Khorixas Petrified Forest | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Khorixas Petrified Forest
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Khorixas Petrified Forest, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

The Petrified Forest is a national monument located in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia, approximately 42 kilometers west of the town of Khorixas. It contains a high concentration of fossilized tree trunks dating back to the Permian period.

Visual Characteristics

The site features approximately 50 exposed, fossilized logs scattered across a sandstone plateau. These logs vary in size, with the largest reaching lengths of up to 30 meters and diameters of 1.2 meters. The preservation is high-fidelity, with visible bark textures and growth rings, despite the biological material having been replaced by silica (quartz).

Location and Access Logistics

Coordinates: 20°26′22″S 14°36′16″E.

Access: Situated on the C39 road between Khorixas and Twyfelfontein.

Vehicle Type: Reachable via 2WD vehicles on well-maintained gravel roads.

Status: Declared a national monument on March 1, 1950.

Entry: Visitors must pay an entry fee at the reception and are accompanied by a mandatory local guide.

Geological Origin

The trees are approximately 280 million years old.

The Incident: Evidence suggests the trees did not grow in this location. They were likely uprooted during a massive flood in a post-glacial period and transported by a river system from central Africa to their current position.

The Process: The logs were rapidly buried under thick layers of river sediment. In an anaerobic environment, silica-rich water permeated the wood cells, crystallizing into quartz and preserving the external and internal structures of the trunks.

Key Highlights

Welwitschia mirabilis: The site is also a significant habitat for these "living fossils." Some specimens at the site are estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

Bark and Knots: Certain specimens clearly display the knots where branches once grew and the distinct texture of the bark, which can be touched under guide supervision.

Landscape: The surrounding area consists of mopane savanna and striking sedimentary rock formations.

Infrastructure and Amenities

Facilities: A small visitor center, toilets, and a craft market at the entrance.

Tours: Guided walks take approximately 45 to 60 minutes.

Connectivity: Mobile signal is intermittent; offline maps are recommended for navigation.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open year-round. Morning visits are recommended to avoid high midday temperatures and to utilize the best light for photographing the detail in the fossilized wood.

Facts and Legends

It is strictly prohibited to remove any pieces of petrified wood from the site. Local guides monitor the paths to ensure the preservation of the specimens. Scientific analysis identifies many of the trees as belonging to the genus Dadoxylon, an extinct group of gymnosperms related to modern conifers.