rock art tours south africa

Travel through time...

Introduction.

ROCK ART & ARCHAEOLOGY OF THE WESTERN CAPE

FINGER PAINTINGS
depictions of animals
VISITS TO SITES

The Western Cape of South Africa has been inhabited by humans and their ancestors for at least a million years. Earlier Stone Age artefacts date to between about 2 million and 200,000 years ago. These hunter-gatherers apparently did not make rock paintings. Middle Stone Age artefacts have also been found but they are not directly linked to the artists responsible for rock paintings in the region.

From about 40,000 years ago, the Later Stone Age people living in the Western Cape were regularly making artefacts like bows and arrows, digging stick weights, ostrich eggshell beads and other items that were still being made by San hunter-gatherers at the time of European contact in the seventeenth century (1600s). It was during the Later Stone Age that most of the rock paintings were made in the Western Cape.

Rock paintings can be dated if the paint had an organic ingredient like blood or egg or plant juice, but in many cases there is not enough of these ingredients left to get a reliable age. Detailed study of the paintings over the past century has nevertheless allowed for a general sequence to be identified based on which images were painted first (the fine line humans and animals by the San) and which were painted later (the handprints and finger paintings by the Khoe), followed by colonial images of people with horses, guns and hats. Fine line paintings are generally associated with Later Stone Age San hunter-gatherers. The oldest dated fine line images in the Western Cape are at least 3500 years old and older paintings may not have survived, or have not been found in a dateable context.

For many years it was thought that the paintings were literal depictions of the landscape in which hunter-gatherers lived. It is now known that the art is more complex than this and that it was produced within a number of important ritual contexts, such as healing, rain-making and the initiation of boys and girls into adulthood. The art therefore is religious and relates to complex beliefs and practices. Rock paintings are the work of the ancestors of San hunter-gatherers, Khoe pastoralists and people of the recent colonial period. This art includes a wide range of images, types, motifs and themes. This diversity can be reduced to a few broad rock art groups or traditions. In chronological order, these are referred to as:

- Fine line images - A range of finger-painted images including dots and lines as well as various types of handprints - Images of colonial people, wagons and horses - Historical graffiti

Fine-line images are the oldest images generally identified as they lie beneath later images. The remnants of images of eland are also included in this category of rock art. The eland are sometimes difficult to identify as only the red or yellow ochre remains of what was originally a multi-coloured image with white and black highlights and shading. The white and black pigments tend to wear away more quickly than the red and yellow ochre pigments which is why all that is left of the eland are blobs of colour.

The original paint was made of organic materials including red and yellow ochre.

Paintings that tend to depict more recent images such as wagons, horses and feathered hats often look very different to earlier fine-lined images. Many such images have clearly been created using the finger as a paintbrush resulting in thicker-lines and more crude-looking images.

In addition to the eland, other antelope as well as some indeterminate other animals can be found. Images of other animals are also known, such as fish, elephants and others. Images of fat-tailed sheep assist in dating rock art sites as this species is known to have arrived in this part of South Africa approximately 2000 years ago.

BASIC DO’S AND DON’TS FOR ROCK ART CONSERVATION

The following guidelines are widely accepted behaviour for visitors to rock art sites – both paintings and engravings.

• Enjoy the rock art and behave as you would in an art gallery. The longer you look at the paintings or engravings, the more you will see.

• Do not touch the paintings. Your fingers leave behind traces of oil and dirt that builds up and cannot be removed.

• Never put water or any other substance on painted surfaces to enhance the colour or detail. It causes salts to be drawn to the surface and they cannot be removed. Photos of faded paintings can be digitally enhanced and this is much better than wetting the originals.

• It is an offence in terms of the National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) to write on rock shelter walls, damage or “touch up” paintings or engravings. It alters the significance of the original art and spoils the experience for other visitors. If convicted of this offence, you could be liable for a fine of between R10,000 and R100,000.

• Avoid stirring up dust when you visit a painted rock shelter as the dust adheres to the rock walls and is difficult to remove. If you are going to spend some time in a rock shelter, put down a ground sheet to control dust and avoid disturbing archaeological deposits.

• Trim vegetation away from painted surfaces to stop branches brushing against paintings and to reduce the damaging effects of veld fires.

• Remove all litter after visiting a rock art site.

• Visitors to rock shelters should remove back packs to avoid their brushing against painted surfaces.

• Do not make fires in or near painted rock shelters as the smoke and cooking fumes can damage the art and discolour the rock walls.

• If you are obliged to seek shelter overnight in a rock art site, avoid leaving candle wax on rock surfaces.

The following basic guidelines are useful for the owners of properties with rock art.

• A permit must be obtained from the relevant provincial heritage resources authority for any interventions such as installation of fences, boardwalks or information boards at a rock art site.

• Seek advice from the provincial heritage resources authority or a rock art specialist if you wish to open rock art sites to the public.

• Avoid placing rubbish bins in or near to painted rock shelters as they attract animals and are often overturned, spreading the litter.

• Train a guide to take visitors to rock art sites or print a leaflet with clear instructions for all visitors.

***Summarised from the Do’s and Don’ts approved by SAHRA (the South African Heritage Resources Agency).***

tHEMES IN THE PAINTINGS

THERIANTHROPES

Many of the paintings of people along the trail have characteristic "hook heads". This is not fanciful art; the red ochre has lasted longer than the pale colour that once filled in their faces. This "faded" phenomenon can also be seen in animals, leaving the false impression that they were incomplete.

Therianthropes are representations of people with animal features who are experiencing trance. These features include hoofs, antelope heads, and tusks and so forth. Moreover, people are also painted combined with a range of creatures such as elephants, baboons, antelopes and birds.

Hand prints are also often found at rock art sites in the Cederberg. These prints were made by covering the hand with ochre pigment and then using a fingernail or stick to carve patterns in the ochre before placing the hand on the surface of the cave wall to leave a print. It is hypothesised that, due to their general size, these prints belong to sub-adults, ie. young boys and girls who have left their mark as, possibly, part of a coming of age ceremony. In addition, you may also find many finger dots, indeterminate blobs of colour, wavy lines, circles and patterns of lines and dots.

TRANCE DANCE
EQUIPMENT & DRESS

The trance dance is the San's most important religious ritual, and an understanding of its various features and purposes is an essential key to appreciate the art. For the San, trance is the spirit world; it is here that they heal the sick, remonstrate with malevolent spirits, and go on out-of-body journeys. The southern San also believed that shamans could make rain and guide antelope herds into the hunters' ambush. Moreover, the San saw parallels between the behaviour of a dying antelope, especially an eland, and a shaman ‘dying' (dying is used in a metaphorical sense, meaning to enter the spirit world) in trance.

In San rock art, paintings of people carry a variety of equipment, such as arrows, bags, bows, quivers and digging sticks.

PROFESSOR JOHN PARKINGTON, NARRATOR

Image enhancements were carried out using DStretch which is a program designed to bring out faint pictographs that are invisible to the naked eye. DStretch was written by Jon Harman. The images of the rock art included in both virtual tours have been processed using DStretch in order to highlight pigments that are no longer visible to the naked eye, and so enhance the experience of visiting the rock art sites.

BOOKS BY JOHN PARKINGTON

Kaggan's Grief and the Marriage of Meat. 2000. By John Parkington and Pippa Skotnes The Mantis, the Eland and the Hunter. 2002. By John Parkington Cederberg Rock Paintings. 2003. By John Parkington San Rock Engravings: Marking the Karoo Landscape. 2010. By John Parkington and Neil Rusch First People Ancestors of the San. 2015. By John Parkington and Nonhlanhla Dlamini

CONTENT DEVELOPMENT

Wide angle, high resolution panorama images have been captured of the rock art sites located along the Sevilla and Warmhoek trails. These individual images have been stitched together to create panoramic images for each of the captured positions. The panoramas have been integrated into a panorama tour of the rock art trails along with close up images of the rock art using 3DVista . The panoramas are viewed on a 2D screen, and the panoramas are able to be rotated to achieve the full panoramic effect. In each panorama there are placed hotspots which show where there are other panoramas available. Clicking on the hotspot will jump the user to the chosen panorama. Additionally there are clickable icons inside the panoramas with links to information in the form of text, audio, or video. The user is able to explore and learn about the rock art sites in an interactive and engaging manner.

THE ROCK ART PORTAL

Step behind the veil

Elands Bay Cave by The Rock Art Portal on Sketchfab

Hundreds and thousands of years ago, in South Africa's Cederberg mountain range, hunter gatherers, and later herders, left behind paintings on sandstone rock surfaces. These enigmatic paintings of people, animals, geometric patterns and hand prints represent the world views, religion and ritual of these people. Rock paintings and engravings are our combined universal heritage and are a powerful visual message of the path we have walked. The painting techniques, meanings and interpretations of these paintings have long since disappeared along with these early inhabitants of this land, and we are left to piece back the puzzle of our prehistory.

The rock art portal aims to capture and create a hyper-realistic digital twin of important sites and paintings along with contextual data archives relating to these places. The data archives are presented in a unique virtual environment, the portal, where meaning is extracted by intersecting chosen information from related databases. Thus a fully immersive world is created where one can experience a virtually guided tour of Cederberg rock art followed by freely navigating, exploring and interacting with the sites.

Rock art shelters and caves are continuously threatened by weathering, vandalism and destruction, and it is the aim of this project to digitally capture these sites and associated landscapes with as much detail and accuracy as possible. This will be to preserve them for the future and also to use the created virtual environments as an educational tool.

Why preserve rock art? The San people are the most direct descendants of modern man and the paintings are a connection to these first people who inhabited these shelters, and what they did here. It's the story of human culture, of perseverance and survival, and it is therefore worth protecting.

Contact

[email protected]

© Copyright 2021 Rock Art Portal

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Five destinations to view rock paintings in South Africa

Author: Alice Lombard - 27 February 2017

Last Update: 30 January 2024

Part of the South Africa Safari Vacation & Travel To South Africa & African Safari Collection

Traditionally art is viewed in a gallery by a certain sector of society which has knowledge of the complex aesthetics and meaning behind every brush stroke. However in South Africa and other parts of Africa galleries have been set up informally in caves for centuries and today they play an important role in documenting and archiving an ancient way of life, society and culture.

People travel to South Africa year in and year out to visit various locations for which rock paintings can be seen. Here are five great spots to see rock paintings in South Africa.

Bushman’s Kloof, Cederberg, Western Cape?

Photo was taken from – https://www.bushmanskloof.co.za

It’s believed that there are over 2500 rock painting sites in the Cederberg Mountain area. Bushman’s Kloof is considered to be one of the best locations to view these paintings in the cape. This is an area which was inhabited by the Khoisan people which are widely considered the oldest recorded civilisation in the Southern Africa.

It’s also believed that there are still many undiscovered rock painting locations which are yet to be discovered as they are hidden deep in caves, which are hard to reach.

Kamberg Rock Art Centre, KwaZulu-Natal

Image was taken from – http://www.bergfree.co.za

Kamberg Rock Art Centre in KwaZulu-Natal is believed to be the original location of the first found rock art in South Africa. There are over 40,000 San Bushmen rock art paintings in and around Ukhahlamba- Drakensberg Park.

The Kamberg Rock Art Centre located in the Kamberg Nature Reserve was built for the purpose of helping people understand more about this fascinating piece of South African heritage.

Clanwilliam Living Landscape Project, Cederberg

Five destinations to view rock paintings in South Africa

Photo was taken from – http://www.childrensbook.co.za/news/2012/11/20/high-sky-stories-clanwilliam-living-landscape-project-and-workshop

A great facility designed to preserve the San way of life by passing on their customs and traditions to a new generation of South Africans. The centre’s workshop is situated on 18 Park Street, Clanwilliam. Rock art plays an important role in the centre’s mandate and rock art tours can be arranged from this location.

Clanwilliam is roughly two hours from Cape Town and it’s said that the best time to visit is mid-August to September when the fields and hills can be seen littered with wildflowers.

Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre, Northern Cape

Photo was taken from – http://www.kimberley.org.za/wildebeest-kuil-rock-art-centre/

Kimberley the diamond capital of South Africa also boasts world famous rock paintings at the Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art centre. Rumour has it that certain rock engravings located there took inspiration from Shamanistic practice where spiritual healers or shamans were accessing the spirit world through a certain level of meditation and altered state of mind.

These practices were also linked to rain dances during dry seasons. The centre is located roughly 15 kilometres from Kimberley for more info visit this page .

Drakensberg Rock Art

Image was taken from – http://drakensberg-tourist-map.com/

The Drakensberg Mountain range is one of the most sought after locations for seeing rock art in the country. These rock art sites include the open-air Bushman Cave Museum which is scenically located in the Giant’s Castle Reserve. This museum has a long-standing history with South Africa and was opened in 1903 and is run by KZN Nature Conservation.

There is one of the many rock painting caves which isn’t far from the museum and it’s said there are 500 rock paintings in the cave which are believed to be roughly 800 years old. Visit this site for more.

