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Manyana Rock Paintings: Ancient Art in Botswana

Discover ancient rock art at Manyana, Botswana, offering a glimpse into the lives and beliefs of the Khoikhoi and San people.

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Explore the Manyana Rock Paintings, a collection of ancient rock art created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD. Located near Manyana village, these paintings depict animals, plants, and abstract shapes, offering a glimpse into the spiritual and daily life of these early inhabitants.

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 learn more about the history and significance of the paintings.
  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for walking on uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as amenities are limited at the site.
  • Respect the site by not touching the rock paintings to help preserve them.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    To reach Manyana Rock Paintings from Gaborone, take a bus or shared taxi to Mmankgodi from the Gaborone Bus Rank. Buses depart regularly, with fares ranging from 15-30 BWP. From Mmankgodi, you can walk to the rock paintings, which is about a 20-minute walk northeast from the village center. Alternatively, hire a local taxi for approximately 10-20 BWP.

  • Walking

    If you are already in Mmankgodi, you can easily walk to 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.

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Discover more about Manyana Rock Paintings

The Manyana Rock Paintings, found near the village of Manyana in Botswana, offer a fascinating glimpse into the country's ancient past. These artworks, created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD, are spread across five cliff areas in the Kolobeng hills. The paintings showcase a variety of images, including mammals, plants, human figures, and abstract designs. Mammals are typically depicted sideways with only two legs, while human figures often face forward. It is believed that witch doctors created the paintings as part of religious rituals, incorporating dancing to connect with ancestral spirits. The artists mixed soft rocks like bauxite with animal body fluids to create the pigments. Although natural weathering has caused some fading, the site remains a significant cultural landmark. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the area was occupied as early as the Later Stone Age, between the 1st and 8th centuries AD. Iron Age pottery suggests contact with Iron Age herders between the 10th and 13th centuries. The site is fenced and protected as a National Monument. Visitors can also see Livingstone's Tree in the nearby village, where the explorer David Livingstone is said to have preached.

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