Petrified Forest - nr Khorixas, Damaraland, Namibia

The Petrified Forest near Khorixas, Damaraland, Namibia, is a fascinating site located about 40 kilometers west of the town, in the Kunene Region of northwestern Namibia. This area is known for its ancient fossilized tree trunks, some of which are estimated to be over 280 million years old. These trees, believed to have been washed down by massive floods during prehistoric times, became buried under sediment, eventually petrifying through a process where organic material is replaced by minerals, turning the wood into stone.

Key features of the Petrified Forest:

1. Fossilized Trees: The trees found at the site are mainly conifers, and some of the trunks are up to 34 meters long and 6 meters in circumference. Despite their appearance, these trees did not grow in the area but were transported there by powerful floods in ancient times.

2. Welwitschia Plants: The area surrounding the Petrified Forest is also home to Welwitschia mirabilis, one of the world’s oldest and most unique plant species. These desert plants can live for more than a thousand years, making the site even more intriguing for botanists and nature enthusiasts.

3. Protected Area: Although it is not officially a "forest" in the typical sense, the site is protected, and visitors are encouraged to explore it with local guides to gain deeper insight into the geological history of the region.

The Petrified Forest is one of Namibia’s natural heritage sites, providing a glimpse into the Earth's distant past and showcasing the incredible geological and environmental transformations the area has undergone over millions of years. Visitors to this site often combine their trip with other attractions in the nearby Damaraland region, such as the Twyfelfontein rock engravings and the Brandberg Mountain Nature Reserve.