Khorixas Travel Guide

Explore the top attractions, activities, accommodations, and local culture of Khorixas in this complete travel guide for Namibia's hidden gem.


Introduction to Khorixas

Khorixas is a small but picturesque town located in the Kunene region of Namibia, Southern Africa. It served as the administrative center of the Damara ethnic group and holds significant historical and cultural importance. Khorixas is often overlooked by tourists on Namibia’s popular routes, but it’s worth a visit for its diverse landscapes, natural wonders, and local traditions.

List of Places to Visit in Khorixas

If you’re planning to explore Khorixas, make sure to check out the following must-visit attractions.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The following are some of the culturally rich sites that you must not skip on your trip to Khorixas.

Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings

Declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007, Twyfelfontein is a rock art gallery with an outstanding collection of over 2,000 petroglyphs (rock engravings) that date back as far as 6,000 years. The site is particularly significant for its representation of the San people’s way of life, beliefs, and practices.

Petrified Forest

Step back in time to over 280 million years at the Petrified Forest, where you can explore fascinating fossilized remains of ancient trees, plants, and animals. This unique geological site is one of the largest of its kind in the world and is a popular tourist attraction in Khorixas.

Natural Attractions of Khorixas: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Khorixas is home to some stunning natural sites that showcase the region’s beauty, diversity, and unique geological formations.

Brandberg Mountain

At 2,573 meters, the Brandberg mountain is the highest peak in Namibia and a popular hiking destination. The mountain is famous for its unique flora and fauna, prehistoric rock art, and its peak, known as the “White Lady” cave paintings.

Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes

Be amazed at the contrast between the rugged Burnt Mountain and the geometrically aligned blocks of dolerite rock that form the Organ Pipes. These sites are an enormous source of pride and amazement to the locals marveling at the natural wonders of their town.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khorixas

Khorixas is an excellent destination for hiking and mountain biking enthusiasts, and you may find these routes worth exploring.

Messum Crater

The Messum Crater hiking trail is a fourteen-kilometer round trip that takes visitors through the eerily beautiful landscape of the Messum crater. The hike is considered relatively tough and will require some level of preparation.

Best Things to Do in Khorixas: Activities and Tours

Khorixas has a wide range of activities to offer for visitors of all ages and interests.

Visit a Himba Village

In nearby regions, visitors can enjoy witnessing the life and craft practices of the semi-nomadic and strikingly beautiful Himba tribe. Pioneered by the white chalk stain on their skin, they are kind hosts with many cultural practices worth discovering.

Week-Long Itinerary for Khorixas

Assuming a week’s holiday, here’s a detailed itinerary of what to do and the places to visit in Khorixas.

Day 1: Arrival and Rest Day

Arrive in Khorixas and unwind after a long journey.

Day 2: Twyfelfontein Rock Engravings

Start your day by exploring one of the country’s best attractions, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Twyfelfontein.

Day 3: Visit the Petrified Forest and Surrounding Area

Explore the Petrified Forest, Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes.

Day 4: Visit the Brandberg Mountain and Its Unique Flora and Fauna

Spend the day hiking the Brandberg Mountain and sightsee the famous “White Lady” cave paintings.

Day 5: Relaxation Activities

Take the day to relax and enjoy some leisurely activities, such as visiting Himba villages or learning about the traditions and crafts of the Damara.

Day 6: Hiking and Biking Routes

Choose one of the many hiking or biking routes in the region, such as the Messum Crater hike or the one to the Burnt Mountain and Organ Pipes.

Day 7: Departure

Take leisurely morning to gather yourself and say goodbye to the lovely town that is Khorixas.

Food and Drink Scene of Khorixas

A town with a rich history and a love for sustainability, the best foods in Khorixas are harvested and caught from the wild. Try these must-try dishes while in town and don’t miss the local brews.

Must-Try Dishes

One of the most popular dishes in Khorixas is the Spitzkoppe spaghetti, made with bacon, cream, and pinotage wine, recognizable by the red and black label on the wine bottle.

Local Beverages

Windhoek Lager is the locally brewed lager and the most popular beer in Khorixas. Try it in one of the local taverns or pubs.

Where to Stay in Khorixas: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Khorixas offers a variety of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference.

Khorixas Lodge

The Khorixas Lodge is a comfortable and stylish accommodation option in the heart of Khorixas, offering stylish rooms, personal service, and wifi.

What to Buy in Khorixas: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Khorixas offers excellent shopping opportunities for visitors looking to take a piece of their stay back with them.

Curio stalls

Khorixas is known for its exquisite and colorful San crafts, such as ostrich eggshells, animal hides, and jewelry. Visit local curio stalls to purchase these unique and handmade souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Khorixas

As a town deeply rooted in its cultural heritage, Khorixas maintains a unique way of life, beliefs, and practices.

Best Time to Visit Khorixas

The best time to visit Khorixas is during the dry season, which lasts from June to October, when the weather is warm and sunny.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khorixas

Here are some essential Do’s and Don’ts that you need to keep in mind while visiting Khorixas.

Do:

Strive to learn about the local traditions, cultures and practices that shape the people’s daily lives.

Don’t:

Don’t litter or pollute the natural resources, as Khorixas is home to unique landscapes and biological diversity.

Safety and Health

As with any trip, safety and health should not be overlooked. Concerns such as sunburns and dehydration should be carefully considered during the dry months.

Safety in Khorixas

Khorixas is generally safe for visitors. Avoid walking at night, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Health in Khorixas

Make sure to carry adequate water supplies with you at all times and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn. It is also advisable to consult your doctor before traveling to Khorixas to discuss your personal health requirements.

Getting to Khorixas: Transportation Options and Logistics

Khorixas can be accessed by road or air, making it easily accessible to visitors.

Airports Near Khorixas

The nearest airport to Khorixas is the Opuwo Airport, located approximately 90 kilometers from the town.

Bus Stations Near Khorixas

Khorixas is also accessible by bus from Windhoek or other major towns.

Other Options

Private car rental is the easiest option for visitors wanting to explore the area around Khorixas.

How to Get Around in Khorixas

Khorixas is a small town, making it easy to navigate by foot. Still, visitors may find it useful to hire a car to explore the surrounding area’s hiking and mountain biking routes.

Where to Go Next from Khorixas: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Khorixas is surrounded by a diverse range of natural and cultural attractions, making it an excellent starting point for further Namibian explorations.

Etosha National Park

The Etosha National Park is Namibia’s largest game reserve and a prime destination for game drives and wildlife watching. It is located a three-hour drive from Khorixas.

Conclusion

Khorixas is a hidden gem in Namibia, and a must-visit destination for those who love outdoor adventures, natural wonders, and local culture. From its unique petroglyphs to its challenging hiking routes, visitors are guaranteed to have a memorable and meaningful time in the town.

Rock painting at Twyfelfontein Rock painting at Twyfelfontein