Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings | Otjiwarongo

Information

Landmark: Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings
City: Otjiwarongo
Country: Namibia
Continent: Africa

Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings, Otjiwarongo, Namibia, Africa

Twyfelfontein (ǀUi-ǁAis), a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2007, contains one of the largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs in Africa. It is located in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia.

Visual Characteristics

The site features over 2,500 individual rock engravings (petroglyphs) and several rock paintings distributed across 17 distinct sites. Most engravings are carved into large, flat slabs of red-orange Etjo sandstone. The imagery is predominantly zoomorphic, depicting wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and lions, alongside geometric patterns and human footprints.

Location & Access Logistics

Access: Located approximately 90 km west of Khorixas via the C39 and D2612 gravel roads.

Vehicle Type: Accessible by 2WD vehicles; roads are generally well-graded but can be corrugated.

Status: Managed as a National Monument. Entry requires a fee, and visitors are accompanied by mandatory local guides.

Operating Hours: Open daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

Historical & Archaeological Origin

The engravings were created over a period of approximately 2,000 to 6,000 years.

Creators: The site was primarily used by hunter-gatherers (San/Bushmen) and later by Damara herders.

The Name: "Twyfelfontein" is Afrikaans for "Doubtful Fountain," a name given by settler David Levin in 1947 due to the spring's unreliable water flow. The indigenous name ǀUi-ǁAis means "jumping water."

Purpose: Archaeological evidence suggests the site was a location for shamanistic rituals. Many engravings, such as the famous "Lion Man," depict the transformation of humans into animals.

Key Highlights

The Lion Man: A unique engraving showing a lion with five toes on each paw and a human-like tail ending in a hand, symbolizing a shaman in a trance state.

The Giant Map: A large rock face covered in circular engravings and tracks, believed by some to represent a topographical map of waterholes in the region.

Rock Paintings: While petroglyphs dominate, there are several small shelters containing red ochre paintings of humans and animals.

The Spring: The perennial spring that attracted both prehistoric hunters and 20th-century farmers still flows at the base of the valley.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Visitor Centre: Features a sustainable, environmentally integrated design made from recycled materials and stone.

Tours: Guided walks take 45–90 minutes. Sturdy footwear is required for navigating the rocky inclines.

Connectivity: Mobile signal is weak or non-existent in the valley.

Best Time to Visit

The dry winter months (May to September) are best for hiking. Afternoon visits provide better light for photography, as the low sun angle emphasizes the depth of the engravings in the sandstone.