Quivertree Forest

The Quivertree (Aloe dichotoma) belongs to the most conspicuous plants of the countries indigenous flora. The name derives from its traditional practical application: the hollowed out pithy branches served as perfect quivers to the ancient Bushmen! Despite its strange, even heroic appearance, closer scrutiny reveals that the “kokerboom” is nothing more than a tree version of the common aloe lily – a remarkable variant fashioned by the combined forces of nature and Namib. The most striking characteristic of the Quivertree is the flared trunk armoured with coarse, drought resistant scales and the multi-branched candelabra topped with fleshy, tapered leaves that jab skyward. In winter these aloes carry a striking spike of rich yellow blossoms that attract a vast variety of nectar-eating birds and insects.

Giant's Playground

This conglomeration of precariously balanced rock is situated a mere 5 kilometers from the Quiver tree forest and has been dated to be over 180 million years of age. These dolomite rock formations, some of which belong to the most curious geological arrangements in Southern Africa, are the result of intrusion and erosion and do actually resemble a fascinating giant puzzle of irregular shaped building blocks!