Nestled in the Karas Region within the quiet embrace of southern Namibia stands ǁKhauxaǃnas - a fortress perched upon a hill overlooking the Bak River. Built by the Orlam Afrikaner tribe, the site was constructed at the end of the 18th century, most likely between 1796 and 1798 by Klaas Afrikaner and his two sons Jager and Titus. It served as a hidden retreat and a fortress to fend off possible pursuits by Cape authorities.
The ruins are the earliest engineered settlement in Namibia known by now, pre-dating all buildings erected by Europeans. To the observer, the fortification was built by piling sandstone slabs and fitting them together. Measuring approximately 150 by 350 meters, the trapezium-shaped walled-in enclosure contains several ruins of buildings and kraals. The dwellings are situated near the perimeter wall, which contains 23 doorways.
The site is situated 173 km south-east of Keetmanshoop on the banks of the Bak River. It can only be reached by four-wheel drive vehicles, and the last kilometer has to be reached on foot. Proclaimed a National Monument in 1992, the ruins provide evidence of a developed society that existed prior to German colonisation.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Mutabor
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