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2nd floor, Tygervalley Chambers One, 27 Willie van Schoor Avenue, Bellville, Cape Town , 7530

10 Day South African Rock Art Tour

This luxurious rock art-oriented tour introduces visitors to some of the finest, most well-preserved rock art sites accessible to the public.

South Africa Tours
South African Rock Art Tour - 10 Days

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South Africa

Drakensberg

Detailed Luxury South African Tour Itinerary: 10 Day South African Rock Art Tour

Arrival / Drakensberg

Guests are met on arrival at O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg by an African Sky guide. We then travel southeast via the N3 highway, passing through the vast tracts of farmland of the Free State before crossing over into KwaZulu-Natal shortly after Harrismith. The surrounding landscape rises gradually along the route as the Drakensberg mountain range begins to appear in the west. We arrive at our overnight accommodation on a farm just outside the tidy Midlands Meander town of Mooi River (‘beautiful river’) in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, we head southwest toward the Kamberg Nature Reserve in the foothills of the Drakensberg. Kamberg is home to Game Pass Shelter, known as the ‘Rosetta Stone’ of rock art sites, as archaeologists studying these paintings uncovered a vital key to understanding the symbolism of San rock art. The paintings at Game Pass Shelter enabled archaeologists to learn about the San’s beliefs that they could draw mystical powers from animals, depicting images seen by shamans during trance-like states. The eland, one of the most significant symbols in Bushman culture, occurs throughout, along with various therianthropic figures. The guided trail to the shelter departs from the Kamberg Rock Art Centre and it generally takes around three hours to reach the extraordinary site. We return to Hartford House in the late afternoon.

Today’s cultural pursuit comprises the Main Caves at Giant’s Castle. Giant’s Castle is one of the most spectacular regions in the Drakensberg , rich with awe-inspiring views, cool rock pools, clear mountain streams, and ancient history. The Main Caves are an easy hike from the camp office - between 30 and 45 minutes. Due to weathering and damage by visitors of years’ past, the main caves are now protected in a museum to ensure future preservation. The guided experience is quite informative and provides captivating insight into the world of the San. The rest of the day is spent at leisure. Opt to venture further into the Giant’s Castle Reserve with a hiking map in hand, cool off in one of the sparkling natural waterways or return to Hartford House for fishing, horse riding or a tour of Summerhill Stud - host to the stallions of the First Family of Dubai.

Drakensberg / Cape Town

Following an early breakfast, the tour departs the Natal Midlands, returning to the N3 highway and heading southeast toward the coastal city of Durban. Guests board a flight to Cape Town , arriving in the Mother City just in time for lunch. After checking in at your overnight accommodation in the exclusive seaside suburb of Camps Bay, enjoy an afternoon at leisure admiring the spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean.

The day is devoted to exploring the circumference of the Cape Peninsula, traveling via the awe-inspiring Chapman’s Peak Drive which skirts the rocky coastline that winds its way between Hout Bay and Noordhoek. The first stop of the day is at the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve - a dramatic location rich with views, wild beaches, and scenic walking routes. Animals such as baboon, ostrich, blesbok and red hartebeest frequent this reserve on the southwestern tip of Africa. En route back to Cape Town, the tour makes a stop at Boulders Beach , a sheltered cove in False Bay that serves as a conservation site for a colony of African penguins. Strewn with ancient granite boulders and fine white sands, the beach is the perfect setting to observe these endearing seabirds. Guests return to their overnight accommodation in the late afternoon.

Today guests will enjoy a trip to the top of South Africa’s most iconic natural landmark; Table Mountain . Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from the modern rotating cable cars before reaching the summit. A network of trails leads visitors to various vantage points, and you may even encounter a dassie or two (rock hyrax) while exploring. Following your visit to Table Mountain, the tour makes its way to Kirstenbosch. The Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens offer a green paradise with hundreds of indigenous plant species. From fynbos to ferns, proteas to pines, this colorful Eden is ideal for hiking and picnicking. Every season teases new hues from the palette, ensuring that the gardens are a year-round destination.

Cape Town / Cederberg

After breakfast, the tour departs Cape Town for the natural drama of the Cederberg. The drive of between three and four hours traces the N7 northwards, traversing the Swartland with its silvery sheaths of renosterbos, which darken dramatically after the winter rains. After Piketberg, the road passes through the Olifants River Valley at the foot of the Cederberg Mountains - a region known for its proliferation of citrus farms. The route traces the Olifants River to the town of Clanwilliam, where the river is impounded in the Clanwilliam Dam. The rock formations and mountains increase radically as the road turns east into the Cederberg Wilderness Reserve. Bushmans Kloof is located in the eastern foothills of the Cederberg Mountains. The reserve covers 7 500 hectares, encompassing leagues of Cape Floral Kingdom and 130 bushman rock art sites. Fauna such as Cape mountain zebra, bontebok, red hartebeest, ostrich, and gemsbok roam the landscape. With no towns or cities for miles around, the effervescence of the night sky will take your breath away.

Your rock art excursion embarks in the early morning, inclusive of an open-air nature drive and a guided hike to some of the country’s most significant rock art sites. Noteworthy sites include Bleeding Nose Shelter (with its dramatic contrast against white sandstone), Fallen Rock Shelter (one of the largest and most well-preserved sites in the Pakhuis region) and Sonya’s Cave. After an informative visit, guests enjoy a scrumptious bush breakfast before returning to the lodge. Back at the lodge, visitors are welcome to explore Bushmans Kloof’s Heritage Centre, which provides a fascinating insight into the history of the area’s ancient inhabitants. The center hosts a collection of artifacts and offers specialist talks. The herb garden affords the opportunity to learn more about the botanical remedies employed by the Bushmen and Khoi. Spend the afternoon at leisure or opt for a relaxing sunset nature drive in the reserve. After-dinner drives are also available, ensuring spectacular stargazing and the chance to encounter nocturnal animals such as aardwolf, bat-eared fox, and porcupine.

An exciting medley of activities is available at Bushmans Kloof. Nature drives, guided walks, bird watching, bush picnics, and view-rich sundowners form the core of the experience and are available at guests’ behest. Canoes are provided at the dam, where guests may similarly enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear pools formed by the Olifants River’s tributaries. Fly fishing is another popular venture, with fishing equipment readily available to tackle the Clanwilliam Yellowfish in one of the reserve’s many waterways. Spa treatments and local excursions to the Cederberg Wine Route, Rooibos Tea Factory and Lambert's Bay are offered at an additional cost.

Following a last breakfast in the magical Cederberg, the tour returns to Cape Town via the N7. Guests are dropped off at Cape Town International or any location of their choice in Cape Town after an unforgettable adventure exploring South Africa’s captivating rock art sites.

3 Nights Hartford House
3 Nights Camp's Bay Retreat
3 Nights Bushmans Kloof
Private African Sky Guide: From Day 1-7
Resident Rangers: From Day 8-10
Private Air Conditioned Vehicle: From Day 1-7
Open 4x4 Vehicle: From Day 8-10
All meals specified in the itinerary
Durban to Cape Town
Private transportation in air-conditioned vehicle throughout
Game Pass Shelter (guided visit)
Main Caves at Giant's Castle (guided visit)
Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve (includes Flying Dutchman Funicular)
Boulders Beach
Table Mountain Cableway round trip
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens
Nature Drives (Bushmans Kloof)
Nature Walks (Bushmans Kloof)
Tourism levy
All applicable taxes
All park fees where applicable
International airfare (to and from South Africa)
Personal and medical insurance
Activities not specifically stated in the itinerary
Meals not specifically stated in the itinerary

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Hours Monday-Friday: 9:00am - 16:30pm Location 36 Aliwal Street, Bloemfontein, South Africa View Map
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Prehistoric Imagery

Rock art is visual imagery painted onto, engraved into or sculpted out of a rock surface. Rock art is an archaeological artefact that tells us about its makers – who they were, when they lived and, most importantly, what they thought. Southern Africa has many different rock art traditions made by hunter-gatherers, herders and Bantu-speaking farmers. It is important to study and manage all of these rock arts in order to better understand and respect each other and the land we live in.

South African rock art research is a sanctuary for critical thinking and also a contentious platform for exemplifying the history of South Africa as a colonial and post-colonial country from a unique perspective. The positive imaging of rock art has served to reinforce the dominant attitude of tolerance and unity in this country. Recent investigation into rock art has emphasised the spiritual symbolism inherent in the art and has succeeded in convincing the public to revere both the aesthetic and the spiritual significance of the art.

Mission Statement The mission of the Rock Art Department (RAD) is to locate, record, interpret and manage the diverse rock engraving and rock painting traditions of southern Africa, thereby promoting the re-construction and development of southern African history.

Shiona Moodley has book published

15 October 2012 The book Koma : Expressions of cultural identity investigates a recurring spread-eagled motif found in Northern Sotho rock art in the Makgabeng Plateau, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Previous research has pointed out two categories of Northern Sotho rock art that have been painted in two different phases yet this motif occurs in both. It is found in association with the older boy’s initiation rock art and the more recent protest imagery painted during the Maleboho war of 1894. The local inhabitants call this image koma . By meticulously exploring the secret boy’s initiation rites of the Northern Sotho, this book discusses how, as a painted image, koma operates on a level surpassing other initiation icons. It embodies a symbolic perception that was also of great importance in the struggle of the Hananwa people during the war. This book ultimately unveils the conceptual link between the two traditions of rock art and discusses how the koma is perceived in the construction and expression of a distinct cultural identity.

Koma : Expressions of cultural identity. The crocodile motif in the rock art of the Makgabeng Plateau, Limpopo Province, South Africa . Lambert Academic Publishing: Saarbrücken, Germany. ISBN: 978-3-8433-8205-2. Available at www.amazon.com and www.barnesandnoble.com

Shiona Moodley is Head of the Rock Art Department. She completed her MA in Archaeology majoring in Rock Art Studies at the Rock Art Research Institute at the University of Witwatersrand in 2004 and shortly thereafter began working at the National Museum. Her research focus is initiation rock art in the Limpopo Province, community rock art projects in the Quthing District in Lesotho and the rock art of the Baviaanskloof in the Eastern Cape.

Senior Research Assistant

Jens Kriek BA Hons [email protected]

Brink, J.S., Dreyer, J.J.B. & Loubser, J.H.N. 1992 . Rescue excavations at Pramberg, Jacobsdal, south-western Orange Free State. Southern African Field Archaeology 1: 54-60.

Jacobson, L., Loubser, J., Peisach, M., Pineda, C. & van der Westhuizen, W. 1991. Pixe analysis of pre-European pottery from the northern Transvaal and its relevance to the distribution of ceramic styles, social interaction and change. South African Archaeological Bulletin 46: 19-24.

Loubser, J. 1989. Archaeology and early Venda history. In: Deacon, J. (ed.). South African Archaeological Society Goodwin Series 6: 54-61.

Loubser, J. 1990. Oral traditions, archaeology and the history of Venda mitupo. African Studies 49: 13-43.

Loubser, J., Brink, J. & Laurens, G. 1990. Paintings of the extinct blue antelope, Hippotragus leucophaeus , in the eastern Orange Free State. South African Archaeological Bulletin 45: 106-111.

Loubser, J.H.N. 1991. The ethnoarchaeology of Venda-speakers in southern Africa. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 7: 146-464.

Loubser, J. 1991. The conservation of rock paintings in Australia and its applicability to South Africa. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 7: 114-143.

Loubser, J. & Verhagen, B. 1991. Radiocarbon dates covering the last thousand years in the Soutpansberg area, northern Transvaal . South African Journal of Science 87: 470-472.

Loubser, J. & Brink, J. 1992. Unusual paintings of wildebeest and a zebra-like animal from north-western Lesotho. Southern African Field Archaeology 1: 103-107.

Loubser, J. 1993. Ndondondwane: the significance of features and finds from a ninth century site on the lower Thukela River, Natal. Natal Museum Journal of Humanities : 5: 109-151.

Loubser, J. 1993. Rock paintings of domestic ungulates in the Caledon River Valley area of southern Africa: understanding the interaction between hunter-gatherers and agriculturalists. In: Faulstich. P. & Taçon, P.S.C. (eds.). Dating and spatial considerations in rock art studies . Melbourne: AURA Occasional Publication 8: 101-110.

Loubser, J. 1993. A guide to the rock paintings of Tandjesberg. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 9: 345-384.

Loubser, J. 1994. The conservation of rock engravings and rock paintings: removals to museums or selected exhibitions in the field? South African Journal of Science 90: 454-456.

Loubser, J.H.N. 1994. Ndebele archaeology of the Pietersburg area. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 10: 61-147.

Loubser, J. & Laurens, G. 1994. Depictions of domestic ungulates and shields: hunter-gatherers and agro-pastoralists in the Caledon Valley area. In: Dowson, T. & Lewis-Williams, J.D. (eds.). Contested images: diversity in southern African rock art research : 83-118. Johannesburg: Wits University Press.

