In the northwestern reaches of Botswana, near the border with Namibia, lies the Tsodilo Hills, an imposing range of hills that dominates the arid landscape.
Archaeological records reveal that these hills have been a site of human habitation and resource extraction for over 100,000 years. Through extensive archaeological research, the activities of humans and changes in the environment can be deciphered chronologically. Thus, visitors can perceive the evolution of human culture and the relationship between nature and humanity over thousands of years.
You may have heard of the indigenous people of Botswana, the Bushmen (also known as the San). It is said that the majority of rock paintings found in the Tsodilo Hills were created by them.
In their culture, spiritual dances and prayers are performed to summon the souls of ancestors, and rituals such as healing and rainmaking are conducted.
The Tsodilo Hills were considered sacred sites for such rituals. Additionally, evidence suggests that not only the Bushmen but also people known as the “Hambukushu,” who migrated southward from central Africa over 200 years ago, settled here. Thus, different indigenous peoples inhabited this area over time.
Enshrined in UNESCO’s World Heritage List
The Tsodilo Hills were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001. What makes this site so captivating as a World Heritage Site? One remarkable feature is the abundance of rock paintings created by indigenous people.
While other rock art sites exist, the sheer quantity of paintings in the Tsodilo Hills is staggering. Spread across just 10 square kilometers, there are over 4,500 rock paintings, making it one of the most densely packed sites in the world.
Another distinctive aspect is the preservation of various traces of human societies from different eras, conveyed through these exceptional rock paintings. Furthermore, the symbolic and religious significance of this place as a sacred site adds tremendous value.
Recommended Rock Art Hiking Trails
The Tsodilo Hills primarily consist of four hills: Male Hill, Female Hill, Child Hill, and a separate hill called North Hill, which is a bit further away.
Legend has it that North Hill represents the former wife of Male Hill, seeking revenge silently. The Female Hill boasts the most rock paintings, particularly notable for its Rhino Trek hiking trail, where the depiction of rhinoceroses leaves a lasting impression.
Given that afternoons can become scorching, it’s advisable to embark on hikes during the cool morning hours!
