Twyfelfontein
Archaeological Site Rock art site with thousands of petroglyphs
Twyfelfontein in Damaraland preserves thousands of prehistoric rock engravings on sandstone panels-UNESCO‑listed-and sits among eroded outcrops; visitors walk guided trails to view petroglyphs and nearby geological formations such as the Organ Pipes.
Twyfelfontein is a major rock-art site in northwestern Namibia featuring extensive engravings and paintings on sandstone outcrops. The panels include animal and human motifs and are interpreted as the work of hunter-gatherer communities over millennia.
The site’s engraved rock panels number in the thousands and are laid out across a valley of exposed rock slabs and koppies, with a visitor centre and guided trails that lead to the principal panels. Twyfelfontein is recognised for both the density and quality of its rock art.
Archaeological studies date the engravings to prehistoric periods associated with San and other foraging communities; the site has been protected and interpreted since the late 20th century and is a key cultural destination in Damaraland.
Twyfelfontein lies in the Kunene region of northwestern Namibia near the settlement of Khorixas and is accessed by road from regional towns in Damaraland.
- Scale of rock art: Contains one of the largest concentrations of rock art in southern Africa, with roughly 2,500 individual engravings and paintings recorded at the site.
- UNESCO inscription: Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for its extensive and well-preserved collection of rock engravings by hunter-gatherer peoples.
What to See #
- Engraved rock panels: A large concentration of prehistoric rock engravings and paintings on sandstone outcrops, with panels that depict animals, human figures and abstract motifs.
- Visitor and interpretation centre: An interpretation centre and guided trails that provide access to the main engraving sites and explain the archaeology and ethnography of the area.
How to Get to Twyfelfontein #
Twyfelfontein is reached from the town of Khorixas (about 60 km northwest by gravel road). Organized tours from Khorixas, Palmwag or Damaraland include park fees and guides; self-driving is possible with a suitable vehicle and clear directions.
Tips for Visiting Twyfelfontein #
- Hire a guide from the local conservancy to understand the petroglyphs' contexts and to access less-visited panels.
- Visit in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and better contrast on the rock engravings.
- Bring sun protection and a field guide; many of the motifs (giraffes, elephants, human figures) are best appreciated with interpretation.
Best Time to Visit Twyfelfontein #
The dry months (May-October) are best for visiting the rock engraving sites and for comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Twyfelfontein #
Twyfelfontein's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with warm summers (peaking in January) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 12°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with 35 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 12°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 14°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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December
December is mild with highs of 31°C and lows of 16°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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