Ancient Wonder
in Botswana
The Wonder of
Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills is an ancient site in the northwest of Botswana. It is home to 4500 rock art paintings, earning it the nickname ‘louvre of the desert’.
In the northwest reaches of Botswana lies an ancient wonder.
Four copper-red hills rise abruptly from the dry scrub and low trees of the plains. Thousands of paintings are brushed onto the quartzite rock in red ochre. The San and Hambukushu communities in the area consider the land sacred. This region is known as Tsodilo Hills.
Myth surrounds this ancient site. The Bushmen communities believe it marks the birthplace of humankind, with The Male hill housing the most sacred spot—a large rock at the top where they believe the first spirit prayed after creation. They also believe that causing harm or death within sight of the hills brings bad luck and misfortune.
The Mystery of
Tsodilo Hills
Another myth surrounds the name—or lack thereof—of the fourth hill. According to the story, The Male left his first wife, the smallest hill, for a younger woman (The Female Hill), leaving the smallest hill without a name.
While the exact meaning of the rock art remains unknown, it likely depicts everyday life and sacred rituals. Archaeologists and historians believe ancient shamans adorned the rocks with artwork during these rituals. Hiking across the hills reveals rock and cave walls covered in historic paintings. These paintings feature humans, animals (both wild and domesticated), and various geometric designs. Visitors can spend days exploring the trails and uncovering the ancient artwork scattered across the area.
Tsodilo Hills is slightly off the beaten track, but it is a great destination for anybody curious about rock art and the mysticism surrounding the hills. There are several campsites near the hills, with one main site housing major facilities. Local guides are available for guided walks.
If the mysteries and ancient allure of Tsodilo Hills captivate you, contact us to plan your visit. Explore the ‘Louvre of the Desert’ as you walk paths steeped in history. Let the stories and sacredness of these hills guide your journey. Reach out today to experience the deep connection to our human past that Tsodilo offers.
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