Rock art in South Africa is valued for its historical and cultural significance, dating back thousands of years.
These windows into the past offer unique glimpses into the lives, beliefs, and practices of ancient indigenous peoples, particularly the San.
Some of these rock art sites are publicly accessible, however, a majority of these sites require visitors to be accompanied by a certified guide.
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If you’re interested in exploring the history of rock art in South Africa, these regions offer several tours that can be included into your next trip.
1. Cederberg
Bushmans Kloof is located in the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape and preserves over 130 ancient rock art sites created by the San people, with some pieces estimated to be over 10 000 years old.
The reserve, which has been recognised as a South African National Heritage Site, offers an insight into the San’s cultural and spiritual life.
Visitors can explore these paintings through guided tours and workshops, that include opportunities to recreate traditional art techniques.
The on-site Heritage Centre also houses San artefacts and historical records.
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2. Drakensberg
The Drakensberg is home to one of the world’s most extensive collections of San rock art, with over 30 000 preserved paintings, some dated back 8 000 years and perhaps even further on.
These artworks often illustrate shamanic trances and connections with ancestral spirits, symbolised by animals such as the eland.
Publicly accessible sites include the Battle Cave, Main Caves at Giants Castle, and Game Pass Shelter, which is about a one-hour walk from Kamberg Rock Art Centre.
3. Rhodes
Surrounded by well-preserved San rock art, some of these exhibitions in Rhodes are open to the public on private farms.
The village of Rhodes offers access to several well-preserved San rock art sites on nearby private farms, including Martindell, Glass Nevin, and Buttermead, with each requiring prior arrangement through the Rhodes Info Centre, according to walkerbout.co.za.
Martindell and Glass Nevin may require a climb and longer driver, while Buttermead is just 3km from the town, and easily accessible.
4. Limpopo
Limpopo houses three distinct rock art traditions: San, Khoekhoe, and Northern Sotho.
Khoekhoe art features geometric designs, while Northern Sotho paintings, applied with white clay and fingers, stand out for their simplicity.
Key sites include Kaoxa’s Shelter with over 190 paintings and the Makgabeng Plateau, which boasts over 890 artworks from both the San and Northern Sotho cultures.
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Picture: Steve Bailey / Gallo Images