Bites are not fatal and treatment is strictly supportive.