Quiver Tree Forest near Keetmanshoop★★
The Quiver Tree Forest is located 14 km northeast of Keetmanshoop and is one of the most photogenic natural wonders of southern Namibia. On a rocky hill stand around 250 quiver trees (Aloe dichotoma) — bizarre, up to 9-meter-tall aloe trees, whose thick fibrous trunks and spherical crowns make them look like trees from a fairy tale book.
They owe their name to the San (Bushmen), who used the hollow branches as quivers for their arrows. The trees are up to 200–300 years old and are under nature protection. In 2018, the forest was declared a National Monument.
The best time to visit is in the late afternoon — when the low sun bathes the trees in warm light and the rocks glow orange. Particularly spectacular: the night sky over the Quiver Tree Forest. The combination of the silhouettes of the trees and the Milky Way creates one of Namibia's most iconic astrophotography motifs.
Next door is the Giant's Playground — a labyrinth of giant dolerite boulders that look as if a giant had stacked them. Perfect for a short hike.
