East from Swakopmund we finds one of the oldest plant species in the world. The Welwitschia Mirabilis which can grew to be Thousands of years old. The Moon landscape is truly one of Namibia's natural wonders with it majestic views and the result of thousands of years erosion,If you're on a quest to see weltwitschias, continue east along the Weltwitschia Drive to the Moon Landscape, a vista across eroded hills and valleys carved by the Swakop River. Here you may want to take a quick 12km return side-trip north to the farm and oasis of Goanikontes, which dates from 1848. It lies beside the Swakop River amid fabulous desert mountains, and serves as an excellent picnic site.Goanikontes is a stunning resort and camp situated in the lunar landscape of Namibia, amid the Namib Naukluft and Dorob National Parks. The natural surroundings are amazing and the rest camp is just 50 m away from the Swakopmund River. The beautiful moon landscapes strikes the oasis and even the famous
Wheelchair accessible. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The. Welwitschia mirabilis. plant of Namibia The. Welwitschia mirabilis. plant (often mis-spelled Welwitchia) has only two leaves and can live for over a thousand years. It is found in parts of Namibia and Angola. The easiest place to see it in Namibia is "Welwitschia Drive", inland from Swakopmund. This can easily be combined, in a round trip, with the "Moon Landscape". You need to get a permit to visit Welwitschia Drive and one for the Moon Landscape. There are also a few smaller examples at the Petrified Forest about 40km from Khorixas. More info. Although the plant looks as if it has many leaves, it has only two, but as it is so old, it gets shredded by the wind.. The leaves can spread for several metres across, and their roots go about a metre down. Their scientific name comes from the first European to describe it, Friedrich Welwitsch, and. mirabilis. from its marvellous ability to survive in such harsh, apparently waterless conditions. Detailed botanical info.