Twyfelfontein: An Ancient History, Amazing Facts, and Things to Do in Namibia
Twyfelfontein, located in the Kunene Region of Namibia, is an archaeological site and World Heritage Site that holds a wealth of ancient history, amazing facts, and things to do. It is one of the most important cultural sites in the country, with its thousands of rock art engravings and archaeological remains that date back to the Stone Age. Twyfelfontein is also home to a variety of wildlife, including the Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok, and kudu.
History of Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is an archaeological site that dates back to the Stone Age, with the earliest evidence of human activity in the area dating back to the Middle Stone Age, around 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. The area was inhabited by the San people, who left behind thousands of rock art engravings that depict various animals, such as giraffes, rhinos, and antelopes. The engravings also depict various scenes of everyday life, such as hunting, gathering, and ritual activities.
In the 19th century, the area was colonized by German settlers, who named the area Twyfelfontein, which translates to “doubtful fountain”. The name was given due to the presence of a small spring in the area that was unreliable in terms of water supply. In the 1950s, the area was declared a national monument, and in 2007, it was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Amazing Facts about Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is home to over 2,500 rock art engravings, making it one of the largest and richest concentrations of rock art in Africa. The engravings are believed to have been created by the San people between 6,000 and 10,000 years ago.
The site also contains a variety of archaeological remains, such as stone tools, stone circles, and stone-lined graves. These remains provide evidence of the presence of hunter-gatherers in the area during the Stone Age.
Twyfelfontein is home to a variety of wildlife, including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok, and kudu. It is also home to various species of birds, such as the yellow-billed hornbill and the black-chested snake eagle.
Things to Do at Twyfelfontein
Twyfelfontein is a great destination for anyone looking to explore the ancient history and culture of Namibia. Here are some of the best things to do at Twyfelfontein:
-Explore the Rock Art: Twyfelfontein is home to over 2,500 rock art engravings, which provide an insight into the lives of the San people who inhabited the area during the Stone Age. Visitors can explore the engravings and learn about the ancient culture of the San people.
-Visit the Archaeological Remains: Twyfelfontein is also home to a variety of archaeological remains, such as stone tools, stone circles, and stone-lined graves. These remains provide evidence of the presence of hunter-gatherers in the area during the Stone Age.
-Spot Wildlife: Twyfelfontein is home to a variety of wildlife, including Hartmann’s mountain zebra, springbok, gemsbok, and kudu. It is also home to various species of birds, such as the yellow-billed hornbill and the black-chested snake eagle.
-Go on a Hike: Twyfelfontein is a great place to go for a hike, with its rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and stunning views. Visitors can explore the area on foot and take in the beautiful scenery.
-Go on a Safari: Twyfelfontein is home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great destination for a safari. Visitors can go on a game drive to spot the various species of animals in the area.
Twyfelfontein is an amazing destination for anyone looking to explore the ancient history and culture of Namibia. With its thousands of rock art engravings, archaeological remains, and wildlife, Twyfelfontein is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience all that Namibia has to offer.