Loubser, J.H.N. &. P. Zietsman. 1994. Rock paintings of the postulated Brunsvigia sp. (Amaryllidaceae) at Thaba Bosiu, western Lesotho. South African Journal of Science 90: 611-612.

Loubser, J.H.N. 1996. A tale of two shelters: contrasting site management strategies in South Africa and Lesotho. In: Ward, G.K. (ed.) Management of rock art imagery . Melbourne: AURA Occasional Publication 9: 22-25.

Moodley, S . 2006. Rock Art and National Identity: A museum perspective. South African Museum Associations Bulletin 32: 85-87.

Moodley, S . 2008. Koma: Crocodile motif in the rock art of the Northern Sotho. South African Archaeological Journal 63(188): 116-124.

Ouzman, S. 1995. Spiritual and political uses of rock engravings by San and Tswana-speakers. South African Archaeological Bulletin 50: 55-67.

Ouzman, S. 1995. The fish, the shaman and the peregrination: San rock paintings of mormyrid fish as religious and social metaphors. Southern African Field Archaeology 4: 3-17.

Ouzman, S. 1996. Thaba Sione: place of rhinoceroses and rain-making. African Studies 55: 31-59.

Ouzman, S. 1997. Landscape/Mindscapes. The Semiotic Review of Books 8(3): 3-5.

Ouzman, S. 1997. Between margin and centre: the archaeology of southern African bored stones. In: Wadley, L. (ed.). Our gendered past: archaeological studies of gender in southern Africa : 71-106. Johannesburg: Witwatersrand University Press.

Ouzman, S. 1997. Hidden in the common gaze: collective and idiosyncratic rock paintings at Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa. Navorsinge van die Nasionale Museum, Bloemfontein 13: 225-256.

Ouzman, S. & Wadley, L. 1997. A history in paint and stone from Rose Cottage Cave, South Africa. Antiquity 71: 386-404

Ouzman, S. 1998. Mindscape. In: Bouissac, P. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Semiotics : 419-421. New York: Oxford University Press.

Ouzman, S. 1998. Rock Art. In: Bouissac, P. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Semiotics : 544-547. New York: Oxford University Press.

Ouzman, S. 1998. Toward a mindscape of landscape: rock-art as expression of world-understanding. In: Chippindale, C. & Taçon, P.S.C. (eds.). The Archaeology of Rock-Art : 30-41. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Ouzman, S. 2001. Seeing is deceiving: rock-art and the non-visual. World Archaeology 33(2): 237-256.

Ouzman, S. 2002. Encountering an encultured nature: some edifying examples from Indigenous Southern Africa. In: Gauer-Lietz, S. (ed.). Nature and culture: ambivalent dimensions: 199-217. Cottbus: Drukzone.

Ouzman, S., Taçon, P.S.C., Mulvaney, K. & Fullagar. R . 2002. Extraordinary engraved bird track from North Australia: extinct fauna, Dreaming Being and/or aesthetic masterpiece? Cambridge Archaeological Journal 12(1): 103-112.

Peisach, M., Pineda, C., Jacobson, L. & Loubser, J. 1991. Analytical study of pottery from Soutpansberg. Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry 151: 229-237.

Taçon, P.S.C., Fullagar R.K., Ouzman S. & Mulvaney K. 1997. Cupule engravings from Jinmium-Granilpi (Northern Australia) and beyond: exploration of a widespread and enigmatic class of rock markings. Antiquity 71(274): 942-965.

Deacon, J. & Loubser, J. 1992 . Report on the fifth Southern African rock art colloquium. Southern African Field Archaeology 1:110-112.

Kriek, J . 2004. Van Sjamans en skiektes tot Kompetisie vir kos: Leeus in San-Rotskuns. Culna . 59: 6-8.

Kriek, J . 2008. Public Rock Art Sites of southern Africa: Ha Liphapang, Lesotho. Culna . 63: 39-41.

Laurens, G. 1990 . Aims and techniques of recording rock paintings. Culna 39:39-40.

Laurens, G. 1991 . Some practical guidelines for conserving painted sites. Culna 40:9.

Loubser, J. 1987 . Die studie van rotskuns in die Oranje-Vrystaat. Museum News 33:10.

Loubser, J. 1988 . The Venda boats in the museum. Museum News 34:26-27.

Loubser, J. 1988 . Boesmanrotsskilderye van Knellpoort word by museum gehuisves. Museum News 35:15.

Loubser, J. 1988 . The Venda drums in the museum. Museum News 35:30-31.

Loubser, J. 1989 . The Venda divining bowl in the museum. Museum News 36:18-19.

Loubser, J. 1990 . Venda pottery and origins. Culna 38: 27-28.

Loubser, J. 1990 . The story of Soai: Bushman painters and engraver. Culna 39:21-25.

Loubser, J. 1990 . Founding of the Transgariep Branch of the South African Archaeological Society. The Digging Stick 7:10.

Loubser, J. 1990 . Case hardening, silica skins and some ethical considerations in the conservation of rock paintings. Pictogram 3:1-2.

Loubser, J. 1990 . Removals and in situ conservation: strategies and problems in rock art conservation at the National Museum, Bloemfontein. Pictogram 3:2-5.

Loubser, J. 1991 . The model of Dzata at the National Museum. Culna 40:24-25.

Loubser, J. & den Hoed, P. 1991 . Recording rock paintings: some thoughts on methodology and technique. Pictogram 4:1-5.

Loubser, J., Loubser, S. & Lipschitz, N. 1991 . Digging for roots: material reminders of life at Bankfontein Collieries, Breyten. The Digging Stick 8:1-3.

Loubser, J. 1992 . Materials used by Bushmen to make rock paintings. Culna 42:16-17.

Loubser, J. 1992 . The significance of Bushman rock paintings. Cura 1:3-5.

Loubser, J. 1993 . Bushman rock paintings in the eastern Orange Free State as a potential tourist attraction. Tourism News 2:8-11.

Loubser, J. 1993 . The conservation of San art. Council for the Environment Information Bulletin , August: 5-7.

Loubser, J. 1993 . Rock paintings of men with muskets near Smithfield. Culna 44:6-8.

Moodley, S . 2005. Rock Art and our National Coat of Arms. Culna . 60: 3

Moodley, S . 2005. Public Rock Art Sites of southern Africa: Game Pass Shelter, Kamberg Nature Reserve. Culna . 60: 10-12.

Moodley, S . 2007. Public Rock Art Sites in the Free State: Oldenburg – Place of the eland. Culna . 62: 22-23.

Moodley, S . 2008. Rock Art for Sale? Culna . 63: 2-4

Ouzman, S. 1994 . In search of symbols: rock art past, present and future. Culna 47:5-8.

Ouzman, S. 1994 . Rain from the mountain of Zion. The Digging Stick 11:2-5.

Ouzman, S. 1995 . Lessons from the old masters: San rock art and Pierneef. Culna 48:24-28.

Ouzman, S. 1995. Discovering and documenting San rock art: what you can do for southern African history. Culna 49:8-10.

Ouzman, S. & Botha, C. 1995 . Poser from the past: the case of the curved, crafted and utterly mysterious bone object from Burgersdorp. The Digging Stick 12:7-9.

Ouzman, S. et al . 1995. Reply to R.G. Bednarik's 'J.D. Lewis-Williams and Alex Wilcox: crucial differences'. Pictogram 7:16-17.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . Debate: Sunlight on the sand. Vuka SA 1:66.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . The San rock art displays of the National Museum. Culna 50:16-20.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . An engraved touchstone from the Free State. The Digging Stick 13:1-3.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . A brief history of rock art research in the eastern Free State, South Africa. 14 th biennial conference of the Southern African Association of Archaeologists post-conference excursion guide : 28-36.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . Archaeological symbols for the rainbow nation. World Archaeological Congress News 4:21-22.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . The silenced voice: opinion and policy on the status of the San and their objects in southern Africa. World Archaeological Congress News 4:xi.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . The shocking tale of the fish and the whale: San rock paintings of mormyrid fish. Ichthos 50:7-9.

Ouzman, S. & Henderson, Z.. 1996 . Conference report on the 14 th biennial conference of the Southern African Association of Archaeologists, Bloemfontein, 1-8 July 1996. World Archaeological Congress News 4:10-11.

Ouzman, S. 1997 . Public rock art sites of the Free State: Tandjesberg. Culna 52:32-34.

Ouzman, S. 1997 . Mooiplaas revisited: following footprints old and new. Southern African Association of Archaeologists Newsletter 47:61-62.

Ouzman, S., Taçon P.S.C., Fullagar, R. & Mulvaney, K. 1997. The world’s oldest rock art? Cupule engravings from the Top End of Australia. The Digging Stick 14(3):4-7.

Ouzman, S. 1998. Public rock art sites of the Free State: Stowlands. Culna 53:3-4.

Ouzman, S. 1998. A tale of three Bushman rock painting sites in the eastern Free State of South Africa. Dual Congress of the International Association for the Study of Human Palaeontology & International Association of Human Biologists post-conference excursion guide : 29-39.

Ouzman, S. 1998. A painted fragment of Bushman history from Qwa Qwa National Park, South Africa. The Digging Stick 15(2):4-7.

Ouzman, S. 1999. Rock art lives to tell of ages past. The Express , 27-29 January:25.

Ouzman, S. 1999. Reply to Elspeth Parry’s comment on ‘A painted fragment of Bushman history from Qwa Qwa National Park, South Africa’ The Digging Stick 16(1):8-10.

Ouzman, S. 1999. Public rock art sites of the Free State: Magical Modderpoort. Culna 54:12-13,16.

Ouzman, S. 1999. 'Koeka ka kie, hents op bokkor of ik schiet!' Introducing the rock art of the South African Anglo-Boer War, 1899-1902. The Digging Stick 16(3): 1-5

Tlhapi, G. 1999. Cave walls breathe tales of Bushman age. The Express , 10th – 12th March: 18.

Ouzman, S. 2000. Public rock art sites of South Africa: Schaapplaats. Culna 55:27-28.

Ouzman, S. 2000. The archaeology of rock-art: toward a mindscape of landscape. Toposcope 31:71-80.

Ouzman, S. 2000. Response to Legassick, M. & C. Rasool. Skeletons in the cupboard: South African museums and the trade in human remains 1907-1917 : 88-90. Cape Town: South African Museum & McGregor Museum.

Ouzman, S. & Loubser, J. 2000. Art of the apocalypse: southern Africa’s Bushmen Left the Agony of their End Time on Rock Walls. Discovering Archaeology 2(5):38-45.

Eastwood, E., Ouzman, S. & MacWhirter, D. 2000. Koaxa’s shelter: the first public rock art site in the Limpopo-Shashi confluence area of South Africa. The Digging Stick 17(1):1-6.

Ouzman, S. 2000. Archaeology, music and the southern African landscape. Fanfare 2(2):14.

Ouzman, S. 2001. Scaping the land. Introduction to Strijdom van der Merwe's 'Dialogue: drawing white chalk lines in rocks ' exhibition, Stellenbosch, South Africa. 13 March - 1 April 2001.

Morris, D. Ouzman, S. & Tlhapi, G. 2001. The Tandjesberg San rock art rehabilitation project: from catastrophe to celebration. The Digging Stick 18(1):1-4.

Ouzman, S.G. 2001. The problems and potentials of developing and managing public rock art sites in southern Africa. Pictogram 12:4-13.

Ouzman, S. 2001. Spoors to the Spirit World. In: Bassett, S.T. (ed.). Rock paintings of South Africa: revealing a legacy: 84-86. Cape Town: David Phillip.

Ouzman, S. 2001. The Great Dance. In: Bassett, S.T. (ed.). Rock paintings of South Africa: revealing a legacy: 108-109. Cape Town: David Phillip.

Ouzman, S. 2002. Thomas Baines’ ‘lost’ rock art site: a 152 year-old mystery solved. The Digging Stick 19(1): 6-7.

Ouzman, S. 2002. Archälogie der Innewelt: mindscape und Felskunst der San in Südafrika. Hagia Chora 12/13: 34-39.

Ouzman, S. 2002. Public Rock Art Sites of Southern Africa: Thaba ya Sione. Culna 57:11-13.

Ouzman, S. & Feely, J. 2002. Black or White? The identification and significance of rhinoceros in South African Bushman rock art. The Digging Stick 19(2):9-12.

Tlhapi, G. 2001. Public rock art sites as tourist attractions and outdoor classrooms. Culna 56: 20-21.

Tlhapi, G. 2002. Practical and ethical ways of developing South Africa s Public Rock Art Sites. Culna 57:34-3

Book Reviews

Loubser, J. 1991 . Review of Bahn, P. & Rosenfeld, A. (eds.). 1991. Rock art and prehistory. Pictogram 4:12-14.

Loubser, J. 1993 . Review of Woodhouse, H.C. 1992. The rain and its creatures. The Digging Stick 10:8-10.

