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Petrified Forest is a wonderful play on the senses with its wood-like appearance and stone-like feeling. Your eyes want to persuade you that what is in front of you is a tree log and your fingers are adamant that this is a stone. Indeed, it is both – trees turned into stone as if strait from some ancient Greek story. According to official science lots of trees were transported by flood from distant land to this location covered by debris and earth and within millions of years following a magic recipe they turned into stone but maintaining the look of the original material. In modern times they were discovered an mostly annihilated by greedy men.
Updated Aug 22, 2009
Rock art of the ancients is the major attraction of Twifelfontain unlike many years ago when the spring was attracting Bushmen and recently German want-to-be farmer. Nowadays the rock carvings are declared UNESCO heritage site and the hordes are on their way to acknowledge them. The last meters of gravel road end here and the feeling of ultimate remoteness would be complete if not for the steady stream of tourists being walked through the mountains of stone. The security set up and at the same time employment scheme include entrance fees plus ad libitum tips at the end for the guides. I have no idea whether they receive a salary from the government or depend only on tips. Sometimes tips can be paid in unexpected form such as a ride back to the camp, a 5km drive outside the site!?
Updated Aug 22, 2009
There are a lot of tips here about the rock engravings created by the San people, and also about how the place got it's name.
I just want to tell you about the wildlife that we encountered here.
As we were walking along the path from the parking to the centre, we passed a scorpion on the side of the path. Of course instead of running away it came towards us!!
When we entered the building, I noticed a number of wasps drifting around... they really make me nervous. Suddenly a huge brown rat stumbled from the bar area, like a drunken old man, and staggered across the shop to flop down on it's tummy in the shade under the shelves next to the door. I think everyone found my reaction very amusing. "Is it a pet rat?" I asked. "No, it's wild!" the tour guide said.
Anyway, cut to a few hundred meters along the path outside in the scorching heat. Baboons on the hillside, not very far away, start barking at us. "They're quite tame" she says, "sometimes they come right down to where we are standing now."
Following the speedy tour guide blindly, we are all leaning and pulling on the rocks as we weave in an out of them to view the engravings. A bright orange Agama lizard scuttles right past my hand!!
Thank goodness the Lion's head rock is not real, nor are the amazing variety of animals carved on the rocks!
Written Jul 4, 2009
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Lions mouth is something you will definitley see on your trip to Twyfelfontein.
It's after the rock art and just before you start walking back down. This rock formation is very famous and a popular resting stop here - photos are obligatory!
Updated Feb 25, 2007
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Twyfelfontein was one of the places I was most looking forward to in Nambia and it didn't disappoint!
Twyfelfontein is a haven for beautiful landscapes and historic rock art in caves and on walls.
As you start ascending on the walk the first stop is a water fountain - where Twyfelfontein gets its name from. We drank some water and filled our water bottles up before we walked the hike up the sandstone mountains to where the art and the views are.
It was an easy walk, the thing that made it more hard going was the stifiling heat - so take sunscreen, water and a hat.
Updated Feb 25, 2007
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Damaraland in Namibia is a stunning area. The sandstone is spectacular and the vast open areas are magical and the colours change in all different lights.
Damaraland is a photographers dream!
Updated Feb 25, 2007
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These plants are magnifiecent! We spotted them at the petrified forest, but they grow in the sandstone and are a common sight in Namibia. The real name for them is Welwitschia mirabilis, each plant is either male or female - but I cant remember which is which in the photos!
Updated Feb 25, 2007
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The Petrified forest was amazing!
I never imagined that I would see trees that have been sitting there for millions of years. These are not any old trees either. Because they are so old the trees are now petrified (hence the name!) and have turned to what feels like stone to touch.
Well worth a visit, you only need a little time to walk around them and there is somewhere to buy drinks and a souvenir shop too.
Updated Feb 25, 2007
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This is very unique site, where there is mineral fresh water as well as the site of the bushman ancient homes and rock paintings. You cannot visit on your own, you must take a guide to show you the place and guide you around of course. It was very interesting, do not miss it.
See the bushman rock paintings on the next tip.
Updated Dec 19, 2006
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Now this is pretty interesting, ancient rock art by the bushmen ... just lovely. What is especially interesting is that there are a mixture of engravings and paintings, which is quite unusual.
One engraving that really impressed me was the 'Dancing Kudu' which is pictured here. The seemingly abstract swirls and circles are actually maps to waterholes, and when in the year they are likely to be full.
Twyfelfontein is a very famous site on the continent since it has one of the highest concentrations of such ancient art. To see these works of art you must be accompanied by a guide, which will patiently explain each and every piece you come across and will also explain about the life of these ancient people.
Written Aug 10, 2006
Reviews and photos of Damaraland attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Damaraland sightseeing.
Now this is pretty interesting, ancient rock art by the bushmen ... just lovely. What is especially interesting is that there are a mixture of engravings and...
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