Twyfelfontein – the ancient hunters' rock engravings
Twyfelfontein is a unique place in Damaraland, where ancient rock engravings tell stories of hunting, rituals, and mythologies. Visitors can enjoy this open-air gallery with a licensed guide.
There are places where time isn't forgotten—it's just etched in stone. Twyfelfontein is one of them. In the heart of the endless Damaraland, among red rocks and dusty winds, lies an open-air gallery created by the hands of ancient hunter-gatherers thousands of years ago.
Here, every engraving is a whisper. Each trace is a memory from a world where people danced with the stars and painted their dreams onto eternity.
What is Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein (translated as "Fountain of Doubt") is the largest collection of ancient rock engravings in Southern Africa. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, here you'll discover over 2,500 engravings and drawings carved into the rust-red desert stone.
Created around 2,000 to 6,000 years ago, these images tell stories of hunting, rituals, mythologies—of the life of people who lived in harmony with the wild.
What will you see in Twyfelfontein?
Animals: Giraffes, antelopes, rhinos, elephants, and lions depicted with style and symbolism.
Tracks: Finely carved footprints, hooves, and paw prints—special maps for ancient hunters.
Mystical symbols: Figures of shamans, dancers, and hybrid creatures where reality and magic merge.
The most iconic engraving might be the Lion Man—a creature likely embodying a spiritual guide or a sacred connection to nature.
How to experience Twyfelfontein?
You won't find glass cases or safety barriers here. You'll walk along rocky paths, feel the sun on your skin, and the dust beneath your feet. The only way to visit the site is with a licensed local guide, who will unveil the secrets of these ancient symbols.
Helpful tips for visiting:
Wear comfortable shoes—the terrain is uneven and rocky.
Choose morning or late afternoon—for the heat and the softer light that highlights the engravings.
Bring a hat, sunscreen, and water—the desert sun is relentless.
Be quiet and respectful—this is a sacred site, carrying the history of millennia.
How to get to Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein is located in Damaraland, around 4-5 hours by car from Swakopmund or 6 hours from Windhoek. The roads are mostly dirt and dusty, so a 4x4 vehicle is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
Why visit Twyfelfontein?
Because some stories can't be told with words. Because there's a place in the world where the dreams of the ancients still dance on the rocks. Because in Twyfelfontein, you'll find not just traces of the past, but a sense of eternity that you'll carry with you forever.
If you believe that true journeys are those that take us back to the beginnings of everything, join Panic Frame & Travel. We'll show you the paths that lead to the whispers of the stones and stories older than words.
Author: Martin Bonov
