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Manyana Rock Paintings: Echoes of the San

Explore ancient San rock art at Manyana, Botswana, a window into the lives and beliefs of early inhabitants.

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Explore ancient rock art near Manyana, Botswana, created by the San people between 1100 and 1700 AD. These well-preserved paintings offer a glimpse into their lives, beliefs, and interactions with the environment.

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

  • Driving

    If driving from Gaborone, head southeast on the A12 highway for approximately 30 kilometers until you reach the turnoff to Mmankgodi. Follow the signs to Mmankgodi village, about 15 kilometers from the highway. Once in Mmankgodi, use GPS to navigate to the Manyana Rock Paintings. There is no entry fee.

  • 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 ranging from 15-30 BWP. From Mmankgodi, you can walk to the rock paintings (approximately 20 minutes) or hire a local taxi for around 10-20 BWP.

  • Walking

    From the center of Mmankgodi, walk northeast 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 Mmankgodi, offer a captivating journey into Botswana's ancient past. This site showcases rock art created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD. The paintings, found on five cliff areas around the Kolobeng hills, depict animals, human figures, and abstract shapes, providing insights into the daily lives, spiritual beliefs, and cultural practices of these early inhabitants. Archaeological excavations at Manyana have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age (1st-8th century AD) and Iron Age pottery (10th-13th century AD), indicating long-term human occupation and interaction in the area. The paintings are believed to have been created by witch doctors as part of religious rituals, incorporating dancing to connect with ancestral spirits. The pigments were made from a mixture of soft rocks and animal fluids. Today, the Manyana Rock Paintings are protected as a National Monument. While some paintings have faded due to natural weathering, the site remains a significant cultural and historical landmark, offering visitors a chance to connect with Botswana's rich heritage and appreciate the artistic legacy of the San people. Nearby, visitors can also see Livingstone's Tree, where the explorer David Livingstone is said to have preached.

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