Petrified Forest

Near Twyfelfontein, Namibia
February 28th, 2009

After a peaceful night’s rest camping in the bush, we decided to check out the Petrified Forest noted on our map and on Tracks for Africa, our handy GPS. We noted signs with arrows indicating the forest and were both a bit sceptical about them. As it was still early there wasn’t anyone around so we had our own self-guided tour. The wooden rocks were interesting but didn’t quite match what we had read about it.

After our tour we met some other Over Landers. After some good coffee and discussion we went on our way. About five to ten kms later we noticed much more official looking postings for the Petrified Forest. We then became aware that several entrepreneurs had created their own versions of the official forest.

The official P.F. was very beautiful with massive petrified wood trunks up to ten metres long and one metre wide on display. You were even able to see the tree rings on some of the rocks. We also got to see welwichzia plants which grow up to two thousand years and are either male or female.