Twyfelfontein is a rocky outcrop in Damaraland where more than 2’000 ancient rock engravings and several rock paintings by its native inhabitants remain preserved.

This region had been familiar to its ancient residents for a long time: they gathered close to the only source of water during the dry season, carried out their rituals, and drew and carved their experiences onto and into the slabs of rock around them. The naturally occurring iron oxide in the sandstone formed a protective layer (the so-called ‘desert varnish’) over the rock engravings. This layer has slowed down the weathering process and allowed us to admire these thousands-of-years-old works of art today. Many of the engravings depict hunting scenes with giraffe, antelope, zebra, ostrich, rhino, elephant and lion – and interestingly enough, also a seal! Humans are rarely depicted. The drawings are often surrounded by geometric patterns.

To avoid contamination and vandalism, guests may only visit the area with a guide, who will highlight the most famous motifs, including the lion with a kink in its tail and the dancing kudu. The tour takes about an hour for the first motifs, and a further hour if you wish to see the rest. It is best to visit in the early morning or late afternoon in order to avoid the worst of the heat.