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Manyana Rock Paintings: Echoes of the Past

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Explore ancient rock art and discover Botswana's cultural heritage at Manyana Rock Paintings.

The Manyana Rock Paintings, located near Manyana village in Botswana, offer a glimpse into the lives of the Khoikhoi and San people between 1100 and 1700 AD. These ancient artworks, depicting animals, human figures, and abstract shapes, are spread across five cliff areas and are protected as a National Monument.

A brief summary to Manyana Rock Paintings

  • 6HPR+5G6, Mmankgodi, BW
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Manyana Rock Paintings.

  • 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 there are limited amenities at the site.
  • Respect the site by not touching the rock paintings to help preserve them.

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Getting There

  • Taxi

    From Gaborone, taxis are readily available. A taxi to Manyana will take approximately 38 minutes and cost between $95 and $120. Confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • 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, and the fare is relatively inexpensive, typically around 20-30 BWP. Once you arrive in Mmankgodi, you can either walk to the rock paintings, which are about a 20-minute walk from the village center, or hire a local taxi for a small fee. Ensure you confirm the fare before starting your journey.

  • Walking

    If you find yourself in Mmankgodi, you can walk to the Manyana Rock Paintings. From the village center, head northeast towards the coordinates 6HPR+5G6. The walk will take approximately 20 minutes. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, as the terrain can be uneven and you might be walking in the sun.

Discover more about Manyana Rock Paintings

The Manyana Rock Paintings, found near the village of Manyana, are a significant cultural and historical site in Botswana. These paintings are spread across five separate rock surfaces at the base of the Kolobeng hills. The artworks are believed to have been created by the Khoikhoi or San people between 1100 AD and 1700 AD, offering insights into their beliefs and daily lives.The paintings feature a variety of images, including mammals, plants, human figures, and abstract designs. Animals are typically portrayed sideways with only two legs, while human figures often face forward. It is believed that witch doctors created the paintings as part of religious rituals, incorporating dancing to connect with ancestral spirits. The ink used was made from mixing soft rocks like bauxite with animal body fluids.Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed artifacts dating back to the Later Stone Age (1st to 8th century AD) and Iron Age pottery, indicating contact with Iron Age herders between the 10th and 13th centuries. The site is fenced and protected as a National Monument. Visitors can also see Livingstone's Tree in Manyana village, where the explorer David Livingstone is said to have preached.

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