Petrified Forest Travel Guide: Top Sights in Namibia, Tours & Travel

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Petrified Forest- Travel Tips What to See, How to Plan & Tours: Natural Scenery; Namibia; 5 Reviews

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Suggested Duration: 2 hours

The Petrified Forest, located 42 kilometers west of Khorixas along the C39 road in Namibia, is a unique site where large tree trunks have fossilized through a process known as diagenesis. Two prominent trunks, each 45 meters long, are visible, with several hundred more scattered nearby. The trees are believed to have been swept downstream by a massive flood, covered by alluvial sands, and preserved over millions of years as they underwent silicification. This process turned the trees into stone while retaining their wood-like appearance. The site also hosts numerous welwitschia plants and was declared a National Monument in 1950.

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Reviews of Petrified Forest

Matthias Müller

3
Reviewed: 2024-12-20

There are many places in the area that call themselves "Petrified Forest". But this one is the official one where you can find many big, petrified tree stems lying on the ground.
Emma Smithers

3
Reviewed: 2024-12-06

Its definitely an interesting place and the guide was very informative. We went on part of a tour, not sure if I would go out of my way to visit independently though.
Valerie Cupido

5
Reviewed: 2024-07-22

What an amazing experience this was. To see an old tree that is now a rock. It is a must do if you ever in the area. It's totally amazing. Our guide John was very friendly and helpful.
Eino Action

5
Reviewed: 2024-05-23

I love how seriously they caution and promote heritage conservation. We were not allowed to take any rock samples be it loose or intact, beautiful works of nature.🙏🏽
Dozie Desmond

3
Reviewed: 2023-10-29

It's a place in Namibia with the relics of plants and remains of old trees from the 18th century and below. It's a 30 minute (mostly less) guided trip that shouldn't be worth the amount being asked. It's a bit underwhelming and you'll walk away feeling you could've learnt more or done more.