Country
Fossil hunting in Namibia
In Damaraland, Permian tree trunks lie on the desert surface where a flood left them about 280 million years ago. Two of the exposed trunks run 45 meters long. The site became a National Monument on 1 March 1950.
The Petrified Forest sits 42 kilometers west of Khorixas on the C39. Several hundred trunks lie in the area and at least two are fully exposed at 45 meters. Silicification replaced each cell individually, which is why the wood structure survives.
A flood is the accepted explanation. The trees traveled downstream, alluvial sand buried them, and groundwater silica did the rest over the following millions of years.
Visits are guided and short. Welwitschia plants grow on the site, which adds a living curiosity to a dead forest.
Take nothing. The National Heritage Act 27 of 2004 makes palaeontological objects the property of the State. Moving one, uncovering one, or holding one for sale or export without a permit is an offence. The penalty runs to 100,000 Namibian dollars or five years.
1 fossil site
Updated 14 September 2026
Frequently asked questions
- Where is the Petrified Forest in Namibia?
- 42 kilometers west of Khorixas on the C39 road in Damaraland. It has been a National Monument since 1 March 1950.
- Can you take petrified wood from Namibia?
- No. Under the National Heritage Act 27 of 2004 palaeontological objects belong to the State. Moving or possessing one for sale or export without a permit is an offence carrying up to 100,000 Namibian dollars or five years.