Quiver trees are a kind of aloe that are as beautiful as they are full of character. They are reminiscent of a wilder Africa, where only the toughest survive. Also known as ‘kokerboom trees’, these are part of the aloe family (Aloe dichotoma) and are characterised by branches that split into smaller sections, and by the hardy succulent leaves that are designed to weather the heat. In times gone by, though, these trees were used by the ancient hunter-gatherer folk, who hollowed out the branches and used them as quivers for their arrows. They were strong and durable; ideal for this purpose much like the people who inhabit the area…..
Wide angle landscape photo of the sunset over the Quiver tree forest in Nieuwoudtville in the Northern Cape of South Africa
The location?
Google Maps https://goo.gl/maps/JhwTh7igZBm83yVF8
How to get there?
Follow the N7 from Cape Town northwards, take the R27 after Vanryhnsdorp and then the R357 left from outside Nieuwoudtville. The trip is approximately 400km / 4 hours, 20 minutes.
Things to do?
Visit the Fred Turner windmill open-air museum in Loeriesfontein which showcases every type of windmill, some of which are still in use today.
Best place for your photo?
Next to any quiver tree of course!
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