Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
cupant of their approach by tossing a small stone into the water. This impressive feature is
also flanked by several rock paintings.
TSODILO ROCK ART
The rock art of the Tsodilo Hills is at once sacred to the San and a stirring chronological record of the region's
natural history rendered in pictorial form. The paintings here are usually known as 'finger paintings', and most
were executed in ochre or red (obtained from hematite extracted from the local rocks) and then filled in with the
same (or a lighter) colour. Around half of the paintings represent animals (giraffes, eland, cattle and rhinoceros are
the most prevalent forms), with geometric patterns and human figures making up the rest. The older paintings,
which are thought to date from the Later Stone Age to the Iron Age, are generally attributed to the San. However,
it's fairly certain that the most recent works (usually rendered in white) were painted by 'copycat' Bantu artists.
Interestingly, neither the San nor the Mbukushu accept responsibility for any of the works, maintaining that the
paintings have been there longer than even legend can recall.
If you're looking for more detailed information on the hills, look for
Contested Images
, which contains a
chapter on the Tsodilo Hills by Alec Campbell. For more on rock art in general (although it has a small section on
the Tsodilo Hills), try
African Rock Art
by David Coulson and Alec Campbell. You could also contact the
Trust
for African Rock Art
(TARA;
www.africanrockart.org
)
.
Sleeping
Unofficial camping is possible anywhere, but be wary of wild animals, and please be re-
spectful of local people.
The main campsites are run by the National Museum and services are basic. You'll
need to be self-sufficient to stay here, although very basic supplies are available at
Mbukushu village, but it's best to carry in your own food.
Camping is free at all the sites, although you usually have to register at the Main Camp.
The staff's presence rarely amounts to much more than an attendant on duty at the Main
Camp. Other camps dotted around the area include
Malatso Camp
and
Makoba Woods
Camp
.
CAMPGROUND
Main (Rhino) Camp
Offline map
Tsodilo Hills' main campsite has a simple ablutions block with sit-down toilets and cold-
water showers; staff sometimes lock the block in the evening. The campsite is rarely full
