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Rhino Trail Painting 13: Ancient Art in Tsodilo Hills

Discover ancient rock art at Rhino Trail Painting 13 in Botswana's sacred Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Rhino Trail Painting 13, located within Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, offers a glimpse into the ancient world of rock art. As part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, this painting is found along the popular Rhino Trail, showcasing the cultural and spiritual heritage of the San people through depictions of animals and geometric designs etched into the rock.

A brief summary to Rhino Trail Painting 13

  • 6PQV+RH4, Tsodilo Hills, BW

Local tips

  • Hire a local guide to learn about the history, legends, and personal stories behind the rock paintings.
  • Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and sunscreen, as the trail can be steep and the sun intense.
  • Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for a more comfortable hiking experience.
  • Bring cash in Botswana Pula, as it is required for entrance fees, guide services, and camping.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Maun, take the A3 to the A35 towards Shakawe for approximately 370 km. Just south of Sepupa, turn off onto the dirt road indicated by a National Museum signpost. The Tsodilo Hills are 40 km from this turnoff on a rough dirt road, requiring a 4x4 vehicle. The drive can take around 4 hours. Upon arrival, proceed to the museum to pay the entrance fee and hire a local guide.

  • Walking

    Once at the Rhino Trailhead, the paintings are easily accessible on foot. The Rhino Trail is a well-marked path that loops around the Female Hill. The trail is approximately 3.5 km long and takes about 2 hours to complete. Be prepared for some steep and rough sections. Follow the trail to view the Rhino Painting 13 and other rock art sites.

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Discover more about Rhino Trail Painting 13

Rhino Trail Painting 13 is one of the many rock art sites found within the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana. The hills, rising dramatically from the Kalahari Desert, have been home to humans for over 100,000 years and are considered sacred by the San people. The paintings, created over millennia, provide insights into the lives, beliefs, and rituals of these ancient inhabitants. The Rhino Trail, the most accessible and popular route, circles the Female Hill, so named because of its association with fertility themes in the rock art. Along this trail, visitors can view numerous paintings, including the renowned rhino depictions, which give the trail its name. These images, rendered in red ochre, showcase the artistic skills and deep connection to nature of the San people. The presence of other animal figures, geometric patterns, and even depictions of marine life like whales and penguins, far from their natural habitat, adds to the mystery and allure of Tsodilo's rock art. Visiting Rhino Trail Painting 13 offers a chance to connect with the spiritual and cultural significance of the Tsodilo Hills. The paintings serve as a visual narrative of the San people's history and traditions, inviting contemplation on the relationship between humanity and the environment.

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