Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud) | Keetmanshoop

Information

Landmark: Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud)
City: Keetmanshoop
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Quiver Tree Forest (Kokerboom Woud), Keetmanshoop, Namibia, Africa

The Quiver Tree Forest (Afrikaans: Kokerboom Woud) is a world-renowned botanical site located on the farm Mesosaurus (and the adjacent Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp) approximately 14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop, Namibia.

Visual Characteristics

The "forest" consists of approximately 250 to 300 specimens of Aloidendron dichotomum, a succulent plant species that grows to the proportions of a tree. They feature thick, cork-like trunks with golden-yellow peeling bark and a distinct dichotomous (forked) branching pattern that forms a rounded crown. The trees grow amongst massive, dark-brown dolerite rock formations, creating a high-contrast prehistoric landscape.

Location & Access Logistics

Address: Situated on the M29 road, Keetmanshoop district.

Access: Reached via a well-maintained gravel road from the B1 highway. It is accessible by all vehicle types.

Admission: Since it is located on private land, an entry fee is required at the farmhouse/reception.

Hours: Typically open from sunrise to sunset for day visitors; overnight guests have 24-hour access.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The forest was declared a National Monument of Namibia in 1955.

The Species: The Quiver Tree is not a true tree but a succulent. It is native to the arid rocky areas of southern Namibia and the Northern Cape of South Africa.

Age: The oldest specimens in this forest are estimated to be between 200 and 300 years old.

Name Origin: The name "Quiver Tree" comes from the San (Bushmen) practice of hollowing out the soft, fibrous branches to create quivers for their arrows.

Key Highlights & Activities

Photography: This is one of the most photographed locations in Namibia. The trees are best captured at sunrise, sunset, or during astrophotography sessions under the exceptionally dark Namibian night sky.

Botanical Observation: Visitors can observe the unique adaptations of the plants, such as the reflective white powder on the leaves that helps repel heat.

Wildlife: The rocky crevices are home to large colonies of Rock Hyrax (Dassies) and sociable weavers, who build massive, multi-chambered grass nests in the branches of the trees.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Accommodation: The Quiver Tree Forest Rest Camp offers bungalows and a campsite within walking distance of the trees.

Facilities: A small reception office, a souvenir shop, and restrooms are available.

Proximity: Most visitors combine a trip here with a visit to the Giant’s Playground, located just 5 km further down the same road.

Best Time to Visit

The winter months (June and July) are the optimal time for visitation. During this period, the Quiver Trees bloom with bright yellow flowers, attracting various bird species and insects. Furthermore, the winter air is the clearest for photography.

Facts & Legends

A specific ecological fact: the Quiver Tree is highly sensitive to climate change; researchers use this specific forest as a "sentinel" site to monitor the southward shift of the species due to rising temperatures. A local legend states that planting a quiver tree will bring good luck to the owner, though they are notoriously difficult to cultivate outside their natural rocky habitat.