Twyfelfontein
While enjoying all the wonders of your terrific Namibian sojourn, it would be well worth your time to head towards the region of Twyfelfontein and experience a truly remarkable piece of this Southern African country. Twyfelfontein, which can be found in the Kunene province of Namibia, is translated from Afrikaans to mean ‘Doubtful Fountain’; it received its name from a local farmer who had his doubts that a spring which existed in the area was able to sustain all his cattle as well as irrigate the crops substantially. What makes Twyfelfontein special, however, is the fascinating and marvelous rock art that has been carved into the walls of caves and rock over the course of 2000 years by the hunter-gatherers who called this place home. It is believed these hunter-gatherers created the illustrations as part of their rituals.
There are approximately 2000 rock carvings to be found with the art representing animals such as rhinos, giraffes, ostriches, and elephants; there are also human depictions as well as animal footprints. One of the most popular amongst visiting travellers is the carving known as the “Lion Man” which shows the fascinating transformation of a human into an animal. Twyfelfontein is naturally very important to archaeologists and anthropologists alike with archaeologists digging up objects around the site such as pendants, beads, and stone artifacts. The area is also home to a further 6 rock shelters that contain human depictions painted in red ochre. Twyfelfontein was honoured as Namibia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007 and visitors are urged to explore the rock art either early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid hot temperatures and because the carvings are not as easily seen under the direct glare of sunlight.
