Things to do when travelling across Damaraland
TWYFELFONTEIN, ORGAN PIPES & PETRIFIED FOREST
Cost: All children under 7 are free
International visitors
N$ 270 per person 18 years and older
N$ 220 per person under 18
SADC nationals
N$ 100 per person 18 years and older
N$ 80 per person under 18
Namibians
N$ 80 per person 18 years and older
N$ 60 per person under 18
CRAFTS & SOUVENIRS
Our favourite crafts are stocked at the Pulling Elephant Craft Shop at the intersection of the D2612 and D3254 to Twyfelfontein. Compared to the rest, they are a curated selection. The shop features two moving structures, resembling an elephant and a lion, something truly unique. Operated from behind a bush, Herson pulls a cord that makes the elephant trunk go up and down, and the lion to move as well. The shop’s array of animal figurines, authentic jewellery, unique bottle openers and Himba dolls is lovingly crafted by Ferdrika. The mother and son duo behind this craft shop are the friendliest people, and their innovative ideas for drawing passersby are remarkable.
The Petrified Forest craft shop offers a wide selection of curios, handmade by women in the area. Should stopping by at roadside stalls feel too daunting, we recommend this shop as a one-stop destination for every craft Damaraland offers.
While negotiating the price of items is always possible, we encourage you to think twice. Bear in mind that this is rural Namibia, resources are very limited and locals are just trying to get by.
RETURNING TO THE PETRIFIED FOREST COFFEE SHOP
In a previous edition of Travel Namibia, we featured Eddy and Letty who run a small coffee shop just 20 km outside Khorixas. Returning to the area for the first time since we dropped off a few printed copies of the magazine. Eddy, Letty and their grandchildren welcomed us with open arms and insisted we stay for a chat over coffee.
Raving about the feature, poring over the magazine, and laughing about all the calls they got after publication, we were reminded of the impact that a seemingly small gesture can have on rural communities. “Even my enemies called to congratulate me,” Eddy said with a snicker.
In the meantime, they have started construction of two overnight rooms for guests, intended to be completed within the year, with a further two rooms following in the foreseeable future. Spurred on by requests from stop-over guests, Eddy and Letty are excited to begin cooking authentic Damara dishes, giving visitors a more cultural experience.
These two individuals are a delight to meet, and once again, we encourage our readers to pay them a visit en route to Twyfelfontein and its surroundings. The Petrified Forest Coffee Shop is 20 km west of Khorixas on the C19 road.
STOCKING UP IN KHORIXAS
This small town has two supermarkets – Choppies and OK Foods. Basic non-perishables like coffee, pasta, rice, canned food and packaged snacks are available at both. Fresh produce, however, is more limited to root vegetables and fruit.
The town has two fuel stations, Namcor and Engen, each near the supermarkets.
The Namcor fuel station sells homemade pies and freshly brewed coffee and has picnic benches to stop for a break and eat something before venturing on.
For a hearty meal and rest, we suggest the Namibia Wildlife Resorts’ Khorixas Restcamp. A short 5-minute drive north of the town, it offers some great homemade pizzas and ice-cold beer. TN
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Pinterest
More to explore
Read the Winter issue
