Oct 9

We follow the barren Atlantic Coast line on our way out of Swakopmund to visit Cape Cross - the largest breeding place of the Cape Fur Seals.  Before reaching cape cross we stop to view the ship wreck of Zelia. It happened about 7 years ago and now is a home to many birds.  We did see the White breasted Cormarant among many other species. 

Once arriving at Cape seal, It is here that we see our first black backed jackal looking to feed on a young seal.  

Leaving the cold Atlantic coastline behind we then head inland across the desert plains for Brandberg, the highest mountain in Namibia with its highest peak, Konigstein, being approximately 2606m above sea level. It is composed of a single mass of granite that rose through the earths crust some 120 million years ago. Being almost round in shape it measures 30 km by 25 km.  There are more than 1000 known rock art shelters in the brandberg housing approximately 50,000 rock art of both animal and human figures. The Brandberg is well known for its rock paintings, the so called "White Lady" of Brandberg located in the Tsisab Ravine. 

In January 1917 Reinhardt Maack and Alfred Hoffman were surveying the mountain. They climbed to the top and upon coming down they took shelter under an overhanging rock.  When Maack awoke the next morning he saw the paintings and made a sketch of it.  This shelter is referred to as the Maack Shelter. 

He later made copies which were later published in a book on bushman (San) art and this was how the "White Lady" was introduced to the outside world.  On a visit to Cape Town in 1929 the painting came to the attention of Abbe Henri Breuil. He studied the drawing and hypothesized that the figure was that of a female, hence the name "White Lady". 

The painting depicts the performance of a ritual dance by a group of people. The central figure is that of a shaman (medicine man). 

It is considered that the inhabitants of the brandberg area were San Hunter-Gatherers and that the paintings originated from this cultural group. 

An interrelationship existed between the environment and the people, forming an important part in the belief systems of ancient times. A medicine man called upon to perform dances during drought and illness. It was also believed that some animals had mystical powers and during these ritual dances the shaman would take on the figures of these animals. 

The footpath to the site offers spectacular views over the plains of Damaraland. 

We stayed at the Brandberg White Lady Lodge for the night. 

 It is here that we see Rock Dassie's in both the trees and the rock and our first Meerkats,  they are so curious and cute, sitting upon a rock looking so prim and proper.