Ouzman, S. 1995 . Review of Whitley, D.S. & Loendorff, L.L. (eds.). 1994. New light on old art: recent advances in Hunter-gatherer rock art research. South African Archaeological Bulletin 50:89-90.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . Review of Woodhouse, H.C. 1996. The rock art of the Golden Gate and Clarens Districts: an enthusiast’s guide. Rivonia: William Waterman Publications. South African Archaeological Bulletin 51:117-119.

Ouzman, S. 1998. Conversations that captivate, paintings as postscripts. Review article of Deacon, J. & Dowson, T.A. (eds.). 1996. Voices from the past: /Xam Bushmen and the Bleek and Lloyd collection. Johannesburg. Witwatersrand University Press and Schoeman, K. 1997. A debt of gratitude: Lucy Lloyd and the ‘Bushman work’ of G.W. Stow. Cape Town: South African Library. South African Archaeological Bulletin 53 (167):39-43.

Tlhapi, G. 1999. Review of Lewis-Williams, J.D. & Dowson, T.A. 1999. Images of power: understanding San rock art. 2nd Edition. Johannesburg: Southern Book. Southern African Field Archaeology 8(2):108.

Loubser, J. 1990 . Guest editorial: Skeletons in our cupboards: archaeologists and conservation. South African Archaeological Bulletin 45:71-72.

Loubser, J. 1991 . Editorial: Conserving cultural material, a neglected necessity in South African museums. Culna 40:3.

Ouzman, S. 1996 . Guest editorial: Archaeo-tourism and images of Africa. Southern African Field Archaeology 5:57-58.

Ouzman, S. 1997. Guest editorial: Translating archaeology. Southern African Field Archaeology 6(2):57-60.

Ouzman, S. 1998. Translating museums. Culna 53:1.

Ouzman, S. 1999. Guest editorial: Indigenous intellectual property rights. Southern African Field Archaeology 8(2):57-59.

Edited works

Ouzman, S. (ed.). 1995. The wind blows dust…traces of the /Xam and other San of the central interior. Bloemfontein: Quali-Press.

Ouzman, S. 1997. Guest editor of World Archaeological Congress Newsletter: Southern Africa Focus 5:i-xvi.

Video productions

Executive producer of rock art Documentary for Bophutatswana Television. March 1995.

Executive producer of 'The Wind Blows Dust… ' walkabout video tour. July 1995.

Internet productions / publications

Ouzman, S. 1996 . A rupicoline reminisces on the parallel rumgumptions, retromingencies and rixations of South African and Australian rupestrian researchers. New England Archaeological News 7:4-7.

Ouzman, S. 1997. The World Archaeological Congress Newsletter: Southern Africa Focus 5(1):i-xvi.

Ouzman, S. 1999. Moderator of ‘Rock Art’ discussion group on SA Museums Online.

Ouzman, S. 2002. Ambiguity and ambition for European rock art on-line. Review of EuroPreArt: European Prehistoric art: past signs and present memories. Before Farming 2002/2(9).

The Rock Art Department endeavours to convince all South Africans to take ownership of our heritage. Rock art should no longer be perceived as belonging only to ancient communities that are revered from a distance. The incorporation of rock art into South Africa's national coat of arms serves to strengthen the view that our ancient cultures are very much a part of our new nation. The knowledge held in the rock art is ours as this is our nation, not separate from the past, present or future. We are therefore responsible for the preservation of our heritage and we ask that all visitors, local and foreign, gracefully respect this.

Legislation

All rock art is protected by the National Heritage Resources Act (No. 25 of 1999) published in Government Gazette 19974, volume 406, dated 28 April 1999.

National Heritage Resources Act

No 25, 1999

This legislation aims to promote good management of the national estate , and to enable and encourage communities to nurture and conserve their legacy so that it may be bequeathed to future generations. Our heritage is unique and precious and it cannot be renewed. It helps us to define our cultural identity and therefore lies at the heart of our spiritual well-being and has the power to build our nation. It has the potential to affirm our diverse cultures, and in so doing shape our national character.

The National Estate may include (b) ROCK ART , being any form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock surface or loose rock or stone, which was executed by human agency and which is older than 100 years, including any area within 10m of such representation;

Rock art tourism

Cultural Tourism is a growing financial resource that if handled well, can be socially aware and culturally responsible. If handled badly this form of tourism becomes a disempowering form of cultural appropriation. Anyone wishing to allow public visitation to a rock art site, whether for financial gain or not, must ensure that they comply with the relevant legislation. Opening a rock art site should not be undertaken before you have received professional advice.

It is important to note that you are required by law to apply to the South African Heritage Resource Agency (SAHRA) before any site is opened for public visitation.

The Archaeologist Head Office South African Heritage Resources Agency (SAHRA) P.O. Box 4637 Cape Town 8001

Tel: +27 21 462 4502 Fax: +27 21 462 4509

The fixed setting of museum environments has done much to contribute to the popular opinion of reverence from a distance, despite countless attempts by archaeologists to erode this belief. Recent museum discourses have explored the contentious issue of visitor experience. Sensory stimulation and educational communication aside, museums are caught up in an intricate web of identity politics. Exhibitions and educational endeavours are constantly being re-evaluated in light of new research into visitor experiences. Our first objective is to dispel the misconception that a museum is only relevant to the past. The aim here is to allow the Museum to connect with and link up to the present. The Rock Art Department endeavours to identify the needs of visitors and meet their expectations of a unique museum experience.

Charles Street Display

The Charles Street Display is a permanent exhibit that is housed in a specially erected building outside the National Museum, facing Charles Street. This allows passers-by to view the exhibit at all times without leaving the sidewalk. The display is the Knellpoort rock art panel that was rescued from being submerged by the construction of the Knellpoort Dam. With the assistance of the Department of Water Affairs and under the supervision of former Head of the Rock Art Department, Jannie Loubser, this 12 ton rock art panel was cut out of the rock shelter using an intricate drilling process that was completed in July 1988. Photographs of the panel’s removal and installation form part of the exhibit, as well as accompanying sketches of individual images and their descriptions. This information serves to make the exhibit easier to understand.

Rock art is a finite and fragile resource and the National Heritage Resources Act (25 of 1999) protects all rock art sites. It is an offence to damage rock art and other archaeological artefacts.

Etiquette when visiting Rock Art Sites

Always obtain permission from the landowner or relevant authorities before visiting a rock art site.
Visit rock art sites with trained guides.
Never touch, lean on or brush against the rock art.
Never throw water or any liquid on the images.
Never write, scratch or make markings on the images themselves or anywhere in the rock art site.
Never remove any archaeological artefacts from rock art sites.
Tread carefully and avoid stirring up dust from the floors at rock art sites.
Report all vandalism to the police and/or contact the South African Heritage Resource Agency.
Respect all rock art sites as places of great spiritual significance to all South Africans.

Bosworth Farm

Located north-west of Klerksdorp, North-West Province, South Africa. Travel north-west out of Klerksdorp, direction Ventersdorp for 2 km on the R30. Turn right onto the Buffeldoorn road and follow this for 20 km. Turn right at the ‘Bosworth Stud’ sign and go to the farmhouse where the Orfords will direct you to the site.

The Orfords PO Box 131 Klerksdorp 2570.

Tel & Fax: +27 (0)18 468 7527 E-mail: [email protected]

What is there to see?

A large rock engraving site with over 400 Bushman and Khoe herder rock engravings. The site is notable for the many depictions of human figures. Look out for the charging rhinoceros, the large elephant, the man and ostrich dancing, the flight of birds and the many geometric motifs. Bosworth also has many stone artefacts dating from over 1 million years ago. Please leave everything as you find it.

Additional information

Let the Orfords know you are coming well in advance. A R50.00 visitors' fee is levied for a guided tour. Bosworth is one of South Africa’s 12 Rock Art National Monuments. Klerksdorp has most facilities.

The best places to view rock art in South Africa

The best places to view rock art in South Africa are in the Drakensberg mountains on the border of KwaZulu Natal and Lesotho, in the Cape Cederberg area , and in the Karoo . There are places scattered across the country that are renowned for either paintings or engravings left by the San (Bushman) or the Khoekhoen (Herders), and if you’re travelling in more remote parts of South Africa and have a cultural interest in the country, it would be worth your while to check out the details for some of these sites.

In this article, we’re highlighting three rock art sites that are more or less on the popular tourist route, making them easy to access if you’re hitting the safari destinations of the Kruger National Park and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi , or heading up on a cross-border road trip to Botswana or Zimbabwe .

South Africa has a large amount of paintings and engravings, some of which date back thousands of years, but most significant are the etchings in ochre that were discovered in a limestone cave on the southern Cape coast. These discoveries in Blombos Cave are known to be some of the oldest prehistoric art in the world, dating back well over 70 000 years!

These are some of the best places to view rock art in South Africa

Western Cape: Cederberg, Bushman’s Kloof Wilderness Area

Bushman’s Kloof is in custody of an incredible piece of heritage; over 130 different rock art sites have been identified here, some of which have been dated to as far back as 10 000 years. The reserve is a Grade 1 South African National Heritage Site and fortunately for us ancient art seekers, we can go and see these protected and conserved paintings that were made by staining rocks with oxide pigments. The paintings here depict elements of the Bushman culture, lifestyle, and spiritual beliefs that were all a part of their lives in these ancestral mountains.

Bushman’s Kloof is a destination in itself, and viewing the sites is a privilege of the guests who stay at the lodge. It isn’t open to the public and is protected under the responsibility of the reserve, so to see the ancient sites, guests of the luxury lodge will go on a guided excursion into the mountains and benefit from an interpretive guide. Afterwards, you’ll sit down to a delicious breakfast in the bush and hear more stories about the fascinating, ancient surroundings.

KwaZulu Natal: Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park and World Heritage Site

Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park is the country’s capital of Stone Age art. It has some of the most beautiful rock paintings in the world on its ancient, stone walls and rocky overhangs. There are in the region of 520 rock shelters in the park, which are adorned with 30 000 images painted about 4 000 years ago by the San using various pigments, such as plant sap, animal blood, and natural ochre. This wildly impressive, spiritual anchor of South Africa has been a declared UNESCO World Heritage Site for almost 20 years, and it isn’t protected for the rock art alone. Ukhahlamba is a vast area of 240 000 hectares, defined by rivers, wetlands, mountainous grandeur, indigenous forests, rolling grasslands, and jagged valleys and ridges. Imagine the diversity of species found in an area so multifaceted.

There are a number of accessible sites in the park and a handful of guided day excursions, which are excellent for getting a bit of hiking in in this pristine environment and seeing more than just the art itself. Knowledgable guides interpret the paintings and point out various other wildlife and birds, so the walks are overall a fantastic experience. At Royal Natal National Park within the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Heritage Site, guided outings to the Sigubudu Bushmen paintings take place every day between 9:00 and 16:00 and each excursion takes approximately one hour (20 minutes walk either way and 20 minutes spent at the site).

Alternatively, one can visit Didima Resort’s San Rock Art Centre, which has a display hall where visitors learn about the uKhahlamba San people and their lives in the area. There is also an auditorium where visitors can watch a screening of the audio-visual presentation. The Rock Art Centre is open between 08:00 – 16:00 daily.

Limpopo: Mapungubwe, Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter

Right on the northern border of South Africa in Limpopo Province is Mapungubwe, which is the famous home of the golden rhino . It is a location celebrated for its cultural history and preserved heritage and there is a fascinating and beautifully designed interpretation centre showcasing some of the archeological finds in the park over the years. Also well worth visiting here is the Kaoxa Rock Art Shelter, which was named after the Kalahari San hunter-gather god, Lord of the Animals. This renowned place is not only home to San art, but also art of the Khoekhoen herder people who painted with their fingers rather than tools, and interestingly markings made by the Early Iron Age farmers. Some of the San paintings here are at least 2 000 years old and there are over 250 pieces depicting people and animals, including rare images of locusts, mongooses, a springhare, and a hippopotamus!

Viewing ancient art (in Africa or elsewhere) gives us the incredible opportunity to stop and imagine a very different life. One where communication did not extend much beyond spoken language to those in one’s immediate vicinity, and maybe smoke signals to send a message to someone from afar. Art, in the form of paintings and etchings in natural substrate like rock, was used to record and communicate messages, which are now a part of human history.

Museums where you can learn about Rock Art in South African cities

The Ditsong Museum in Pretoria.
The Africana Museum in Johannesburg.
The Iziko South African Museum in Cape Town .
The National Museum in Bloemfontein .

Cape Town Outside -- Archaeological Rock Art Tours

Multi-Day Trips
Photo Gallery

See South African Stone Age San Rock Art in Situ

Private, guided san rock art viewing day trips and customised multi-day trips from the city of cape town., rock art day trips and multi-day trips.

This specialist guided day trip takes you from Cape Town to the magical Cederberg mountains – a wilderness conservancy around three hours’ drive from the city.

