The places of interest near Khorixas
Brandberg
The Brandberg massif occupies an area of 750 qm. The name comes thereof, that the brown granite lights up
reddish at the time of sunset and sunrise. By the relatively regular rainfall, which is collected in cliff
fissures and cliff holes, there are a relatively rich plants and wildlife in this area. Actually, the
Brandberg massif is a marvelous hiking refuge, but unfortunately, the entrance is possible only from the
parking in company of a guide. After the payment one gets a guide for the tours, which are offered by
different length. Because we arrived late in the afternoon as last on site, our companion was very in a
hurry. We rushed the mountain up to the famous " White Lady" and other cliff paintings along the Tsisab
gulch. Here he has given a short explanation and in an express tempo we walked down the mountain. On the
way back, there were still some short explanations to flora and fauna. However, we have seen not so much
from scenery and wildlife. A very nice place to stay over night in this region is the
Ugap Wilderness camp.
Petrified Forest
At the next day at the places of interest nearby Khorixas, it didn't come better to us. In the "Petrified
Forrest " at first we also had to pay and afterwards to tramp along the standard route with a guide. At
the entrance on decal information it was impended that take away the fossilized wood chunks is punishable. Anyway, one can
chose to himself the punishment, either one pay 2000, - Nam§ (approx. 230 - Euro), or to serve a sentence
one year in an African prison! Well, we were spoilt for choice. Some meters farther along the street in
direction Twyfelfontain, there is to left hand a second and not official Petrified Forrest without guides
and penal threat. Unfortunately, we have discovered this only too late. The fossilization were formed by
silicic acid-containing water, which hardened in the wood cells and made these to stone. The primeval times
coniferous forest are arising 300 Mil. years before and probably washed ashore by rivers. Single smaller
specimens of Welwitschia mirabilis you can find on the ground of the "official" Forrest.
Twyfelfontain
Our next stop during this day was the cliff arena of Twyfelfontain. Twyfelfontain means as much as "doubtful
spring". The surrounding rocks contain one of the most comprehensive collection in cliff engravings worldwide.
In the parking lot is a information booth with maps and descriptions situated to find the places of interest.
We had found the way quickly and started to the clim up the cliff arena, when we were also recalled.
The same procedure again, pay and together with guide on the loop. Engravings of wild animals in all possible
constellations and variations, as for example antelopes, giraffes and ostriches were to see. A highlight and
popular photo motive is the "dancing kudu" surrounded from numerous geometrical shapes.
You find detailed executions about the paintings and cliff engravings at Brandberg, Twyfelfontain and in a
lot of other regions of Namibia under Namibia-Tourism.com
*Annotation:
The payment is no problem in itself. The price is relatively small and one gives the money gladly, in
consideration of the poverty of the black population. Indeed, one is under observation all the time and its
no time to make photos or to enjoy the scenery. One feels just like in a museum!
Organ Pipes und Burnt Mountain
With stop at the organ pipes (by erosion exposed stone pillars) we went on the way to "Burnt mountain".
The "Burnt mountain" got its name becauseof the accumulations of blackened limestone on his foot. During
the sundown (according to the travelguide) the black limestone shines together with the remaining rocks in
the most different colors and it looks as if the mountain would burn. However, we already arrived at 3 o'clock
afternoon and the " burnt mountain " was no more than a ridiculous rubble cone and so ugly that it didn't
matter, whether he shines beautiful in the sunset or not. Most other tourists, who came with us made no
effort to leave the car and drove on.
Vingerklip
In the late afternoon we visited the Vingerklip in the midst of the terraces in Ugap valley. The Vingerklip
is the remain of a mesa, originated by the sequence of different geologic processes, nearby of Khorixas.
In the middle of the terraces is the romantically Vingeklip Lodge situated. From here one has a nice overview
about the scenery with the orange illuminated rocks in the evening sunlight. At this time on the Lodge one
gets the so-called sundowner drink poured and lets the day quietly end. At the Lodge different footpaths
starts to the Vingerklip and other destinations.
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