101 Reasons to visit Namibia: The Lone Men of Kaokoland

Vast, diverse and a harsh environment – this is the perfect setting for a cowboy movie. I can imagine a cowboy on his horse exploring the area, searching for golden 
opportunities but only finding a dusty town with a bar to drink away the sorrows of life. 
And somewhere a tumbleweed comes rolling by. However, this Wild West is more wild 
than west with only one small town and a few villages. And the cowboys? Well, they are lone men in this area keeping watch over the brave explorers.

Kaokoland is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Africa and there lies a 
mystery in this remote and inhospitable area of northern Namibia. Historically, it is 
known as the Wild West of Namibia but for those hardcore travellers and explorers who 
venture further afield, it is a desert Eden where mysteries and marvels reveal 
themselves. 

The story of the lone men of Namibia is an enigma. Despite the fascinating landscape
that makes Kaokoland spectacular, these lone men have become a defining mystery of 
the area – wherever they might be.

Photo credits: Janke Murray

These life-size sculptures or stone men are scattered across Kaokoveld. Each sculpture 
has an aluminum disc attached with a number and a message on. The message usually 
tells the finder where the stone man is on route to. How many of these lone men are 
there? Well, we do not know. Although a man number 37 was found, no one really 
knows how many of these men wander the plains and mountains of Kaokoland. To add 
to these mysterious men, the identity of the artist is also unknown! Perhaps we will 
never know all the answers to the questions we have about these mysterious men.

The sculptures are made from rock prevailing in the area, and each one depicts a 
different personality. When driving around in this dry and remote landscape, keep your
eyes open and maybe you will be lucky enough to find them. Some are standing, some 
are sitting, some are on their knees praying while another is hanging on for dear life from 
an overhang. 

These lone men have become a highlight of things to do in Koakoland, and for many, it 
has become a treasure hunt to find all the hidden lone men. The beauty of this harsh 
environment has been wrapped up in the mystery of the stone men. This is truly a 
unique find that awakens one’s curiosity. The world and its rush to make money are long 
forgotten once the Wild West embraces you in its arms. Namibia has an allure like 
nowhere else!

Author: Janke Murray