Here we will walk an easy 5km trail to view a series of later stone-age San rock art (sometimes also referred to as cave paintings. This archaeological site is one of the best open-air galleries of San rock art accessible from Cape Town.

The San people were the original hunter-gatherer nomads who inhabited southern Africa for tens of thousands of years.

On the trail you will see several sites with their intriguing rock paintings, some of which date back more than 7000 years before present. Seeing the paintings in situ - in their original wilderness setting - is a unique experience.

You will learn about the art and San people - and how they painted, what they painted and why they painted.

This wild, mountainous landscape is also part of a UNESCO World Heritage site inscribed for its astoundingly rich floral biodiversity.

This is an art, archaeology, cultural history and wilderness experience rolled into one.

The Rock Art Experience - Day Trip Itinerary

We leave Cape Town around 6am in the summer and 7am in the winter and drive for 3 hours through rich farmland, open landscape and mountain passes to reach the head of the rock art trail in the Cederberg. The 5km walk is about 3 hours as we stop at several rock painting sites en route. After the walk we'll have lunch (optional extra) at the local farm store and then drive back to the city. You'll be back at your accommodation in Cape Town before sunset.

What's included in the Rock Art Day Trip

What to bring on the rock art exploration day tour?

Comfortable walking shoes
I’ll advise on what to wear shortly ahead of the day when I can check the weather forecast.
Cash for lunch
ZAR 3200 (about US$190) for one person
ZAR 2800 pp for two people or more (max 5 people)

RATES for the day trip

Driver/Guide
Light snacks and water for the trail
Lunch is for the guest's account

To book or make enquiries Simply send an email to:

[email protected]

You can also book this Rock Art Day Trip on Airbnb Experiences

It just costs a bit more.

Airbnb Experiences

Rock art explorer.

Rates vary depending on number of days, number of people and type of accommodation.

Simply send an email if you want to know more.

This is a great adventure to do out of Cape Town

The private, guided, multi-day trips are custom designed 2, 3 or 4-day trips.

They take you deeper into the Cederberg mountains to explore more rock art sites and experience more of the magical Cederberg mountains.

Several of these archaeological sites are seldom seen by anyone because they are on private land and closed to the public. I can arrange access to some of these sites, which are outstanding because of their unique art and their beautiful setting in the landscape.

To reach some of these sites requires a short hike, a bit of rock scrambling and bushwhacking.

Accommodation is in fully equipped farmhouses and food is catered to your preferences, usually with an evening braai (BBQ).

Enquire here

Some guests of Cape Town Outside

Guest Reviews

Scott , Australia

Wow!! The San Rock Art tour was *the* best part of our six week holiday in South Africa. Our tour guide, Callan, was knowledgeable, patient, considerate and generous with his knowledge about the history of the art, the area, and the people of the land. Over three days, we visited 15 rock art galleries, the South African San Cultural Museum, two amazing guest houses, and enjoyed a barbeque, brilliant night skies, and some lovely drives through the landscape. All of it was stunning and a trip very much worth taking.

Emmanuelle and family, France

We are back home in France but we will never forget our stay with you which was magical both in the landscapes, in the paintings, in the campsite, the hike, the BBQ and the restaurant on Valentine’s Day. I could write hours on these two unforgettable days .... The trip is suitable for all ages ... children, as well as the grandmother and the parents ....

A BIG THANK YOU ...

Zoe, California

A wonderful two-day adventure. The rock art was extensive and beautiful, and the terrain, rock formations, caves and overhangs were equally stunning. Callan was great and was an expert guide, and enjoyable to travel with, generous in sharing his extensive knowledge about the art, plants, history and geology. (And also the stars -- I learned how to distinguish between the Southern Cross and a somewhat look-alike.) Everything was provided, and Callan had thought of every detail, from providing a walking stick, to TP for the camp, spices and napkins for our tasty roasted chicken and vegetable dinner (he was also a great cook), flashlights for the tents, and more. It was great having the two days. Highly recommend the experience.

Julie, Montpellier, France

Waouh! Such a great day! Definitely the highlight of my trip in Cape Town. Discovering these rock paintings was wonderful and it felt like a real adventure. Callan seems to know everything about rock paintings. He's passionate and shares his passion and all his knowledge. He's also a very nice and interesting guy and good company.

Helena, Brno, Czech Republic

I chose the day trip to see San Rock Painting, because I wanted to have some out of Cape Town experience away from the main attractions, to see some of the countryside and spend the day in nature, plus of course I wanted to see these thousands-of-years-old paintings. Callan was great guide, knew so much about the history and the place. He showed me also books, pointed out interesting things in the nature. The walk was very nice, open wild landscape with all these orange rocks and wild flowers. Callan was very nice to be with, very friendly, we had great conversations. On the way we stopped at the farms for fruits, refreshment and lunch. I also appreciated to see these places. I had a wonderful day. I would strongly recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for a more authentic experience!

Yolanda, Southampton, United Kingdom

This was a really special day! Beautiful drive with stunning views, stopping wherever for photos, sampling citrus farms and finally taking the walking trail through the wilderness full of flowers to see a real selection of beautiful San rock art — and we even spotted a group of eland! Callan was really great, we learned so much about the area, plants, rock art and history of South Africa, and he provided lunch, drinks and traditional snacks. We had a great day and would fully recommend this experience!

Ilka, originally Germany, now Cape Town, South Africa

The rock paintings in the Cederberg are not on the tourist's bucket list when they come to Cape Town. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, you should see the paintings! This tour is absolutely amazing and Callan is the perfect guide. After a three hours’ drive we arrived in the Cederberg area and walked to the rocks and caves. It did not take long when we saw the first paintings and there was much more than I’d expected! Callan knows so much about their history, it was more than interesting learning from him. Callan is very polite, drives safely and is a very good company. I definitively recommend booking this tour even for women traveling alone. I was by myself and never felt uncomfortable. Again, thank you Callan for this unforgettable day!

Tina, Copenhagen, Denmark

I had a wonderful trip to the San Rock painting with Callan. He is a really nice guy and good company. He is very enthusiastic and he has a great knowledge about the paintings. I've been to Cape Town several times and this is definitely one of my best experiences :-)

In the images below - Slide the bar to reveal Before and After These ancient images of San rock art that have faded with time can be brought back to life with new digital technology.

The tech is called dStretch and was originally developed by the US-based Jet Propulsion Laboratory and used by NASA to enhance Mars Rover images.

It is now proving very useful for rock art / cave painting researchers to enhance digital images of very faded paint and bring to life again these ancient painted images some of which are now almost invisible to the naked eye.

Bringing ancient art to life again

by Janette Deacon Rock Art Network member

Rock Art Virtual Tour Tours Cederberg Mountains

The Virtual Rock Art Tours were created so that people can explore these incredible sites without having to travel out to them and to enrich the experience with enhanced photography, commentary and drone footage. You can explore two trails, one on Warmhoek farm, southeast of Clanwilliam, and the Sevilla Trail which runs along the Brandewyn River.

You can explore the area with incredible, clear panoramic views of the art, accompanied with explanations that you would receive on a guided tour.

‘The Sevilla Rock Art Trail offers some of the finest examples of rock art in the district and a fascinating glimpse into the world of these early inhabitants,” says the Virtual Rock Art Tours website.

The fieldwork for both tours was carried out by Stephen Wessels and Nic Wiltshire. Wide angle, high resolution panorama images have been captured of the rock art sites located along the Sevilla and Warmhoek trails. These individual images have been stitched together to create panoramic images for each of the captured positions. These have been created into a panorama tour using 3DVista.

The images have been improved to highlight pigments that are no longer visible to the naked eye. This means you can see more of the art than you would be able to in person.

The Warmhoek trail is also supported by audio and text commentary by Professor John Parkington from UCT’s archaeology department, giving deeper insight into the paintings, their meaning and the current state they are in.

Explore these incredible sites here .

The fieldwork for both tours was carried out for CTS Heritage by Stephen Wessels and Nic Wiltshire, and the Warmhoek trail is supported by audio and text commentary by Professor John Parkington from the Archaeology Department at the University of Cape Town.

 Rock Art Network → Discover more about the Rock Art Network → Members and affiliated institutions of the Rock Art Network

Explore ancient rock art on a private guided trip from Cape Town

Professional guide
Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only) in Cape Town only
Food and drinks
53 Burg St, Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa meet at corner of Longmarket and Burg streets in the City of Cape Town
We can pick you up from your accommodation anywhere in the City of Cape Town.
Not wheelchair accessible
Infants must sit on laps
Children must be accompanied by an adult
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.

Similar experiences

You'll start at 53 Burg St Or, you can also get picked up See departure details
Pass by Piekeniers Kloof
1 Clanwilliam Stop: 15 minutes See details Pass by Pakhuis Pass
2 Cederberg Stop: 4 hours See details
You'll return to the starting point

Climber26422488959 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exllent I am very happy to selcet propery and it's great experience ..and all the staff are good and good behaviour Read more Written September 12, 2023
ssae344 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A memorable experience Callan was a great guide and took me to wonderful places that i would have never have discovered on my own. he gave me valuable background information and I learnt a lot about the Cape region. A wonderful way to explore one of the most beautiful places on earth. Read more Written March 3, 2020
Jeffyeam 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Comprehensive Enjoyable Tour I booked this tour a day before via Viator and was glad that it was confirmed immediately. As it turned out I was the only one on the tour and the host Callan took me to Groot Constantia, the oldest wine maker in South Africa and another vineyard nearby. The tour was very comprehensive as I leant about the history of the Constantia estate, the wine making process, visited the cellar and also tasted a wide variety of more than 10 different wines. Overall I enjoyed the tour very much. Special thanks to Callan for his hospitality and his extensive tour itinerary. I’ll certainly join the tour again in my next visit to cape town. Read more Written November 18, 2019
Ian M 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An excellent host Communication with our guide commenced ahead of the trip and pick up was spot on time for this tour of breweries around Cape Town. Callan was very knowledgeable about not just the breweries but many of the local landmarks and points of interest on route so travelling between stop offs passed quickly and was as enjoyable a part of the day as the stop offs. The route was flexed to accommodate our requests as we travelled with our host happy to change the plan as we went. A total of five breweries were visited during the trip, with 'tasters' available at all bar one, and even there they were happy to provide a smaller sample prior to opting for a full pint. Overall a very enjoyable day and worth the charge. Read more Written November 16, 2019
supainthehills81 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Without question, the best private tour that I've ever been on!! Callan picked me up from my hotel in Cape Town early Saturday morning and made sure that I saw and did everything that we could do in a day on the tour. It was just the two of us and his expertise and understanding of the entire area gave me insights that I couldn't have found any other way. I've done a pretty good job of traveling the planet (touched all six of the continents that have commercial airports in just the last 12 months). Several years ago I discovered that going on tours with local guides is really the only way to truly experience the places that one goes to visit. Of all of those guides that have shared their experiences with me, none have done a better job than Callan did! The personalization to make sure that we could see everything that needed to be seen was outstanding. The conversation in between destinations was not only informative, but fun, since he's very easy to speak with. He comes from a journalistic background and so he's done his research to make sure that you learn while enjoying the experience. In addition to seeing Table Mountain, the Penguin Colony, the Cape of Good Hope, and Cape Point, he knew all the right spots to stop and get the perfect pictures. He also took us to a terrific local restaurant that I would have never discovered on my own. I can honestly say, the next time that I go to Cape Town (which is hopefully be sooner than later) the only person I'll hire to show me around will be Callan. THANK YOU for making my visit to Cape Town such a beautiful and memorable experience, Callan!! Read more Written May 21, 2019
crimsonred86 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Stunning backdrop of stars The dark sky conditions were excellent for stargazing. I've done stargazing before but never with such a stunning backdrop of the Milky Way. Callan was knowledgeable about local history and geography, and was very helpful. The farm we stayed in was beautiful and quaint, and provided an ideal backdrop for astro-photography. The only disappointment was that we didn't realise that night tours at the observatory's big telescopes were available only on certain days of the week, so we could only do a day tour with our dates. Read more Written May 21, 2019
barryjkandk 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Cape Town Outside I had the most fabulous day out to the spectacular Cederberg mountains, north of Cape Town , to view the San Bushmen rock art Callen our guide is extremely informative on the history of the rock art , he is friendly, easy to talk to and contributes to make for a very rewarding and great day out. The rock art itself is absolutely wonderful and have never seen so much in one location. If you are interested I would highly recommend a day out with him. Kim Barry. Australia Read more Written March 25, 2019
andus-andre 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Exceptional Cape Town City Tour 101 Wow! What a full and thoroughly enjoyable day. We expected a tour with other guests but instead had a private tour for two. And I can honestly say we truly covered Cape Town and captured the essence of the city and the Cape peninsula. A full 9 hour tour packed with historical facts, geographical information and nature bio diversity in a refreshing and absorbing way. My partner knew nothing of the Cape. I had lived here as a child. We both came away with a rounded view of new as well as updated information. And we still had energy at the end of the day. Highly recommended. One of the best city guides we have ever done. Thanks Callan for a truly exceptional experience! Read more Written March 1, 2019
caitlyncv 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fantastic Cederberg Mountain Cave Painting Tour We had an incredible time with our tour guide, Callan, who was extremely knowledgeable, friendly, and well prepared for the tour. He brought us snacks, drinks, and walking sticks to make the hike more manageable. The hike is very easy; however, it was quite hot, so a stop to have a fresh peach or bottle of water was much appreciated throughout the journey. Immediately starting our hike, Callan pointed out an eland about 200-ft away from us. I wouldn’t even have noticed the stunning mammal since it stood so still and blended in with the desert landscape. It was such a great start to the tour. We stopped several times at marked and un-marked cave painting locations, but some of the painting were hard to find even at the marked locations and I know we definitely would not have been able to see everything if it wasn’t for Callan pointing them out for us and telling us what they were drawing and the possible reasons why. To know the history and how or why these cave paintings were created made finding these paintings all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend going with a guide like Callan if you want to truly experience the San Bushmen rock paintings at Cederberg Mountain. Nothing will be missed and you will make a cool friend along the way. Read more Written February 26, 2019
Pioneer13446115015 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience The rock paintings in Cederberg are not on the tourist’s bucket list when they come to Cape Town. If you are looking for a truly unique experience, you should see the paintings! This tour is absolutely amazing and Callan is the perfect guide. After a three hours drive we arrived in the Cederberg area and walked to the rocks and caves. It did not take long when we saw the first paintings and there were much more than I’ve expected! Callan knows so much about their history and the tribes, it was more than interesting learning from him. Callan is very polite, drives safely and is a very good company. I definitively recommend booking this tour even for women traveling alone. I was by myself and never felt uncomfortable. Again, thank you Callan for this unforgettable day! Read more Written January 28, 2019
karlgroendal 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A beautiful walk into the history of primordial man I joined Callan's day trip into the Cederberg Mountains to see the rock paintings by the San people. It was very exiting to visit these milenia old ritual sites, where people have painted their lives since the stone age. The sites are dotted along an easy hike in a beautiful, old landscape. Callan is wonderful and relaxing company, with great knowledge and passion for the history of the rock paintings. We had some very inspiring talks on the trip. If you are interested in the history of humanity, I can only recommend this trip. Read more Written December 3, 2018
Sightsee67348444820 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles San-sational To visit 10 caves with paintings more then 6000 years old by the early inhabitants of the region in the Cederberg Mountains is truely sensational. Walking through dry spectacular terrain with no other tourist in site, with Callan as my informative guide is an experience I will never forget. Callan took very good care of me, he picked me up from my AirBnB and brought me back there in the evening, rich with new impressions. Callan is very easy to talk to and a wealth of information. A unique and special day. Thank you Callan. Read more Written November 29, 2018

