Otjihaenamparero is a farm about 20 kilometres outside of Kalkveld, Namibia. Interestingly enough, this site was declared a National Monument in 1951.
Why? Because on this farmstead visitors will find 160-million-year-old dinosaur footprints.
As far as research has been able to determine, about 200 million years ago southern Africa was filled with various prehistoric reptiles. It would seem that these creatures walked on their two hind legs and therefore left three-toed foot prints in the sandstone.
A sign at the site explains that the footprints were most likely left on wet soil or along the banks of a lake.
As time passed the tracks were covered by a layer of sediment and eventually hardened to stone. Once preserved, years of erosion has brought the unique tracks back to the surface.
It becomes even more interesting once location comes to mind. In northern Namibia, large two legged dinosaurs were once found. And in the south, the fossils of a Mesosaurus has been found.
Two very different kinds of prehistoric creatures. This may give some idea of how different the land structure was 200 million years ago.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P3RuP8J8aJQ
For a fee of N20.00 the public can visit the special place, where the past has left a permanent footprint on the present.
This is also a great location to visit on your way to the Etosha National Park. Where the Gondwana Collection has two great properties on offer, Etosha Safari Lodge and Etosha Safari Camp.
If you have any information about the Otjihaenamparerodino-tracks, we invite you to share them with us in the comment section below.
Author – Jescey Visagie is a proud Namibian and is passionate about writing and language. Tag along for the ride as she tries to uncover new insights into Namibia and explores what the country has to offer.
