© KUMSRI / SHUTTERSTOCK
ucket b List
NIEUWOUDTVILLE , NORTHERN CAPE
The quiver tree , known as Choje to the indigenous San , is found along the parched deserts of the Northern Cape that stretch up into Namibia . These tall , branching aloes are found as solitary species or occur in “ spontaneous forests ” and grow for hundreds of years , slowly extending their prickly fingers out to the relentless desert sun . Ghosts live in them too , according to the Nama , who believe the spirit of a dead person will go live in the tree if their body is not buried . The name originally comes from the San ’ s practice of using the hollowed-out branches to make quivers for their hunting arrows , with the trees long being revered for their biological uniqueness and rarity . Nowadays , they are growing even more rare . Scientists have noted a decline in the population as species die off and the spontaneous forests move further south or poleward , away from the belly of the equator , which is growing increasingly hot . The Northern Cape is still home to these ancient treasures for now , so if you happen to find yourself among a forest of quiver trees , listen carefully – you may just hear the ghosts of the past talking to you .
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Sure Travel offers a number of excellent packages to the Karoo and Northern Cape , taking in attractions like the Karoo National Park , Augrabies Falls and many other natural wonders . Ask your Sure Travel consultant for details , or visit suretravel . co . za / call 0861 47 48 49 .