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Rock Art Virtual Tours

Eland cave rock art site.

The Eland Cave rock art shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains is one of the most famous sites in South Africa and with good reason, it contains over 1700 paintings including some fascinating mystical figures, a beehive and even a moth/butterfly.

Game Pass Shelter

Game Pass Shelter is located in Maloti Drakensberg Park (MDP) World Heritage Site and is one of the best preserved rock art sites in the country. The main frieze features a magnificent herd of eland, South Africa’s largest antelope, with smaller human figures in running postures. This site also contains a panel that has been dubbed the ‘Rosetta Stone of Southern African rock art’ because it was in these paintings that archaeologists first uncovered a vital key to understanding the symbolism of San rock art. Drakensberg rock art was first thought to be simple reproductions of everyday life by a primitive people, but this panel shows mystical images seen by the Shamans (healers) during a state of trance that reveals the complex spiritual beliefs of the San.

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Drakensberg San Rock Art, KwaZulu-Natal

Introduction to drakensberg san rock art.

The Drakensberg is fortunate because it has one of the most extensive and perhaps most exceptional repositories of rock art worldwide. Some 30000 examples of Drakensberg San Rock Art exist in the Drakensberg World Heritage Site. A core reason why this beautiful mountain range received world heritage site status.

Rock art is paintings or engravings on a rock. Rock art in the Drakensberg was the work of the San or the Bushman as they prefer to be referred to in Botswana and the Kalahari. Archaeologists concur that the San were descendants of the first Homo Sapiens Sapiens who lived in Southern Africa. They roamed freely in the area, especially along the coast. For example, remains of San or their forebears were found in Blombos Cave in the Western Cape, some 70,000 BP (See the Origins of the San section).

In the South African section of the Drakensberg datings of San Rock Art are some 8,000 years BP. They were hunters and gatherers. Their hunting techniques are particularly renowned. They used specially poisoned arrows to bring down their prey, but in such a way that the animal’s meat was not spoilt.

Interpretations of Drakensberg San rock art

San rock art provided a literal overview of their day-to-day activities in the Drakensberg and their spiritual beliefs. Shamans painted the more spiritual paintings after they had emerged from very painful trances and depicted their visits to the afterlife. These paintings symbolised four essential aspects of their religious beliefs, namely:

Firstly, they believed that specific rock faces in rock shelters were a veil between the real and spiritual worlds. Often represented by a painting of an Eland emerging from a crack in such a rock face;
Water bodies, where they could engage with their ancestral spirits;
Dying, usually represented by a dying Eland; and
Lastly, the spiritual world is represented by flying people and bucks.

The San believed in three extraordinary spiritual beings, firstly, their ancestors; secondly, God and lastly, unusual animals. The Eland had the most spiritual relevance.

The San believed that their Shamans could communicate with their ancestral spirits and, at the same time, merge with animals such as Eland (“Anthropomorphism”). Humans that combine with spiritual creatures – “Therianthropes”. One theory is that Shamans’ paintings often portray their experiences as “Therianthropes”. They also represented their experiences as being elongated beings.

Shamans often requested their ancestors for rain or to assist them in healing a sick member of their community.

Another belief is that these were images of San dancing with animal masks.

How they painted

Their most famous paintings were first; those of Eland, secondly of Rhebuck, whom they believed could bring rain and lastly, humans.

Charcoal, burnt bone, iron oxide, white clay and bird droppings formed common ingredients of their paint pigment. Blood and fat formed the paint’s binding substances. San applied the colour using fingers, splinters of bone and brushes made from feathers, grass, Wildebeest and later horsehair.

Tourists, tourist guides and rock art custodians should observe the following protocol. Firstly, visitors may only visit a rock art site in KwaZulu-Natal under the guide of a rock art custodian, who has been trained by the heritage council of the province of KwaZulu-Natal or Amafa aKwaZulu-Natali . Also, seek the permission of the landowner on which rock art exists. No more than eight to ten people may visit a rock art site anytime.

The rock art custodian should inform guests that they must not touch, alter, deface, bump against or stir up dust in a shelter. All of these variables can seriously damage rock art. They should also inform visitors of the religious significance of such sites and that appropriate respect is shown when entering a site.

San Rock art sites that can be visited by the public

The public may not visit most San rock art sites. However, the main locations for public visitation in the Northern and Central Drakensberg include Battle Cave , at Injisuthi Camp, Main Caves , at Giants Castle and Game Pass Shelter at Kamberg Camp . Some 40 other open sites exist in the region. A rock art custodian must be present.

Site Map | Interpreting San Rock Art | The Origin of the Drakensberg San | Contributors to Drakensberg San Rock Art and lifestyle interpretation | Status of the Drakensberg San

Introduction to rock art in southern Africa

The southern African countries of Zimbabwe, South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana and Namibia contain thousands of rock art sites and southern African rock art has been studied extensively. Due to perceived similarities in subject matter, even across great distances, much southern African rock art has been ascribed to hunter-gatherer painters and engravers who appear to have had a shared set of cultural references. These have been linked with beliefs and practices which remain common to modern San|Bushman¹ people, a number of traditional hunter-gatherer groups who continue to live in Southern Africa, principally in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. There are, however, differences in style and technique between regions, and various rock art traditions are attributed to other cultural groups and their ancestors. As is often the case with rock art, the accurate attribution of authorship, date and motivation is difficult to establish, but the rock art of this region continues to be studied and the richness of the material in terms of subject matter, as well as in the context of the archaeological record, has much to tell us, both about its own provenance and the lives of the people who produced it.

Geography and distribution

Yellow elephant calf painted on the roof of a shelter. Mashonaland, Zimbabwe. 2013,2034.22675 ©TARA/David Coulson

There is wide variation in the physical environments of southern Africa, ranging from the rainforests of Mozambique to the arid Namib Desert of western Namibia, with the climate tending to become drier towards the south and west. The central southern African plateau is divided by the central dip of the Kalahari basin, and bordered by the Great Escarpment, a sharp drop in altitude towards the coast which forms a ridge framing much of southern Africa. The escarpment runs in a rough inland parallel to the coastline, from northern Angola, south around the Cape and up in the east to the border between Zimbabwe and Malawi. Both painted and engraved rock art is found throughout southern Africa, with the type and distribution partially informed by the geographical characteristics of the different regions. Inland areas with exposed boulders, flat rock ‘pavements’ and rocky outcrops tend to feature engraved rock art, whereas paintings are more commonly found in the protective rock shelters of mountainous or hilly areas, often in ranges edging the Great Escarpment.

View out of a rock shelter in the Brandberg, Namibia. 2013,2034.20452 © TARA/David Coulson

Types of rock art

Rock art of the type associated with hunter-gatherers is perhaps the most widely distributed rock art tradition in southern Africa, with numerous known examples in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, but also with examples found in Botswana and Mozambique. This tradition comprises paintings and engravings, with both techniques featuring images of animals and people. The type and composition varies from region to region. For example, rock art sites of the southern Drakensberg and Maloti mountains in South Africa and Lesotho contain a higher proportion of images of eland antelope, while those in Namibia in turn feature more giraffes. There are also regional variations in style and colour: in some sites and areas paintings are polychrome (multi-coloured) while in others they are not.

Differences also occur in composition between painting and engraving sites, with paintings more likely to feature multiple images on a single surface, often interacting with one another, while engraving sites more often include isolated images on individual rocks and boulders. However, there are commonalities in both imagery and style, with paintings throughout southern Africa often including depictions of people, particularly in procession and carrying items such as bows and arrows. Also heavily featured in both paintings and engravings are animals, in particular large ungulates which are often naturalistically depicted, sometimes in great detail. Additionally, images may include people and animals which appear to have the features of several species and are harder to identify. Some hunter-gatherer type paintings are described as ‘fine-line’ paintings because of the delicacy of their rendering with a thin brush.

Fine-line paintings of giraffes and line patterns, Brandberg, Namibia. It is thought that giraffes may have been associated with rain in local belief systems. 2013,2034.21324 © TARA/David Coulson

Hunter-gatherer rock paintings are found in particular concentrations in the Drakensberg-Maloti and Cape Fold Mountains in South Africa and Lesotho, the Brandberg and Erongo Mountains in Namibia and the Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe, while engraving sites are found throughout the interior, often near water courses.

A different form of rock painting from the hunter-gatherer type, found mainly in the north-eastern portion of southern Africa is that of the ‘late whites’. Paintings in this tradition are so-called because they are usually associated with Bantu language-speaking Iron Age farming communities who entered the area from the north from around 2,000 years ago and many of these images are thought to have been painted later than some of the older hunter-gatherer paintings. ‘Late white’ paintings take many forms, but have generally been applied with a finger rather than a brush, and as the name suggests, are largely white in colour. These images represent animals, people and geometric shapes, often in quite schematic forms, in contrast to the generally more naturalistic depictions of the hunter-gatherer art.

Sometimes ‘late white’ art images relate to dateable events or depict objects and scenes which could only have taken place following European settlement, such as trains. Other forms of southern African rock art also depict European people and objects. These include images from the Western Cape in South Africa of a sailing ship, estimated to date from after the mid-17th century, as well as painted and engraved imagery from throughout South Africa showing people on horseback with firearms. Such images are sometimes termed ‘contact art’ as their subject matter demonstrates that they follow the period of first contact between European and indigenous people.

Painting of a ship from the south Western Cape in South Africa. 2013,2034.19495 © TARA/David Coulson

This kind of imagery is found in a variety of styles, and some of those producing ‘contact’ images in the Cape may have been people of Khoekhoen heritage. The Khoekhoen were traditionally cattle and sheep herders, culturally related to modern Nama people and more loosely to San|Bushman hunter-gatherers. A distinct tradition of rock art has been suggested to be of ancestral Khoekhoen origin. This art is predominantly geometric in form, with a particular focus on circle and dotted motifs, and engravings in this style are often found near watercourses.

