Damaraland - Rock Art, Brandberg, Namibia

One of the primary attractions of the Twyfelfontein area of Damaraland are the impressive rock etchings to be found among the craggy terrain. Dates are impossible to know, but it's estimated that these etchings were produced by the ancestors of the Damara peoples some 3,000 - 5,000 years ago.

Just seeing these ancient artifacts is impressive, leaving you to ponder the vastness of time, and how little we actually know about ourselves. But, it's even better if you get the right local guide to assist you on your exploration. IF she's at the entrance, ask for a lady named "Tickla". She was terrific. FWIW, our local guide told me that Tickla was by far the best of the Twyfelfontein guides.

Also, Twyfelfontein means "doubtful spring". It's an appropriate name, as I didn't see so much as a drop of water anywhere near by.

This is not the best fossil forest in the world but its still quite interesting. It also provides income for the local community so is worth visiting for that.

The trees are about 250 million years old and were deposited in the area by the flood which came down from areas further north. The fact that trunks do not have any branches or roots suggest that these trees grew somewhere else and were carried to its present location by rivers or floods.

The trunks were deposited in silica rich environment and were excluded from contact with oxygen which prevented decay. During the course of time molecules of silica penetrated the wood and replaced wood molecules.

At present around 50 trunks can be seen on the site with the longest being more that 30 meters long

The site was declared a national monument in 1950 but suffered the same damaging attacks of souvenir hunters. Now it is strictly prohibited to remove or damage even small pieces of petrified wood!

You can hire a guide who will lead you on a short walk and tell you about the trees. The surrounding scenery is pretty good too.

Here you will see some excellently preserved rock engravings that are estimated to be between 2000 and 6000 years old.

It is very clear to see the different animals in the photo, especially the giraffe and a warthog at its feet.

For me Damaraland was one of the greatest places in Namibia. You could also visit the Living museum of the Damara.
http://www.lcfn.info/en/damara/damara-home
We liked it, nice people, great landscape.

Namibia's highest mountain and a National Monument. There were lots of rock art paintings and engravings found at the Brandberg.

It's the highest elevation for hundreds of kilometers around.