Tsodilo community Development Trust, Tsodilo Hills Travel Guide

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Explore Tsodilo Hills: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with ancient rock art, rich culture, and stunning Kalahari landscapes. A must-see Botswana gem.

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Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo community Development Trust

Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana, is renowned for its stunning rock art, geological formations, and spiritual importance to the San people. Rising dramatically from the Kalahari Desert, these hills house over 4,500 ancient rock paintings, some dating back thousands of years, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural history.

A brief summary to Tsodilo community Development Trust

Tsodilo Hills, Tsodilo, BW
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Monday 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 7 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Tsodilo community Development Trust.

Hire a local guide to learn about the history, legends, and personal stories behind the rock paintings.
Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the sun can be harsh.
Wear sturdy shoes for hiking the rocky trails.
Bring cash in Botswana Pula, as it is needed for entry fees, guide fees, and camping.
Consider staying overnight to experience the mystical atmosphere and see the stars.

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Cliff Trail Painting 1

Rhino Trail Painting 13

Rhino Trail Painting 4

Explore Tsodilo community Development Trust on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Tsodilo community Development Trust, mapped for you.

Getting There

Driving

From Shakawe, drive approximately 40 km west on a rough dirt road. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended due to the road conditions. The turning off the main Maun/Shakawe road is just south of Sepupa and is indicated with a National Museum signpost. Follow the track to Tsodilo Hills. The Tsodilo Community Development Trust is located near the visitor center, approximately 2 kilometers from the main entrance. Follow the signs directing you towards the community trust, and you will find the location on your right, just before the parking area. There are no fuel stations or ATMs at Tsodilo Hills, so ensure you have sufficient fuel and cash. Entrance fees are 50 Pula per person. Guided tours for the Rhino Trail cost 120 Pula. Other trails like Lion, Cliff and Male Hill Summit tours cost 175 Pula.
Public Transport

From Maun, minibus taxis are available to Tsodilo Hills. Inform the driver that you want to stop at the Tsodilo Hills visitor center. From the visitor center, walk approximately 2 kilometers towards the Tsodilo Community Development Trust. Look for signs along the way to guide you. Minibus taxi fares from Maun to Tsodilo Hills vary, but expect to pay around 100-150 Pula. Once at the visitor center, there is no additional cost to walk to the Tsodilo Community Development Trust. However, entrance fees to the Tsodilo Hills site and guided tour fees still apply (50 Pula per person and 120-175 Pula respectively).

Discover more about Tsodilo community Development Trust

Tsodilo Hills, often called the "Louvre of the Desert," is a captivating destination in northwestern Botswana. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is composed of four main hills – Male, Female, Child, and Grandchild – rising unexpectedly from the flat Kalahari sandveld. These hills are not only geologically significant, with formations dating back over two billion years, but also culturally rich, holding immense spiritual importance for the San people. They believe the hills are the resting place of their ancestral spirits.The main attraction is the extensive collection of ancient rock art. With over 4,500 paintings across more than 350 sites, Tsodilo boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world. These paintings, created by the San, Bantu, and other groups, depict animals, human figures, and abstract designs, offering insights into the beliefs and daily life of ancient cultures. The paintings are found on the surfaces of the hills, often in red ochre and white.Visitors can explore several marked trails, such as the Rhino Trail, Lion Trail, and Cliff Trail, each leading past significant rock art sites. Guided tours led by local San guides are highly recommended, providing valuable context, history, and personal stories related to the paintings and the area. The Tsodilo Hills Museum offers further insights into the archaeological and cultural significance of the site.Besides the rock art, Tsodilo Hills offers natural beauty with diverse flora and fauna adapted to the arid environment. Birdwatchers will find the area particularly rewarding. The hills provide breathtaking vistas and a sense of isolation, making it a unique and unforgettable destination.