The imposing Brandberg massif is a challenge to rock climbers, especially its peak Königstein, which at 2 574 m is
the highest point in Namibia. The Acacia mon- tis-usti trees, conspicuous in the Brandberg valley, are endemic to this region. Fine specimens of the desert plant Welwitschia mirabilis
can be seen at the Messum Crater south west of the Brandberg.
The Brandberg is famous for the rock painting known as the White Lady, which can be seen on an overhang in Maack's
Shelter, named after the surveyor who discovered it in 1917. The painting became known to international rock art experts only in 1955 when Abbe Henri Breuil, a French archaeologist
and cleric, copied and described it. Since then there has been a great deal of controversy over the meaning and origin of this tantalising relic from the past.
Maack's Shelter
lies in the Tsisab Gorge, a wild and beautiful ravine located amongst a vast jumble of rocks, remnants of many ancient landslides. Although the figure of the White Lady, surrounded by
paintings of numerous animals, has faded over the years, a pilgrimage to see it is well worth the effort. The walk takes about one hour along a well-marked route and should not be
undertaken at midday. |
