Saurichnium Damarense at Mount Etjo - German archeologists Dr Huene in 1925 and Dr Gürich in 1926 were the first to discover and describe the footprints found in the Etjo sandstone. Gürich distinguished 4 types: Saurichnium damarense, Saurichnium parallelum, Saurichnium anserinum and Saurichnium tetractis. At the Mount Etjo slope, up to three different footprints can be found. The most prominent and easily distinguishable footprint is that of Saurichnium damarense, the smaller footprints are thought to perhaps be those of juvenile Saurichnium damarense. Unfortunately not enough evidence is available to further classify these footprints. These are believed to be remnants of the Triassic (Stormberg) age and around 230 Million years old.

At the Mount Etjo footprints you will notice that these layers of sediment have weathered off over the years along the mountain range, revealing the dinosaur footprints that lay hidden and protected beneath. Take note of the different layers of red clay – they carry the same red colour of the soil typically found in Namibia today.

The Dinosaur Walk

The footprints are about 3 km away from the Camp Dinosaur camping sites at Mount Etjo Safari Lodge. Follow the signs while admiring the magnificent scenery from the top of the hill.

The trail is about 1.5 km (about 30 minute walk) 

Guided Walk: please ask at reception

Unaccompanied Walk: free of charge