Southern Namibia, to me, is characterized by wide open spaces which of course I thoroughly enjoy. The landscapes seem so vast especially relative to the more congested north. In the north sometimes it is hard to get a breath. Even though there is a lot of open space, there are a lot of fences and no matter how hard I try, I am always in sight of a homestead. The south though is made up of huge grazing areas and uninhabitable terrain. It is a whole other country.
Not too far out of the town of Keetmanshoop is a rare forest made up of Quiver Trees. Quiver Trees occur throughout Southern Namibia and parts of South Africa but few other places have such a dense concentration. The Quiver Tree gets its name because it was traditionally used by the Nama people to make quivers for their arrows. The Quiver Tree is in the aloe family and pretty much resembles a typical aloe plant but with long branches and a big trunk. The forest is beautifully set amongst soft grasses swaying in the wind and reddish tinged rocks. With that said, here are some photos from around the area.
A typical Quiver Tree, Aloe Dicotoma, or Kokerboom in Afrikaans. Like no other tree I have ever seen before.
Paired with another stunning Namibian sunset and strange clouds, the forest made one feel as if on another planet.
Not the most charming wildlife I have seen in Namibia to date. The name of this marmot-like creature is not coming to me at the moment but they are a common sight around the forest.
Outside of the forest lies the Giant’s Playground, a place with naturally occurring piles of boulders. Another good place to waste away a morning wandering amongst a strange landscape.
A sucker for high places.
This picture was taken shortly after this cat got a hold of my leg. It is amazing that I still had the determination to snap a picture of the culprit. Just kidding, I still have both my legs. The farm that the forest is on also houses several semi-domesticated cheetahs.
Well, that is pretty much the extent of my adventures in the south. From here, after a workshop in the capitol, I will be taking holiday through Zambia, Malawi, and desert trekking in Namibia. The blog will lay dormant for some time but when I am back I'm sure that there will be plenty to update you on.
Kala po nawa!
7 comments:
Amazing pictures, Grant! What beautiful country and wildlife. Keep living life to the fullest...but come home to MT soon :)
Sorry to hear about the destructive flooding but glad you are making the most of the interruption! I called my host fam last week and they are all ok but they said the oshanas are pretty full. I sure hope that no more kids or old kukus and tatekulus drown. The first year I was evacuated for just a week and it was still pretty hard to get back in the swing of things, so I wish you the best when you make it back to site.
That little critter is called a Rock Hyrax I believe, but in SA it's a dassie.
I don't want to make you jealous/homesick but I have to tell you that I went on a family trip to Montana (Missoula and West Yellowstone) and the snowy forests and mountains were amazing! We went to Big Sky a couple days and crosscountry skiing twice and it was brilliant. Complete contrast with Luderitz and the Namibian South.
But you'll be home sooner than you think! Kala po nawa kuume. Ino shipa mefundja!
-Parker
Awesome forest! Those quiver trees are awesome!
But I think it's a little too cold here to grow them.
I saw your dad biking the other day-made me smile :)
Have fun on your trek!!
The dassies and their little smiles grow on you... their nearest relative, believe it or not, is the elephant.
Looks like your having great fun!
Keep it up!!Awesome blog!
gorgeous pics Grant, you are gonna have some nice art work for your house when you get back!
Semi-domesticated cheetahs....really? yikes!
Thanks so much for taking the time to tell us and show us all your experiences. I love the pictures. Have you come across any large wild animals on your wanderings? -Crystal
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