Namibia Pictures
Damaraland

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2,000 year old San rock art in Twyfelfontein, Damaraland. Click for more pictures.

Damaraland, in the country's north west, conveniently located roughly between Etosha National Park and Swakopmund, is a dry and rocky wilderness of roller coaster dirt roads [which sound fun but are, at speed, heart stopping], red rock outcrops and spectacular views.
Hiking in the area is excellent - though hot, but the main attraction is over 2,000 rock drawings of the San bushmen that date from about 300BC to the 19thC.
The San were southern Africa's first inhabitants, wandering hunters, so most of the engravings feature animals, with humans occasionally appearing as handprints, such as on the end of the lion's tail in the picture above. The exact purpose of the drawings is unknown and theories range from pure art to spiritual power-upping of the San hunter's bow to primitive data banks of local animals, paw prints and water holes to guide or train other San hunters.

Lesser sights in Damaraland include a Petrified Forest of 260 million year old fossilized trees, though in the form of large logs rather than standing trees, some good examples of living 1,000 year old welwitschia mirabilis desert plants, and the Organ Pipes rock formation. Looking for desert elephants in this area - sometimes touted as a tourist activity - is a waste of time

4WD is not necessary, though caution when hitting steep switchbacks is, as the road can occasionally make a sudden and unseen turn just over the crest.

Other Photos and Information: Etosha Safari Wildlife | Swakopmund

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