Tsodilo
Location: Northwestern Botswana
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Tsodilo Hills are a sacred site located in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, near the Namibia border. The site features more than 4,500 rock paintings that were created by the San people over a period of thousands of years. The paintings depict a variety of animals, as well as humans engaged in hunting, dancing, and other activities.
Prominent Features: The Tsodilo Hills are comprised of four main rock formations, known as the Male Hill, Female Hill, Child Hill, and Hill of the Rhinoceros. The hills are considered sacred by the San people, who believe that they are the resting place of their ancestors. The rock paintings at Tsodilo are considered some of the most important in the world due to their age and cultural significance.
History: The Tsodilo Hills have been inhabited by humans for more than 100,000 years, and the San people have lived in the area for at least 2,000 years. The rock paintings at Tsodilo were created by the San people over a period of thousands of years, and are believed to be some of the oldest in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: While the Tsodilo Hills are primarily a cultural and historical site, there are several family-friendly activities that visitors can enjoy. These include guided tours of the rock paintings, as well as nature walks and hikes in the surrounding area. Children will also enjoy learning about the history and culture of the San people through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Tsodilo Hills are sometimes referred to as the "Louvre of the Desert" due to the large number of rock paintings and their cultural significance.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee for the Tsodilo Hills, which is currently 120 Botswana Pula (approximately 12 USD) per person. Guided tours of the rock paintings are also available for an additional fee.
How to Reach it: The nearest major town to Tsodilo is Shakawe, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. Shakawe is located in the Okavango Delta region and can be reached from the capital, Gaborone, by either road or air.
By Road: The distance between Gaborone and Shakawe is approximately 830 kilometers (515 miles), and the journey takes around 10-12 hours by car. The road is paved for most of the way, but the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) is on a dirt road, which can be rough and requires a 4x4 vehicle. Many car rental companies in Gaborone offer 4x4 vehicles for hire.
By Air: There are several flights per week from Gaborone to Shakawe, with Air Botswana being the main airline that operates this route. The flight time is approximately 1 hour, and prices vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Tsodilo Hills, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Tsodilo Hills Lodge, the Xere Motel, and the Drotsky's Cabins. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Next Stop: Okavango Delta
The distance between the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills is about 360 kilometers (224 miles) and the drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
The most common way to travel between the two destinations is by private vehicle or hired car. Visitors can either rent a car in Maun or choose to hire a private driver/guide who can take them from the Delta to Tsodilo Hills.
Alternatively, there are also some tour companies that offer guided trips between the two destinations, either as part of a larger itinerary or as a standalone trip. Visitors can check with their accommodation providers or tour operators in Maun for more information on these tours.
It's important to note that the roads in this area can be quite rough and sandy, so it's recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. It's also important to carry enough food, water, and fuel for the journey, as there are limited services along the way.
Year of Inscription: 2001
Criteria: (iii) to bear a unique or at least exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition or to a civilization which is living or which has disappeared
Overview: The Tsodilo Hills are a sacred site located in the Kalahari Desert of Botswana, near the Namibia border. The site features more than 4,500 rock paintings that were created by the San people over a period of thousands of years. The paintings depict a variety of animals, as well as humans engaged in hunting, dancing, and other activities.
Prominent Features: The Tsodilo Hills are comprised of four main rock formations, known as the Male Hill, Female Hill, Child Hill, and Hill of the Rhinoceros. The hills are considered sacred by the San people, who believe that they are the resting place of their ancestors. The rock paintings at Tsodilo are considered some of the most important in the world due to their age and cultural significance.
History: The Tsodilo Hills have been inhabited by humans for more than 100,000 years, and the San people have lived in the area for at least 2,000 years. The rock paintings at Tsodilo were created by the San people over a period of thousands of years, and are believed to be some of the oldest in the world.
Family-Friendly Activities: While the Tsodilo Hills are primarily a cultural and historical site, there are several family-friendly activities that visitors can enjoy. These include guided tours of the rock paintings, as well as nature walks and hikes in the surrounding area. Children will also enjoy learning about the history and culture of the San people through interactive exhibits at the visitor center.
Fun Fact: The Tsodilo Hills are sometimes referred to as the "Louvre of the Desert" due to the large number of rock paintings and their cultural significance.
Entry Fees: There is an entry fee for the Tsodilo Hills, which is currently 120 Botswana Pula (approximately 12 USD) per person. Guided tours of the rock paintings are also available for an additional fee.
How to Reach it: The nearest major town to Tsodilo is Shakawe, which is about 50 kilometers (31 miles) away. Shakawe is located in the Okavango Delta region and can be reached from the capital, Gaborone, by either road or air.
By Road: The distance between Gaborone and Shakawe is approximately 830 kilometers (515 miles), and the journey takes around 10-12 hours by car. The road is paved for most of the way, but the last 100 kilometers (62 miles) is on a dirt road, which can be rough and requires a 4x4 vehicle. Many car rental companies in Gaborone offer 4x4 vehicles for hire.
By Air: There are several flights per week from Gaborone to Shakawe, with Air Botswana being the main airline that operates this route. The flight time is approximately 1 hour, and prices vary depending on the time of year and how far in advance you book.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options near the Tsodilo Hills, including campsites, lodges, and guesthouses. Some popular options include the Tsodilo Hills Lodge, the Xere Motel, and the Drotsky's Cabins. It is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.
Next Stop: Okavango Delta
The distance between the Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills is about 360 kilometers (224 miles) and the drive takes approximately 6-7 hours, depending on the route and road conditions.
The most common way to travel between the two destinations is by private vehicle or hired car. Visitors can either rent a car in Maun or choose to hire a private driver/guide who can take them from the Delta to Tsodilo Hills.
Alternatively, there are also some tour companies that offer guided trips between the two destinations, either as part of a larger itinerary or as a standalone trip. Visitors can check with their accommodation providers or tour operators in Maun for more information on these tours.
It's important to note that the roads in this area can be quite rough and sandy, so it's recommended to use a 4x4 vehicle with high clearance. It's also important to carry enough food, water, and fuel for the journey, as there are limited services along the way.