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Rhino Trail Painting 13: Ancient Art in Tsodilo Hills

Explore ancient rock art and connect with the spiritual heart of the Kalahari at Rhino Trail Painting 13 in Botswana's Tsodilo Hills.

Rhino Trail Painting 13, located within Botswana's Tsodilo Hills, offers a glimpse into the ancient world through well-preserved rock art. As part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these paintings reflect the spiritual and cultural practices of early humans in the Kalahari Desert.

A brief summary to Rhino Trail Painting 13

  • 6PQV+RH4, Tsodilo Hills, BW

Local tips

  • Hire a local guide to enhance your understanding of the rock art and the cultural significance of Tsodilo Hills.
  • Visit during the cooler months (April to September) for more comfortable hiking conditions.
  • Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, as the area can be hot and exposed.
  • Wear sturdy shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain.
  • Respect the sacred nature of the site and follow the guidelines provided by your guide.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Maun, take the A3 to Shakawe (370 km). The Tsodilo Hills are 40 km from Shakawe on a rough dirt road requiring a 4x4 vehicle. The turnoff is just south of Sepupa, indicated by a National Museum signpost. Be prepared for a slow and bumpy ride.

  • Local Guide

    Upon arrival at Tsodilo Hills, check in at the Rhino Headquarters and engage a local guide. Guided tours are essential for accessing the trails and understanding the significance of the rock art. The cost for the Rhino Trail guided tour is P120 (approximately $10 USD), in addition to the entrance fee.

  • Entrance Fees

    The entrance fee for Tsodilo Hills is P50 (approximately $4 USD) for adults. Payment is typically made in cash, and it's advisable to have Botswana Pula on hand. ATMs or exchange booths are not available in Tsodilo, so plan accordingly.

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Discover more about Rhino Trail Painting 13

Rhino Trail Painting 13 is a notable rock art site within the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Botswana. Often called the “Louvre of the Desert”, Tsodilo Hills contains over 4,500 individual rock paintings, testaments to human life and culture potentially dating back 100,000 years. The paintings are found on four main hills: Male, Female, Child, and North Hill. Rhino Trail Painting 13 is located on the Female Hill, known for its ancient rock paintings on themes of fertility. The Tsodilo Hills have great cultural and spiritual significance for the San people, who believe the hills are a resting place for ancestral spirits. The paintings themselves depict animals, human figures, and geometric designs, offering insights into the daily life, spiritual beliefs, and environmental interactions of the artists. The red paintings are attributed to the San people, while the white paintings are associated with Bantu peoples. Visitors can explore the Rhino Trail and view Painting 13 with a local guide, who can provide valuable context about the art and the history of the area. The trail also offers views of the unique geological formations and the surrounding Kalahari landscape.

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