Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground are two popular destinations in the South of Namibia, close to the city of Keetmanshoop. These two places show that Namibia is so much more than just sand dunes and game reserves!
Quiver Tree Forest is a forest with about 250 so-called ‘quiver trees’. These trees got their name because the locals traditionally used the branches of the tree to make quivers. The oldest trees are more than two centuries old and they are most popular because of their looks. The trees look like they are upside down, because their leaves look similar to roots. The legend says these trees bring good luck if you worship them. People also believe that if you dig up a quiver tree, you will get diamonds for a lifetime. But, since these trees are blessed, nobody wants to dig them up. So most people don’t come here to dig up trees, but to take beautiful photographs of the landscape.
Close to the Quiver Tree Forest lays another famous spot: Giants Playground.
Giants Playground got his name from the giant boulders that are placed on top of each other, creating strange rocks formations and mazes. By the separation of the super continent, about 180 million years ago, molten magma pushed its way up and the boulders were formed. You can easily walk around Giants Playground for a couple of hours to explore the maze and take photographs.
Quiver Tree Forest is a forest with about 250 so-called ‘quiver trees’. These trees got their name because the locals traditionally used the branches of the tree to make quivers. The oldest trees are more than two centuries old and they are most popular because of their looks. The trees look like they are upside down, because their leaves look similar to roots. The legend says these trees bring good luck if you worship them. People also believe that if you dig up a quiver tree, you will get diamonds for a lifetime. But, since these trees are blessed, nobody wants to dig them up. So most people don’t come here to dig up trees, but to take beautiful photographs of the landscape.
Close to the Quiver Tree Forest lays another famous spot: Giants Playground.
Giants Playground got his name from the giant boulders that are placed on top of each other, creating strange rocks formations and mazes. By the separation of the super continent, about 180 million years ago, molten magma pushed its way up and the boulders were formed. You can easily walk around Giants Playground for a couple of hours to explore the maze and take photographs.
Quivertree Forest Rest Camp
Quivertree Forest Rest Camp is 3-star accommodation located close to the Quiver Tree Forest and Giants Playground, just 13 kilometres from Keetmanshoop. They offer different types of rooms, such as family rooms, bungalows and guesthouses, all equipped with a private bathroom and air-conditioning. Some of these guesthouses and the bungalows are also equipped with a kitchen offering self-catering, but you can also enjoy meals at the restaurant. You can enjoy the swimming pool, restaurant, bar and the ‘braai’ facilities and activities include cheetah feeding and visits to the Quiver Tree Forest and the Giants Playground, close by. Children of all ages are welcome at Quivertree Forest Rest Camp.
Mesosaurus Fossil Site
Mesosaurus Fossil Site is a place of contrast and diversity, with earth’s history written clearly in the beautiful rock formations. All chalets have en-suite bathrooms and mosquito nets. Mesosaurus Fossil Site is a self-catering accommodation, but meals and barbecue packets can be provided if pre-booked. Enjoy a cool drink around the campfire while looking at the million stars above you and listen to the noises of the bush. Mesosaurus Fossil Site is an unexpected jewel in the desert. Activities you can enjoy are hiking trails, guided and unguided visits to the Quiver Tree Forest or a trip to the quiver tree valley. The owners of Mesosaurus are very happy to share all their knowledge about the fossils that were found here and the geological history of this place.
