Visit Namibia's first World Heritage site

Namibia is best known as a safari holiday destination, offering travellers a chance to see wild elephants, crocodiles, hippos, giraffes, lions, leopards and hyenas among others.

However, the rock carvings of Twyfelfontein in the north-west Damaraland region of the country have recently been awarded World Heritage status - the country's first such site.

Twyfelfontein contains around 2,075 carvings across 235 different surfaces showing rhinoceroses, elephants, ostriches, giraffes, and human and animal footprints.

The artworks are thought to date before 1,000 AD, and are linked to the beliefs of the hunter-gatherers who lived in the area.

Some artworks are considered to date from after this period too, with the nomadic farmers, the Damara people, adding their own art depicting cattle to the rock carvings.

The spring that runs through the area is also thought to have had a cultural significance, being used for ceremonies relating to rain and initiation rites among others.

One of the best works is thought to be the Lion Man - which depicts a lion with five toes on each paw.

Visiting the Twyfelfontein World Heritage site can easily be combined with an active holiday in Namibia, particularly if you plan to stay at the Twyfelfontein Lodge, which can be booked directly or through several different tour operators.

Excursions from the lodge vary from guided safaris, hiking and cycling, and nature drives.

Animals that can be seen on a safari excursion include rhinoceros, giraffe, springbok, zebra, oryx, and the desert-adapted elephant.

Prehistoric volcanic activity has also had an impact on the area, creating a number of unusual geological sights. On a nature tour of the region holidaymakers can see rock formations, which include Burnt Mountain and the Organ Pipes, as well as the Petrified Forest.

Tour operators with active holidays to Namibia visiting the Twyfelfontein World Heritage site include Rainbow Tours, Southern Africa Travel and Expert Africa.

For more information on visiting Namibia see the tourist board site at www.namibiatourism.com.na