Damaraland
North- Western Namibia

This mountainous area of Namibia is situated between the extreme desert aridity of the skeleton coast and the central plateau. Damaraland offers spectacular scenery and a variety of attractions ranging from fascinating geological formations to unique vegetation and the largest collection of ancient rock art in Southern Africa.

Damaraland was an area occupied primarily by the Damara people, but it soon became the home of other tribes such as the Herero people and the displaced Riemvasmakers of South Africa. Today, many residents of Damaraland are thus of mixed heritage, but most consider themselves Damara. The Damara name is derived from the Nama word "Dama", meaning "who walked here". This is because the Damara were known to the Nama people by the footprints they left around waterholes. From their vantage point in the mountains, the Damara were quick to spot resources such as water or animals, on the plains below, and they were therefore able to be the first groups to reach these essential resources.

KHORIXAS -
Khorixas is the capital of Damaraland, formerly known as Welwitschia. The name Khorixas was taken from a Khoekhoen name for a tree with edible berries.

TWYFELFONTEIN -
Twyfelfontein is the largest known concentration of Stone Age petroglyphics in Namibia. Although the area was declared a national monument in 1952 some engravings were damaged and even removed. There are approximately 2 500 engravings around Twyfelfontein. The age of engravings has not been precisely determined but there is evidence that area was occupied as early as 6,000 years ago.

The name Twyfelfontein means ''Doubtful fountain'' as was given by local farmer due to the unreliable water supply.

Recommended time for a visit is early morning or late afternoon on account of high temperatures and the fact that engravings are not easy visible under direct sunlight.

Directions: C39 from Khorixas, turn left on the road D3254 and right on 3214. There are signs along the route.

ORGAN PIPES -
This geological site is situated close to Twyfelfontein; the name derives from the rock columns that resemble the pipes on a large church organ. These were thought to have formed about 120 million years ago when volcanic dolerite shrank as it cooled, forming these marvellous vertical columns that have cracked into symmetrical shapes.

Directions: Retracing your tracks from Twyfelfontein, take the left fork on to the D3254. After about 3km there's a small gorge to your left, and above it a flat area used for parking. Leave your vehicle and take one of the paths down to the dry river bed.

BURNT MOUNTAIN -
The Burnt Mountain is located few kilometres from the site of Organ Pipes and visible from the road. The Karoo limestone which formed the mountain was deposited around 200 million years ago. About 120 million years ago, the same period when Organ Pipes were formed, volcanic lava intruded the limestone and caused metamorphism giving the mountain its distinctive colour.

PETRIFIED FOREST -
The site was declared a national monument in 1950. The Petrified Forest is the final resting place for a collection of huge, fossilised tree trunks. These trees were once part of an ancient forest and are thought to have been washed down from higher ground by floods. Around fifty trees can be seen and are thought to be around 200 million years old. Most are members of the gymnosperm family. Local guides escort visitors around an organised circuit and share their knowledge of this unique landscape feature.

Note: It is strictly prohibited to remove or damage even small pieces of petrified wood

Directions: The turn off to the site of Petrified Forest is signposted 42 kilometres from Khorixas on the road C39.


RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOUR AT ROCK ART SITES:

• Never touch or wet rock art - it is highly damaging
• Never chalk or enhance engravings
• Do not walk on engraved rocks
• Leave all archaeological artefacts as they are

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