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Manyana Rock Paintings: Echoes of the San

Discover the ancient artistry of Botswana's Manyana Rock Paintings, a window into the lives of the San people and the region's rich cultural heritage.

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Explore the ancient Manyana Rock Paintings near Mmankgodi, Botswana, a window into the lives and beliefs of the San people from 1100 to 1700 AD. Discover depictions of animals, humans, and abstract symbols etched into the rock face, offering a glimpse into Botswana's rich cultural heritage.

A brief summary to Manyana Rock Paintings

  • 6HPR+5G6, Mmankgodi, BW

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for photography.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and symbolism of the paintings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as facilities are limited at the site.
  • Respect the site by avoiding touching the rock paintings to preserve them for future visitors.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Manyana Rock Paintings via public transport, take a bus or shared taxi from Gaborone to Mmankgodi. Buses leave regularly from the Gaborone bus rank, with fares around 20-30 BWP. From Mmankgodi, you can walk to the rock paintings (approximately 20 minutes from the village center) or hire a local taxi for a small fee. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    If you are in Mmankgodi, you can walk to the Manyana Rock Paintings. Head northeast from the village center towards the coordinates 6HPR+5G6. The walk takes about 20 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes and bring water.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Gaborone to Mmankgodi, with an estimated travel time of 38 minutes. The taxi fare can range from $95 to $120. From Mmankgodi, a local taxi can take you to the site.

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Discover more about Manyana Rock Paintings

The Manyana Rock Paintings, located near the village of Mmankgodi, offer a captivating journey into Botswana's ancient past. This collection of rock art is found on five cliff areas within the Kolobeng hills. Created between 1100 and 1700 AD, these paintings are attributed to the Khoikhoi or San people, offering insights into their daily lives and spiritual beliefs. The artworks feature a variety of motifs, including animals like giraffes, antelope, and gemsbok, as well as human figures and abstract designs. The paintings are believed to have been created by witch doctors as part of religious rituals, possibly incorporating dancing to connect with ancestral spirits. The pigments were made from a mixture of soft rocks like bauxite and animal fluids. Today, Manyana Rock Paintings is a fenced national monument. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age (1st-8th century AD) and Iron Age pottery (10th-13th century AD), indicating early human occupation and contact with Iron Age herders. Besides the rock art, visitors can also see Livingstone's Tree, where the explorer David Livingstone is said to have preached. Mmasechele Cave, another historical point of interest, was used as a refuge by Kgosi Sechele's wife during the Boer invasion.

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