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Rhino Trail Rock Art: A Glimpse into Tsodilo's Past

Discover ancient rock art on the Rhino Trail at Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO site with thousands of years of human history and San culture.

The Rhino Trail at Tsodilo Hills leads to a remarkable rock art site featuring a prominent rhino painting, along with other animal figures, offering a glimpse into the ancient beliefs and artistic traditions of the San and Bantu peoples who once inhabited this sacred landscape.

A brief summary to Rhino Trail Painting 4

  • 6PXQ+MWQ, Tsodilo Hills, BW

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain, as the Rhino Trail involves some walking and climbing.
  • Bring plenty of water, especially during the hotter months, as the area can be arid and dehydration is a risk.
  • Hire a local guide at the Tsodilo Hills Museum to learn more about the history and significance of the rock art.
  • Be respectful of the site's cultural significance, as Tsodilo Hills is a sacred place for the San people.
  • Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for a more comfortable hiking experience.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Shakawe, drive approximately 40 km east on the main road towards Sepupa. Look for the National Museum signpost indicating the turnoff to Tsodilo Hills. The track to Tsodilo Hills requires a 4x4 vehicle due to the rough dirt road. Follow this road for approximately 4 hours to reach the Tsodilo Hills. There is a community campsite at the entrance where you can pay entrance fees. Hiring a local guide is recommended. Due to the distance and road conditions, a 4x4 vehicle rental can cost between 800-1500 BWP per day. The community campsite fee is approximately 50 BWP per person per night.

  • Walking

    Once at the Tsodilo Hills Museum, the Rhino Trail is accessible by foot. Follow the marked path from the museum towards the Female Hill. The trail is a circular route that takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The first paintings are not very distinct, but as you ascend the hill, the rhino painting becomes visible. Be aware of the terrain and wear appropriate footwear. There are no additional costs for accessing the Rhino Trail after paying the entrance fee to the Tsodilo Hills Museum.

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Discover more about Rhino Trail Painting 4

The Rhino Trail Painting 4, located within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Tsodilo Hills, offers a captivating journey into the past. This trail leads to a rock face adorned with ancient art, most notably a well-defined rhino figure, a testament to the artistic skills and cultural significance of the area's early inhabitants. Tsodilo Hills, often called the "Louvre of the Desert," is home to over 4,500 rock paintings,scattered across four main hills: Male, Female, Child, and North Hill. These hills have been a site of human occupation for approximately 100,000 years, with the rock art providing insights into the lives, beliefs, and rituals of the San and Bantu people who lived here. The red paintings are generally attributed to the San people, while the white paintings are associated with the Bantu. The rhino painting itself is a highlight of the Rhino Trail, showcasing the artists' ability to depict animals with remarkable detail using materials like haematite, charcoal, and calcrete mixed with animal fat, blood, or egg whites. Other figures, including eland and antelope, often accompany the rhino, offering a glimpse into the wildlife that roamed the area and the importance of these animals in the lives of the early inhabitants. The paintings may have held symbolic or religious meaning, potentially connected to hunting rituals or beliefs about the power of certain animals. Exploring the Rhino Trail provides an opportunity to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Tsodilo Hills and appreciate the enduring legacy of its ancient artists. As you stand before these paintings, consider the stories they tell and the deep connection between the people, the land, and the animals that have shaped this unique corner of the world.

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