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Rock Art Sites in Namibia

Southern Africa has a large number of rock art sites which are not only attractive because of the quality of the art but because of the scenic locations of most of the sites. Namibia is no exception, as it has its fair share of rock art in a variety of sites.

The art is often attributed to ‘the Bushmen’ because, within recorded history and as recently as the mid-19th century, rock paintings were being done by the people called ‘Bushmen’ or the San, to give them the name that is considered to be more proper. Moreover, the art clearly depicts the lifestyle and habits of these people. However, it is not known who produced the art in pre-historic times. Was it the ancestors of ‘the Bushmen’, whoever they might have been?

The meanings or intentions of the art are still the subject of vigorous debate. One theory is that the images depict the visions of the shamans, who worked themselves into trances via dancing to the hypnotic rhythm that was produced by the participants in the ritual. For this reason, the art not only depicts real-life animals, but also has representations of fantastic creatures. In addition, it is claimed that the bodily positions of many of the figures portray trance-like states, while the lines that emanate from them represent their connection with the dream world.

Whatever the truth – which will probably never be fully known – the paintings are generally skilful, stylish, evocative and intriguing. Indeed, they are true art.

The most famous site in Namibia is undoubtedly Twyfelfontein, where there are hundreds of fascinating rock engravings. They are of unknown origin and unknown age, but are thought to be many thousands of years old. Nevertheless, they recognisably depict animals of the ‘modern’ era, such as lions, elephants, giraffes, antelope, etc. Today, in the scenic surroundings of Twyfelfontein, the ‘desert’ elephants and rhinos still roam to within a few kilometres of the site, or even closer on occasions. Besides engravings, Twyfelfontein also has rock paintings.

Lodging at or near Twyfelfontein: Doro Nawas, Mowani Mountain Camp, Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Damaraland Camp, Camp Xaragu

The Brandberg is almost as famous, but less visited because most of the sites are quite difficult to access. The best known painting is the ‘White Lady’, so called because a rock art specialist once proclaimed that the figure was European and female. Based on this opinion, fantastic theories developed, such as that the figure represented a woman who was a member of the Phoenician expedition which (probably) sailed around Africa many centuries BC. While it seems crass to dismantle such glorious fantasies, more sober assessors have said that the figure is neither European nor female. Nevertheless, there is ongoing debate about the cusp-like object which the figure is holding. Although the ‘White Lady’ shelter is the most accessible of all the Brandberg sites, visitors have to undertake a relatively stiff walk to get there. During the heat of mid-summer, the route should be undertaken with discretion. Guides to the Brandberg can be hired in nearby Uis.

Lodging near the Brandberg: White Lady B&B in nearby Uis

Another well known rock art area is the Erongo Mountains. Here, many of the sites are scenically located amongst jumbles of great granite boulders. They are generally accessible from lodges and guest farms in the area, which has reasonably good sign-posting to the sites, as well as good guide facilities.

Lodging in the Erongo area: Ai Aiba Rock Painting Lodge, Erongo Wilderness Lodge, Ameib Guest Farm

The Spitzkoppe area, which lies off the main road between Usakos and Swakopmund, also has rock art. However, the sites are rather scattered and sparse.

Lodging in or near the Spitzkoppe: The area is controlled by the local community, which provides basic bungalows and guides. The nearest town is Usakos, which has a hotel. There is a wider choice of accommodation in the coastal resorts of Henties Bay and, especially, Swakopmund.

Tour Namibia with Sandscapes.