National park · Namibia
Twyfelfontein
Visit Twyfelfontein for a short guided walk (30–80 min) for N$50–70 entry, best in dry months Apr–Oct; avoid the rainy season (Nov–Mar).
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
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Map to the park
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Area
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
approximate
Established
2007
Best months
Apr–Oct
UNESCO
World Heritage
Rules in force · 10Nine African countries on this site have no trip line bec…Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive befor…
- Africa ↗When a route touches a yellow-fever country — even a transit of 12 hours or more — keep the original yellow card (ICVP) in your hand luggage; health desks and airlines can refuse boarding or entry without it.
- Africa ↗Nine African countries on this site have no trip line because governments advise against travel; several others have no-go regions. Read your government's advice for every country on the route before paying deposits.
- Southern Africa ↗A rental car may leave its home country only with the rental company's cross-border letter, the registration papers and paid road taxes at each post; driving into Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique or Angola without them ends at the border.
- Southern Africa ↗Across the subregion, plan every road leg to arrive before sunset: livestock, wildlife, pedestrians and unlit trucks make night driving the main cause of serious visitor accidents.
- Namibia ↗Check visa and entry rules for your passport on official Namibian government sources before booking: since 1 April 2025 citizens of 33 countries, including the US, UK, most of the EU, Canada and Australia, need a visa on arrival or an e-visa.
- Namibia ↗Taking a rental car into Botswana, South Africa, Zambia or Zimbabwe needs written permission from the rental company and the right papers; ask when you book.
- Namibia ↗Etosha gates open at sunrise and close at sunset: you must be inside a camp or out of the park by closing time.
- Kunene ↗A veterinary Red Line runs across the region. No meat may be carried south across it — plan to eat or give away what you have before the control.
- Kunene ↗Fill up at every station you pass. Outside Opuwo, fuel may only be available in 5-litre cans at a higher price.
- Kunene ↗Communal campsites often have no potable water or power. Carry your own water.
At a glance
- Country
- Namibia
- Area
- 1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²)
- The site covers a small protected area focused on the rock engraving field; exact size not published (check).
- Established
- 2007
- Best months
- Apr–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Twyfelfontein hosts one of Africa's richest petroglyph collections, reflecting 6,000 years of hunter‑gatherer and Khoikhoi culture, and was designated Namibia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- UNESCO World Heritage · 2007Namibia's first World Heritage Site.
Size and age
1 km² (0 sq mi)0 sq mi (1 km²) · national park since 2007
The site covers a small protected area focused on the rock engraving field; exact size not published (check).
Why go
- One of Africa's largest concentrations of rock petroglyphs.
- Cultural insight into 6,000 years of hunter‑gatherer and Khoikhoi activity.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprBest
- MayBest
- JunBest
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecCaution
- JanRainy, roads can be difficult
- FebRainy season
- MarTransition, occasional storms
- AprDry, comfortable temperatures
- MayDry, cooler mornings
- JunDry, low humidity
- JulDry, clear skies
- AugDry, good visibility
- SepDry, warm afternoons
- OctEnd of dry season, pleasant
- NovFirst rains may start
- DecIncreasing rain probability
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desert elephants (sighting chance near the site)Apr–Oct · Occasional, keep distance. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Engraving area | Main petroglyph field with guided walk. | Guide required, included in fee. |
Sketch map
Take the points offline
3 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates from Wikidata; approximate for lodge locations.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance & guide (30–80 min walk) | NAD 50–70 | person | Includes mandatory guide; tip optional |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entrance permit permit or guide
Park rules
- Guides
- A guide is mandatory for all visitors; included in entrance fee.
- Photography
- No flash or close‑up photography of petroglyphs.
- Camping
- Not allowed within the engraving area; stay at nearby lodges or campsites.
Where to stay
Near the park
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge
Basic rooms, restaurant, and guided tours.
Near the park
Madisa Camp
Bush camp with tents and shared facilities.
Near the park
Twyfelfontein Campsite
Self‑catering sites; no electricity.
Safety
Heat medium
Remote location low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- Road to site is gravel; 4‑WD vehicle recommended.
- Guided walk is short and level, suitable for most fitness levels.
Visiting lightly
- Stay at locally owned lodges; support community tourism.
- Do not remove any stones or artifacts.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Twyfelfontein?
Entrance and mandatory guide cost N$50–70 per person; tip the guide if you wish.
What are the best hikes in Twyfelfontein?
The only walk is the short guided petroglyph tour (30–80 min). No longer hikes are available within the park.
When is the best time to visit Twyfelfontein?
Dry months April to October give clear weather and good road conditions.
Can I visit without a guide?
No. A guide is required by law and included in the entrance fee.
Where can I stay near Twyfelfontein?
Twyfelfontein Country Lodge, Madisa Camp, and the campsite are the closest options.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go
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Sources
Ask about Twyfelfontein
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