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Manyana Rock Paintings: Echoes of the San

Discover ancient San art at Manyana Rock Paintings, a Botswana National Monument showcasing prehistoric culture and stunning natural beauty.

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Explore ancient rock art created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 and 1700 AD at Manyana Rock Paintings. This national monument showcases mammals, plants, and abstract shapes, offering insights into Botswana's prehistoric culture.

A brief summary to Manyana Rock Paintings

  • 6HPR+5G6, Mmankgodi, BW

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and enjoy the best lighting for photography.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to gain deeper insights into the history and significance of the rock paintings.
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes as the terrain can be rocky and uneven.
  • Bring plenty of water and snacks, as facilities near the site are limited.
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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 typically 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.

Unlock the Best of Manyana Rock Paintings

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Discover more about Manyana Rock Paintings

The Manyana Rock Paintings, located near the village of Manyana in Botswana, offer a captivating glimpse into the country's ancient past. These artworks, believed to have been created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD, are etched into five separate cliff faces at the base of the Kolobeng hills. The paintings depict a variety of subjects, including mammals, plants, human figures, and abstract shapes, providing valuable insights into the daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices of these early inhabitants of Southern Africa. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age (1st-8th century AD) and Iron Age pottery indicating contact with Iron Age herders (10th-13th century AD). The pigments used in the paintings were created from a mixture of soft rocks like bauxite and animal fluids. Today, Manyana Rock Paintings is a protected National Monument, drawing visitors interested in experiencing Botswana's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the area via hiking trails, offering closer views of the rock formations and diverse flora and fauna. The interplay of light on the rocks during sunrise and sunset provides unforgettable photographic opportunities.

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