Manyana Rock Paintings

Manyana Rock Paintings, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

The Manyana Rock Paintings in Botswana represent one of Southern Africa's most significant collections of ancient San rock art, dating back over 1,000 years. Located in the Kgatleng District, approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Gaborone, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases over 5,000 individual paintings spread across sandstone outcrops and cave walls. The intricate artwork depicts animals, human figures, and geometric patterns that provide invaluable insights into the lives, beliefs, and hunting practices of the San people who once inhabited this region. The site consists of three main hills - Manyana, Nyangabgwe, and Tshonwane - each containing numerous panels of well-preserved rock art. Visitors can explore guided trails that wind through the rocky landscape, offering opportunities to view paintings of elephants, giraffes, zebras, and various antelope species alongside human figures engaged in hunting scenes and ritual dances. The area's cultural significance extends beyond the artwork itself, as it represents a sacred space for understanding the spiritual and practical aspects of San culture in the Kalahari region.

Top Manyana Rock Paintings

Guided Rock Art Tours

Explore the ancient San rock paintings with knowledgeable local guides who provide detailed explanations of the artwork's cultural significance and historical context. The guided walks typically last 2-3 hours and cover multiple painting sites across the sandstone outcrops.

Booking Tip: Book through the Botswana Banjul or local cultural centers in advance, especially during peak season (May-September). Tours cost around 50-80 BWP per person and are best scheduled for early morning or late afternoon to avoid harsh midday sun.

Photography Expeditions

Capture the intricate details of the rock paintings and surrounding landscape through specialized photography tours. These sessions focus on proper lighting techniques and respectful documentation of the ancient artwork while preserving the site's integrity.

Booking Tip: Join photography workshops offered by local tour operators for 200-400 BWP per person. Best lighting occurs during golden hour periods, and tripods are recommended for detailed shots of the paintings.

Cultural Heritage Walks

Participate in educational walks that combine rock art viewing with lessons about San culture, traditional hunting methods, and the spiritual significance of the paintings. These immersive experiences often include storytelling sessions and demonstrations of traditional practices.

Booking Tip: Book cultural walks through community-based tourism initiatives for real feels. Costs range from 100-150 BWP per person, and advance booking is essential as group sizes are limited to preserve the site.

Archaeological Site Exploration

Discover the broader archaeological significance of the Manyana area through specialized tours that examine stone tools, pottery fragments, and other artifacts found near the painting sites. These tours provide context for understanding the daily lives of ancient inhabitants.

Booking Tip: Arrange archaeological tours through the University of Botswana's archaeology department or certified heritage guides. Tours cost 150-250 BWP and require advance booking, particularly during academic research seasons.

Sunset and Sunrise Viewing

Experience the rock paintings during magical lighting conditions when the sandstone formations glow in warm colors and the artwork appears most vivid. These special timing tours offer unique photographic opportunities and a more atmospheric viewing experience.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise or sunset tours with local operators for 80-120 BWP per person. Bring warm clothing for early morning visits and confirm weather conditions in advance as tours may be cancelled during inclement weather.

Getting There

Manyana Rock Paintings are located approximately 45 kilometers northeast of Gaborone, Botswana's capital city. The most convenient way to reach the site is by rental car or private vehicle, taking the A1 highway north from Gaborone toward Mochudi, then following local roads to the village of Manyana. Public transportation options are limited, though some tour operators offer pickup services from Gaborone hotels. The journey typically takes 45-60 minutes by car, and visitors should be prepared for some rough road conditions near the site entrance.

Getting Around

Transportation around the Manyana Rock Paintings site is primarily on foot along designated walking trails and paths. The terrain consists of rocky outcrops and uneven sandstone surfaces, so sturdy hiking boots are essential. Local guides are highly recommended not only for their cultural knowledge but also for navigation assistance, as the painting sites are scattered across multiple hills and can be difficult to locate independently. Some areas require moderate climbing ability to access higher cave paintings and rock shelters.

Where to Stay

Gaborone City Center

Mochudi Village

Ramotswa Area

Tlokweng District

Mogoditshane Suburb

Camping at Manyana Village

Food & Dining

Dining options near Manyana Rock Paintings are limited to small local establishments in Manyana village and nearby Mochudi, where visitors can find traditional Botswana cuisine including seswaa (shredded beef), morogo (wild spinach), and pap (maize porridge). Most visitors choose to bring packed lunches or dine in Gaborone before or after their visit, where a full range of restaurants, from local eateries to international cuisine, is available. Some tour operators include traditional meals as part of cultural experience packages, offering authentic tastes of Tswana cooking prepared by community members.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Manyana Rock Paintings is during Botswana's dry season from May to September, when temperatures are moderate, rainfall is minimal, and walking conditions are optimal. Morning visits (7-10 AM) and late afternoon sessions (3-6 PM) offer the most comfortable temperatures and ideal lighting for viewing and photographing the artwork. The wet season (November-March) can make access roads challenging and increase the risk of flash floods in rocky areas, though the landscape is more lush and green during this period.

Insider Tips

Bring plenty of water and sun protection, as there is limited shade among the rock formations and temperatures can rise quickly even during cooler months

Respect the artwork by maintaining appropriate distances from the paintings and never touching the rock surfaces, as oils from skin can damage the ancient pigments

Consider combining your visit with a stop at the nearby Mochudi Museum to gain additional context about the region's cultural heritage and San history