The Spitzkoppe Fossil Trails

The Spitzkoppe Fossil Trails takes you to many sites where the fossilized remains of the primitive reptile Mesosaurus tenuidens are exposed.  These aquatic reptiles predates the more well-known Karoo fossils by many millions of years, and lived in shallow embayments of a central sea separating Africa and South America.  Their numerous thin, fine teeth suggest that they were filter feeders, probably on occasion ranging far offshore.

Most of the fossilized individuals were about 40cm long, and they are found in Ecca shales of the Whitehill Formation near the base of the Karoo Sequence.  The Spitzkoppe fossils were deposited near the western edge of the Kalahari Karoo Basin;

Contemporaneous animals (not yet found to occur here) included some fishes and a prawn-like crustacean.  The Iraty formation of South American, of similar age as the

Whitehill formation, contains another species of Mesosaurus.

As required by law the Spitzkoppe Fossil Trail is a conducted trail.  Fossils are protected by law and may not be disturbed or collected.

The Panorama Nature Experience

The Panorama Nature Experience includes a short (less than 1km) and long

(about 10km) signposted nature trail, and by prior arrangement, longer free-ranging nature hikes.  All offer superb vistas of the mountains and plains of this part of southern Namibia, excellent bird watching, many reptile and small mammal species, while more than 200 plant species have been identified.  The nature trails traverse

valleys and plains with a variety of grassed, trees and shrubs, while the hillsides, capped with sculptured rocks, are covered with a profusion of quiver trees.