History of research

The first known reports of African rock art outside of the continent appear to come from the Bishop of Mozambique, who in 1721 reported sightings of paintings on rocks to the Royal Academy of History in Lisbon. Following this, reports, copies and publications of rock art from throughout modern South Africa were made with increasing frequency by officials and explorers. From the mid-19th century onwards, rock art from present-day Namibia, Zimbabwe and Botswana began to be documented, and during the first few decades of the twentieth century global public interest in the art was piqued by a series of illustrated publications. The hunter-gatherer rock art in particular had a strong aesthetic and academic appeal to western audiences, and reports, photographs and copied images attracted the attention of prominent figures in archaeology and ethnology such as Miles Burkitt, Leo Frobenius and the Abbé Breuil, researchers whose interest in rock art worldwide let them to visit and write about southern African rock art sites. A further intensification of archaeological and anthropological research and recording in the 1950s-70s, resulted in new insights into the interpretations and attributions for southern African rock art. Rock art research continues throughout the area today.

Rhinoceros and cattle painting, Tsodilo Hills, Botswana. 2013,2034.20848 © TARA/David Coulson

Interpretation

Rather than showing scenes from daily life, as was once assumed, it is now usually accepted that hunter-gatherer art in southern Africa shows images and motifs of spiritual and cultural importance. In particular, it is thought that some images reflect trance visions of San|Bushman spiritual leaders, or shamans, during which they are considered to enter the world of spirits, where they are held to perform tasks for themselves and their communities, such as healing the sick or encouraging rain. This interpretation, which has been widely accepted, explains certain features of the art, for example the predominance of certain animals like eland antelope (due to their special cultural significance) and themes such as dot patterns and zigzag lines (interpreted as geometric patterns that shamans may see upon entering a trance state).

Painting of an eland and an ambiguous figure in the Drakensberg, South Africa. Both the eland and this kind of human-like figure are thought to have had symbolic associations with beliefs about gender and power. 2013,2034.18187© TARA/David Coulson

The rock art attributed to ancestral San|Bushman hunter-gatherers has many varied motifs, some of which may also relate to specific themes such as initiation or rainmaking (indeed within its cultural context one image may have several significances). San|Bushman informants in the 19th century told researchers that certain ambiguously shaped animals in the rock art repertoire represented animals related to water. Images such as these are known to researchers as ‘rain animals’ and it has been suggested that certain images could reflect—or prompt—the shaman’s attempt to control rainfall. Some ‘late white’ art has also been proposed to have associations with rainmaking practices, and indeed the proximity of some geometric rock art images, proposed to be of possible Khoekhoen origin, to watercourses appears to emphasise the practical and spiritual significance of water among historical southern African communities. It has also been proposed that some forms of geometric art attributed to Khoekhoen people may be linked by tradition and motif to the schematic art traditions of central Africa, themselves attributed to hunter-gatherers and possibly made in connection with beliefs about water and fertility. Much in the “late white” corpus of paintings appears to be connected to initiation practices, part of a larger set of connected traditions extending north as far as Kenya.

The long time periods, cultural connections, and movements involved can make attribution difficult. For example, the idiosyncratic rock paintings of Tsodilo Hills in Botswana which appear to have similarities with the hunter-gatherer style include images of domesticates and may have been the work of herders. More localised traditions, such as that of engravings in north-western South Africa representing the homesteads of ancestral Nguni or Sotho-Tswana language speakers, or the focus on engravings of animal tracks found in Namibia, demonstrate more specific regional significances. Research continues and in recent decades, researchers, focusing on studying individual sites and sets of sites within the landscape and the local historical context, have discussed how their placement and subject matter may reflect the shifting balances of power, and changes in their communities over time.

Geometric rock engravings of the type suggested by some to be the work of Khoekhoen pastoralists and their ancestors. 2013,2034.22405 © TARA/David Coulson

Although dating rock art is always difficult, the study of rock art sites from southern Africa has benefitted from archaeological study and excavations at rock art sites have sometimes revealed useful information for ascribing dates. Some of the oldest reliably dated examples of rock art in the world have been found in the region, with the most well-known examples probably being the painted plaques from Apollo 11 Cave in Namibia, dated to around 30,000 years ago. A portion of an engraved animal found in South Africa’s Northern Cape is estimated to be 10,200 years old and painted spalls from shelter walls in Zimbabwe have been dated to 12,000 years ago or older. However, it is thought that the majority of existing rock art was made more recently. As ever, subject matter is also helpful in ascribing maximum date ranges. We know, for example,that images of domestic animals are probably less than 2,000 years old. The condition of the art may also help to establish relative ages, particularly with regards to engravings, which may be in some cases be categorised by the discolouration of the patina that darkens them over time.

The multiplicity of rock art sites throughout southern Africa form a major component of southern Africa’s archaeological record, with many interesting clues about the lives of past inhabitants and, in some cases, continuing religious and cultural importance for contemporary communities. Many sites are open to the public, affording visitors the unique experience of viewing rock art in situ. Unfortunately, the exposed nature of rock art in the field leaves it open to potential damage from the environment and vandalism. Many major rock art sites in southern Africa are protected by law in their respective countries and the Maloti-Drakensberg Park in South Africa and Lesotho, Twyfelfontein/ǀUi-ǁAis in Namibia, Tsodilo Hills in Botswana and the Matobo Hills in Zimbabwe are all inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list.

Engraved human footprints, Erongo Region, Namibia. 2013,2034.20457 © TARA/David Coulson

¹ San|Bushmen is a collective term used to describe the many different hunter-gatherer-fisher groups living in southern Africa who have related languages and cultural traditions. Both ‘San’ and ‘Bushmen’ are considered offensive terms by some members of these groups, although others have positively adopted them.

Campbell, A., Robbins, L. and Taylor, M. 2010. Tsodilo Hills: Copper Bracelet of the Kalahari. East Lansing: Michigan State University Press.

Garlake, Peter S. 1995. The Hunter’s Vision: The Prehistoric Art of Zimbabwe. London: British Museum Press.

Lewis-Williams, J.D. 1981. Believing and Seeing: Symbolic Meanings in San|BushmanRock Paintings. Johannesburg: University of Witwatersrand Press

Maggs, T. 1995. ‘Neglected Rock Art: The Rock Engravings of Agriculturist Communities in South Africa’. South African Archaeological Bulletin. Vol. 50 No. 162. pp. 132.142.

Pager, H. 1989. Rock Paintings of the Upper Brandberg. vols. I-VI. Köln: Heinrich-Barth-Institut

Richter, J. & Vogelsang, R. 2008. ‘Beyond Development - Global Visions and Local Adaptations of a Contested Concept’ in Limpricht, C., & M. Biesele (eds) Heritage and Cultures in modern Namibia: in-depth views of the country: a TUCSIN Festschrift. Goettingen : Klaus Hess Publishers. pp 37:46.

Smith, B. 2013. ‘Rock Art Research in Africa’ in Mitchell, P. and P. Lane (eds), The Oxford Handbook of African Archaeology. Oxford, Oxford University Press.

Smith, B. & Ouzman, S. 2004. ‘Taking Stock: Identifying Khoekhoen Herder Rock Art in Southern Africa’. Current Anthropology Vol. 45, No. 4. pp 499-52.

South Africa Rock Art Gallery

The rock art of South Africa has probably been studied more extensively than that of any other African country. It is estimated that South Africa contains many thousands of rock art sites, with a great variety of styles and techniques. The most well-known rock art in South Africa is that created by the San|Bushman¹ people (several culturally linked groups of indigenous people of southern Africa who were traditionally hunter-gatherers) and their ancestors, with the painted rock shelters of the Drakensberg mountains some of the most well-known rock art sites in the world. However, the range of South African rock art is wide, spanning great distances, many centuries, and different cultural traditions.

Contextual view of site previous showing the huge rock shelter with waterfall and the high peaks of the mountains behind, SOADRB0040076

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TARA is an international, Nairobi-based organisation committed to recording the rich rock art heritage of the African continent, to making this information widely accessible and, to the extent possible, safeguarding those sites most threatened by humans and nature. To achieve its mission, TARA works closely with communities where rock art is found as well as with national and international heritage bodies including the UNESCO World Heritage Centre.

“Africa’s rock art is the common heritage of all Africans, but it is more than that. It is the common heritage of humanity.”

President Nelson Mandela

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Discover the Magic of San…

Baviaanskloof bushman painting of shaman

Discover the Magic of San Rock Art in Southern Africa

Posted by Daniel De Lapelin Dumont on September 20 2023 in African Cultures Enquire Now!

I have always had a keen interest in the San (or Bushman) rock art of southern Africa. The two main reasons for my enthusiasm are:

1. Rock art provides important documentation of the First Nations people in the region. It gives us insight into the way of life and psyche of the first inhabitants of southern Africa.

2. Viewing San rock art takes you to some incredibly scenic and remote locations!

San Rock Art in Southern Africa

Southern Africa is best known for its wild animals, unique cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. It is, however, also renowned for its San rock art: ancient drawings hidden away in caves and overhangs. This rock art depicts the San's daily life, hunting, rituals, spiritual beliefs, and wildlife. These drawings offer a snapshot of what they experienced thousands of years ago, mostly long before the first Europeans arrived.

Gifbom possible depiction of alien visitation

You’ll often find San rock art in places that are protected from the elements, in caves and rocky hills, thus, seeing these paintings often involves walking. Sometimes it takes a quick walk and at other times, a strenuous hike into mountainous terrain. This is part of the allure that drives enthusiasts to travel great distances in search of African rock art.

South Africa has the richest treasure trove of rock art in the world. You can see this ancient legacy of the San (Bushmen) people in national parks and nature reserves all over the country.

Find out more about the San in South African Culture: Who are the Ancient Khoisan People?

Cederberg Rock Art - South Africa

Fortunately for me, not far from Cape Town (where I live) is an area called the Cederberg. It is about 3 to 4 hours drive North and is famous for its peculiar rock formations. It is one of my favourite places to view San rock art.

The Cederberg is a popular weekend getaway, prized for rock climbing/bouldering, mountain biking, hiking, and outdoor camping. It is also a great destination to escape the city for some peace. In addition, there is very little light pollution, making it excellent for stargazing.

Here and in the surrounding areas, you will also find plenty of fine examples of African rock art.

The Cederberg lies 200km north of Cape Town in the Western Cape. It stretches from the Middelberg Pass in Citrusdal to the north of the Pakhuis Pass at Clanwilliam. It covers 71,000 hectares of rugged mountains, making it a hotspot for hikers and rock climbers.

The Cederberg is part of the Cape Floral Region, a World Heritage Site. The area is covered in mountain fynbos vegetation and is home to varied wildlife. A great accommodation option is at Sanddriff , where you will even find an exceptional wine farm.

You will also find the Sevilla Rock Art Trail in this area, located just off the Pakhuis Pass outside Clanwilliam. If you travel South, you’ll find another famous lodge called Kagga Kamma , where you can camp in style inside a cave!

Further North (and lesser-known) is an area called Gifberg. The direct English translation of the name means ‘poison mountain’. The name originates from the deadly bush that grows in this part of South Africa. The San used this bush to make their deadly arrow poison.

You can visit all these and many more rock art sites in the Western Cape of South Africa.

San Rock Art of the Eastern Cape

Next, let’s head to the Eastern Cape, where I have visited an area called Baviaanskloof .

Unspoiled, rugged mountainous terrain Baviaanskloof offers a fabulous wilderness experience, with plenty of nature activities and many San rock art sites.

The Baviaanskloof is also a biodiversity hotspot. Seven of South Africa’s eight biomes (major natural regions) are featured here including fynbos, forest, grassland, succulent Karoo, Nama-karoo, sub-tropical thicket and savanna.

San Rock Art of Mpumalanga

Mpumalanga is one of the richest areas in South Africa for Bushman art, but it is not well documented or studied, according to rock art researcher Mduduzi Maseko . Many of the sites in the province are being damaged by miners, including illegal miners, also known as 'Zama Zamas'. The Rock Art Research Institute does excellent work researching and protecting these sites.

A shelter with many art styles in Mpumulanga by Mduduzi Maseko

San rock art in the drakensberg.

The magnificent Drakensberg mountains cover many provinces in South Africa, but the best San rock art is found in the KwaZulu Natal part of the mountain range. There are about 30,000 San paintings in this World Heritage Site. The Bushmen believed that the rock face was a veil between worlds, and the image of an Eland is often seen emerging from cracks in the rocks. Visitors must be careful to observe the correct protocols when visiting art sites, to avoid damaging them.

Rock Art in Botswana

Botswana has many sites to view rock art, but the most renowned is Tsodilo Hills , located in northwest Botswana, which contains around 400 rock art sites with thousands of individual paintings. These paintings are larger than most San rock art paintings, and are drawn with fingers instead of brushes, and were likely painted by the Khoesan, who were pastoralists.

Rock Art in Namibia

Namibia is an excellent destination for African rock art.

Twyfelfontein in Namibia has one of the largest concentrations of petroglyphs in Africa. On my last road trip through Namibia, we included an overnight stay in Brandberg, to see The White Lady bushman painting.

Brandberg is also home to the desert elephant, which means you might share your campsite with these gentle giants. Our accommodation choice was Brandberg White Lady Lodge .

