101 Reasons to visit Namibia: Dinosaur Tracks

Imagine towering conifers and ferns so big it almost look like they reach the sky. The 
landscape is dominated by flowering plants and deep greens. But between the bird 
calls, there is a strange echoing call, distant bellows and short cries. The earth beneath 
you softly vibrates and then the long neck of the Brachiosaurus becomes visible as it
reaches for some green leaves. Seeing such a giant creature is breathtaking and a bit 
scary at the same time. Imagine a life where the dinosaurs, from brightly coloured to 
feathered, roamed with mankind!

Although we have to use our imagination to be able to think about what the dinosaurs 
looked like, we can be certain that they existed. From around the world evidence of 
bones has been dug up. But here in Namibia, the dinosaurs left their footprints in our 
soil and we can only imagine that they must have lived here.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Just a few kilometres east of the small town Kalkfeld is the Otjihaenamparero dinosaur 
tracks. These tracks were first been reported in 1925. Friedrich von Huene discovered 
the tracks and then reported this magnificent find. The tracks are well preserved and 
found in the Etjo Sandstone. When closely examined one can see the three-toed and 
clawed foot, probably the hind feet of the bipedal dinosaurs. There are more than 30 
individual imprints, and it is believed that these prints belong to two different species, 
the Saurichnium damarense and Saurichnium tetractys. Interestingly, it seems that all 
the tracks face the same direction. The dinosaur tracks were declared a national
monument in 1951.

Just a few kilometers north other footprints have also been discovered, at Mount Etjo. 
Dr. Huene and Dr Gürich also discovered these prints. Here up to three different prints
can be found. But due to limited evidence it is difficult to accurately classify these 
prints. 

Photo credits: Janke Murray

Finding these footprints is extremely magnificent because they give us a rare glimpse 
into history. It also very fascinating to have a footprint fossilized as the conditions
should be absolutely perfect. Once the fossilization process takes place, these 
moments are like a snapshot in time and are not easily destroyed. It is believed that 
palaeontologists can estimate the speed of the dinosaur just by examining the 
footprints.

These sightings are truly impressive to see and take one back to a time of little 
knowledge. We can use our imaginations to see how these creatures lived and what 
they looked like. If you love history and nature, then you will enjoy visiting the land of the 
dinosaurs. It is always a good idea to put yourself in someone else shoes, or is 
footprints? 

Author: Janke Murray