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Matsieng Footprints: Botswana's Ancient Stone Engravings

Explore ancient rock engravings at Matsieng Footprints near Rasesa, Botswana, revealing the rich cultural heritage and legends of the Batswana people.

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The Matsieng Footprints, located near Rasesa, Botswana, are ancient petroglyphs featuring engravings of human and animal footprints on a sandstone slab. Dating back 3,000 to 10,000 years, the site reflects the rich cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs of the region's early inhabitants.

A brief summary to Matsieng Footprints

Local tips

  • Visit during the cooler months (May to August) for a more comfortable experience.
  • Wear sturdy shoes for walking on the uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and sun protection, as the site is exposed.
  • Consider hiring a local guide to learn more about the history and significance of the footprints.
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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Gaborone, taxis are readily available. A taxi ride to Matsieng Footprints, located near Rasesa, takes approximately 30-45 minutes. The estimated taxi fare ranges from $95 to $120. Confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.

  • Public Transport

    From Gaborone, take a minibus (known locally as “combi”) heading towards Francistown. Ask the driver to drop you off at Rasesa. Minibuses frequently travel this route. From Rasesa, Matsieng Footprints is a short walk away; ask locals for directions. The combi fare is approximately 15-30 Botswana Pula.

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Discover more about Matsieng Footprints

Nestled north of Gaborone, close to Rasesa village, the Matsieng Footprints stand as a testament to Botswana's cultural heritage. This national monument displays over 100 petroglyphs etched into a flat sandstone surface. These engravings, believed to be between 3,000 and 10,000 years old, offer insights into the artistic and spiritual expressions of the region's early communities. The site features both human and animal (often feline) footprints, along with depictions of animals like giraffes. The engravings were likely created by early hunter-gatherers, possibly ancestors of the San or Basarwa people. Local legend tells of Matsieng, a giant and ancestor of the Batswana people, who emerged from a waterhole, leaving these footprints behind. Some versions describe him as a one-legged giant. The site also contains natural rock holes, thought to be volcanic vents, that collect rainwater and have been used by locals for centuries. Beyond their archaeological value, the Matsieng Footprints hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. Considered one of the Batswana people's four 'creation sites,' it symbolizes the birthplace of humankind and has historically been a ceremonial site, especially for rain-making rituals. Though the petroglyphs have suffered damage over time from the elements and past herding practices, the site remains a place of cultural reverence.

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