San Rock Art FAQs

When looking at San rock art and Bushman paintings, the usual questions that come to mind are: how old are the paintings, what did they paint with, and what are the images meant to represent?

How old is San rock art?

A rock painting discovered at Blombos Cave is the oldest known instance of human art, dating to around 73,000 years ago.

The rock art in the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is about 3,000 years old. Archaeological dating techniques have improved a lot over the years. Today we have therefore confirmed that some rock art found there is about 3,000 years old, compared to the initial estimate of about a thousand years.

What did the San use for paint?

The San used red, brown, and yellow pigments as paint. They made white paint from white clay or bird droppings, and black from manganese minerals and charcoal. They never used blue and green. The blood of an Eland was often mixed with the pigments. They made their brushes from animal hair or bird feathers.

Why is San rock art important?

San rock art is important because it represents one of the earliest forms of creativity in humans. It is also the first evidence of humans being able to document storytelling. These artworks also help us better understand the culture of early hunter-gatherer societies.

San rock art depicts the religious beliefs and practices of the time. The rock paintings provide us with insight into the lives of the San people. The San (or Khoisan ) would draw the art in a trance-like state. This trance-like state was brought about through medicine, dancing, and drumming. It was a way in which the artist could connect with their ancestors and the spiritual world.

Interesting facts about San rock art

The San believed in ‘Kaggen’ – the creator of many things. Kaggen translates to ‘mantis’ which is why the San respected the praying mantis.

Rock art often depicts human figures with long sticks and animals galloping or leaping.

In rock engravings, animals are more common than human figures. The eland (an antelope species) is often seen in rock art.

There are still many rock art sites dotted around southern Africa that I’d like to visit. The next two I plan to visit are Tsodilo Hills in Botswana and the Royal Natal Park, part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park (World Heritage Site).

Where will your adventure be?

For advice about the best places to see San rock art in southern Africa get in touch with me .

Let me help you plan your next trip to a remote and scenic destination in Africa!

[This post was edited by Derek Davey in September 2023]

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About the Author

Daniel de lapelin dumont african travel consultant.

Places Mentioned in this Post

1. Cederberg Municipality, South Africa

2. Brandberg Mountain, Namibia

3. Brandberg Mountain, Namibia

4. Royal Natal National Park, South Africa

5. South Africa

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Breathtaking scenery

Bongani mountain lodge: stay here and forever hold onto your peace.

W W here do you find your peace?

Is it in a quiet place where the only noise is the call of birds in the trees while the autumn breeze blows the leaves in murmuring cadence? Is it nestled in the sight of nature’s scenic art gallery? Perhaps you find it in the somnolent sound of rural living or in the presence of wildlife that involuntarily restores you to equanimity.

Whatever the case, there’s no doubt that one of the pathways to peace is through nature. And thankfully, finding it is far easier that you could ever imagine.

Located in the shadows of the Malelane Mountain range and 45km from the Kruger National Park is a peaceful retreat in Mpumalanga that has come to be known as the aha Bongani Mountain Lodge.

B B oasting gentle and unspoiled landscapes, this game reserve welcomes discerning guests to a place of unparalleled peace and tranquility.

Each chalet in this luxurious accommodation establishment is designed to not only capture the spirit of Africa, but to also bring the beauty of the outdoors into its interiors with warm terracotta tones and a subtle blend of timber and thatch. In addition, it features private decks with spellbinding wraparound views and every modern comfort, ideal for families, groups or individual travellers.

Bongani Mountain Lodge

When to visit
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A A place of wildlife

While enjoying a sundower on your private deck, there’s a great chance that you might spot one (or more) of Africa’s big five game animals – lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, Cape buffalo – disappearing into the horizon.

If not, you have the choice to go on an exciting game drive offered by Bongani Mountain Lodge.

All you have to do is sit back and relax in an open safari vehicle. Your experienced guide will ensure that you’re fully immersed in the moment defined by the sights and sounds of the bush as you come into close contact with nature and the multitude of species of wildlife, reptiles and birdlife.

There are also other things to see and do at the game reserve, such as rock art tours, cultural village tours, Kruger National Park drives, adventurous game drives as well as bush walks through the lodge.

A A place of history

As you wander through the Bongani Mountain Lodge, you’ll find that it’s almost impossible to avoid the undying spirit of the great African explorers and hunters of the bygone era who once occupied the area.

These include the San people, with over 250 recorded San rock art sites estimated to be 1500 years old - the greatest concentration of recorded rock art per square metre on earth.

Speaking of great Africans, Nelson Mandela has also graced the shores of Bongani Mountain Lodge. Just a few days after his release from prison in 1990, the former president of South Africa visited the Mthethomusha Nature Reserve, managed by the Mpumalanga Tourism and Parks Authority (MTPA). He also addressed a capacity crowd that had gathered at the nearby KaNyamazane Stadium in Likazi. This is the same stadium where the national 2017 World Tourism Day celebrations were held. During his stay in the province, Mandela went on a hunting expedition at the MTPA-managed Songimvelo Nature Reserve.

A A place of African cuisine

The lodge boasts an outdoor dining boma (an enclosure), which provides guests with an ideal setting to sweetly repose around an open-fire and enjoy a traditional African meal under glittering skies.

There’s also a beautiful restaurant on site where you can catch enthralling views of the bush and the mountains. A hearty breakfast, leisurely lunch and buffet dinner here will leave you wanting more.

And with so much scenic beauty stalking your every move, there’s no reason not to grab a light meal, snack or a drink on the viewing deck while you lose yourself in the pulse of the rolling countryside.

A place of escape

Sometimes (read: often) the best thing you can do for yourself is to escape the city rush. To enjoy the mystery of the bush, to feel the sun’s warmth on your back, to listen to the sound of the wind in the trees, and more importantly, to find your peace.

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Virtual Rock Art Tours of the Cederberg, South Africa
The Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape of South Africa boast more rock art images per square kilometre than any other area in the world. There are total of over 3 000 recorded sites in the Cederberg area, compared to 280 in France and Spain combined. Both Sevilla and Warmhoek form part of the Cradle of Human Culture route "The Artists ...
Rock Art Portal
The Rock Art Portal provides a virtual reality journey visiting rock art sites in the Cederberg mountains in South Africa. Step inside high resolution 3D environments and explore paintings and archaeological data interactively in 6DoF VR. Learn about the hunter gatherers that lived in the rock shelters millennia ago, the animals they interacted ...
Five destinations to view rock paintings in South Africa
Kamberg Rock Art Centre in KwaZulu-Natal is believed to be the original location of the first found rock art in South Africa. There are over 40,000 San Bushmen rock art paintings in and around Ukhahlamba- Drakensberg Park. The Kamberg Rock Art Centre located in the Kamberg Nature Reserve was built for the purpose of helping people understand ...
South African Rock Art Tour
The South African Rock Art tour is a specialized South African tour for rock art enthusiasts. The luxury tour includes accommodation at five star properties throughout the country. ... Today guests will enjoy a trip to the top of South Africa's most iconic natural landmark; Table Mountain. Enjoy spectacular 360-degree views from the modern ...
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A R50.00 visitors' fee is levied for a guided tour. Bosworth is one of South Africa's 12 Rock Art National Monuments. Klerksdorp has most facilities. ... Kalkoenkraal is one of South Africa's 12 Rock Art National Monuments and is where A.C. Hoffman - a former Director of the National Museum - suffered a fatal heart attack! ...
The best places to view rock art in South Africa
These are some of the best places to view rock art in South Africa. Rock art and a view in the Drakensberg Mountains. Western Cape: Cederberg, Bushman's Kloof Wilderness Area. Bushman's Kloof is in custody of an incredible piece of heritage; over 130 different rock art sites have been identified here, some of which have been dated to as far ...
Cape Town Outside
This is a great adventure to do out of Cape Town. The private, guided, multi-day trips are custom designed 2, 3 or 4-day trips. They take you deeper into the Cederberg mountains to explore more rock art sites and experience more of the magical Cederberg mountains. Several of these archaeological sites are seldom seen by anyone because they are ...
Explore Cederberg rock art from your home
26 April 2017. The Cederberg Mountains located 2-3 hours outside Cape Town are home to more rock art images per square kilometer than many other areas in the world. Now with the help of virtual tours, you can visit these sites from your own home. Visit https://virtualtours.ctsheritage.com to access the virtual tours.
Explore ancient rock art on a private guided trip from Cape Town
Explore the Cederberg Mountain Conservancy, home to a robust gallery of San rock art, on this day trip from Cape Town. Traveling with a small group of just six people or fewer means you'll get personalized attention from your guide and plenty of chances to ask questions. Take a 3-mile (5-kilometer) walk through the conservancy to see the local flora, fauna, rock paintings, and prehistoric cave ...
South African Rock Art Safaris & Tours
Rock Art Revelations Tour: Description. Follow the footsteps of the earliest of humans when visiting landmark sites in ruggedly beautiful South African landscapes.Retrace the former hunting grounds of the First Nation, the San / Bushmen who roamed the land and adorned caves walls for over 10,000 years.
Rock art south africa
Rock art-south africa . Day 1: We travel to a rock art museum where we meet an expert in the field of rock art and the Bushman who will then accompany us for the duration of our tour. We head to a remote farm high in the hills, where after lunch we go for a walk to the first of many rock art sites we will visit. Overnight: Farm. Day 2&3:
Rock art tour South Africa -bushman rock art
Rock art tour in the Eastern Cape of South Africa takes you to discover the ancient history of the San/Bushmen. 1-Day: The tour starts by visit a one of a kind Rock Art Museum where you can see and handle the implements that these lovable people once used and learn how and why they painted what they did.
Rock Art in South Africa
South Africa's oldest museum, the Iziko SA Museum in Cape Town, opened in 1825, has an exceptional South African rock art display - including whole sections from caves. The Bushman Cave Museum, an open-air site in the Giant's Castle Reserve in the Drakensberg, has 500 paintings, some of them thought to be thousands of years old.
Explore ancient rock art on a private guided trip from Cape Town
per adult (price varies by group size) 7-day Cape Town, Winelands, Garden Route and Addo National Park. 2. Historical Tours. from. $1,990.00. per adult (price varies by group size) Three Day Private tour: Table Mountain, City, Cape Peninsula and Winelands. 3.
Rock Art VR
Come and explore a rock art site in South Africa! ... This interactive tour is self-led and culminates with the user discovering two key rock art panels at the shelter site. When the user clicks on the highlighted rock panels, the user is presented with the option to view each in detail via 3D models whose key features are highlighted and ...
Rock Art Virtual Tours
Rock Art Virtual Tours. Eland Cave rock art site. The Eland Cave rock art shelter in the Drakensberg Mountains is one of the most famous sites in South Africa and with good reason, it contains over 1700 paintings including some fascinating mystical figures, a beehive and even a moth/butterfly.
Drakensberg San Rock Art. KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Rock art in the Drakensberg was the work of the San or the Bushman as they prefer to be referred to in Botswana and the Kalahari. Archaeologists concur that the San were descendants of the first Homo Sapiens Sapiens who lived in Southern Africa. They roamed freely in the area, especially along the coast. For example, remains of San or their ...
GIANTS CASTLE ROCK ART TOUR from Durban
GIANTS CASTLE ROCK ART TOUR from Durban. ... Finish the day with an iconic stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site for a peek into South Africa's notorious history and a bucketlist photograph. PRICE. 3250 ZAR per person * This tour requires a minimum of 2 people to run. A surcharge of 50% will apply to solo travellers for the tour to run with ...
Rock Art In Southern Africa
Rock art of the type associated with hunter-gatherers is perhaps the most widely distributed rock art tradition in southern Africa, with numerous known examples in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe, but also with examples found in Botswana and Mozambique. This tradition comprises paintings and engravings, with both techniques featuring images ...
South Africa
The rock art of South Africa has probably been studied more extensively than that of any other African country. It is estimated that South Africa contains many thousands of rock art sites, with a great variety of styles and techniques. The most well-known rock art in South Africa is that created by the San|Bushman¹ people (several culturally ...
San Rock Art Southern Africa
San Rock Art of Mpumalanga. Mpumalanga is one of the richest areas in South Africa for Bushman art, but it is not well documented or studied, according to rock art researcher Mduduzi Maseko. Many of the sites in the province are being damaged by miners, including illegal miners, also known as 'Zama Zamas'.
Drakensberg San Rock art 4 day, 3 night tour
We will be visiting sites of San-Bushman Rock Art, some of which date back 28000 years. The Drakensberg: Africa's highest mountain range south of Kilimanjaro, and the largest and most concentrated series of rock art paintings in Africa - making it a World Heritage site of both natural and cultural significance.
Bongani Mountain Lodge: Stay here and forever ...
These include the San people, with over 250 recorded San rock art sites estimated to be 1500 years old - the greatest concentration of recorded rock art per square metre on earth. Speaking of great Africans, Nelson Mandela has also graced the shores of Bongani Mountain Lodge.
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