Touching the Cosmos: Our Visit to the Hoba Meteorite

After four unforgettable days immersed in the wildlife wonders of Etosha National Park—where elephants, lions, giraffes, and springbok roamed freely across the vast savannah—we set off for something entirely different: a journey to touch a piece of the universe itself.

Just outside Grootfontein lies the Hoba meteorite, the largest known meteorite on Earth. Estimated to weigh over 60 tons, this iron behemoth crash-landed here around 80,000 years ago and has remained remarkably intact. Unlike most meteorites, Hoba didn’t leave a crater, likely due to its flat shape and the Earth's atmosphere slowing its descent.

As we approached the site, a stone sign marked our path: “METEORITE →”. It felt like a quiet invitation to something ancient and mysterious. Nearby, a humorous yet cautionary sign warned: “BEWARE OF FALLING METEORITES”—a playful nod to the celestial visitor resting just ahead.

The meteorite itself sits in a circular stone amphitheater, its dark, weathered surface contrasting with the pale Namibian soil. Our guide, clearly passionate and enthusiastic, encouraged us to climb onto it. At first, we hesitated. It felt wrong—this was no ordinary rock, but a relic from space, deserving reverence.

We stood in awe, touching its cool, metallic surface, imagining its journey through the cosmos. Eventually, we gave in to the guide’s excitement and climbed atop the meteorite. 

It was a moment of reflection and wonder. From the vibrant life of Etosha to the silent witness of the Hoba meteorite, Namibia had shown us both the richness of Earth and the mystery of the universe.