
Manyana Rock Paintings
Discover ancient San rock art, faded but full of stories, brought to life by local guides. An accessible historical gem near Gaborone.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid midday heat

Manyana Rock Paintings
Best Time
Avoid midday heat
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover ancient San rock art, faded but full of stories, brought to life by local guides. An accessible historical gem near Gaborone.
"Amazing to see paintings that dates back to 2500 years. The way our ancestors managed to create a paint that can last for thousands of years."

🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for spotting faded paintings & understanding their history. Included in the fee!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking to various shelters, so good footwear is a must.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ancient Rock Paintings
Various rock shelters
Marvel at 2000-year-old San art, faded but full of history and mystery. A guide brings these ancient stories to life.

Livingstone's Tree
Near Manyana
A significant landmark, often visited alongside the rock paintings, adding to the historical context of the area.

Manyana Trading Post
Near Manyana
A charming local spot offering a glimpse into rural life and a place to relax after exploring the paintings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Faded Art
Getting There & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for spotting faded paintings & understanding their history. Included in the fee!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking to various shelters, so good footwear is a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Botswana can be hot; carry plenty of water, especially during your walk.
📸 Camera Ready
Capture the ancient art and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤝 Hire a Local Guide
Essential for spotting faded paintings & understanding their history. Included in the fee!
👟 Comfortable Walking Shoes
You'll be walking to various shelters, so good footwear is a must.
💧 Stay Hydrated
Botswana can be hot; carry plenty of water, especially during your walk.
📸 Camera Ready
Capture the ancient art and the beautiful surrounding landscape.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Manyana Rock Paintings a small but awe-inspiring site, praising the knowledgeable guides who bring the 2000-year-old faded paintings to life. Its accessibility via public transport and the included guide make it a highly recommended and educational experience.
"The paintings are a bit difficult to spot since they are faded. A guide is included in the entrance fee (50 Pula for foreigners) and points out many on the 2000 year old paintings. It's a small yet awe-inspiring place. Reachable by public bus and a short walk."
Christian Alexander Gebhard
"Amazing to see paintings that dates back to 2500 years. The way our ancestors managed to create a paint that can last for thousands of years. Great place to see"
Ravi Kumar
"Manyana is easily accessible from Gabs by bus and is a fantastic place to see ancient paintings."
Masanori KAJI
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Manyana Rock Paintings are easily accessible from Gaborone. You can take a public bus towards Manyana, and it's a short walk from the bus stop to the site. The drive is less than 50km outside Gaborone.
Yes, Manyana is a fantastic place for a relaxing day trip from Gaborone, offering a chance to see ancient art and enjoy the country air.
The distance is approximately 50 kilometers (about 31 miles) from Gaborone, making it a convenient short drive or bus journey.
Yes, driving is a popular option. The route is straightforward, and it's a pleasant drive through the countryside.
Yes, the Livingstone's Tree and the Manyana Trading Post are notable landmarks often visited in conjunction with the rock paintings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is 50 Pula for foreigners. This fee typically includes the services of a guide.
Advance booking is generally not required for Manyana Rock Paintings. You can usually pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Yes, a guide is included in the entrance fee and is highly recommended to help you spot and understand the ancient paintings.
Specific opening hours can vary, but it's best to visit during daylight hours. Mornings and late afternoons are ideal to avoid the heat.
Yes, you can visit on weekends, but weekdays might offer a less crowded experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A visit typically takes about 1-2 hours, depending on how much time you spend with the guide and exploring the different painting sites.
The paintings are quite faded due to their age (around 2000 years old), so a guide is crucial for spotting them.
You'll see ancient rock paintings created by the San people, featuring abstract and concrete artistic skills. The guide can explain their assumed symbolism.
Yes, there is a moderate amount of walking involved as you move between different rock shelters where the paintings are located. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
These paintings offer a glimpse into the history, folklore, and artistic traditions of the Bahurutshe and Bakwena people, as well as the San people who created them.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, be mindful of the delicate nature of the ancient art.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be best for capturing the subtle details of the faded paintings and the surrounding landscape.
While not explicitly stated, it's always best practice to avoid direct flash on ancient artwork to prevent potential damage. Check with your guide if unsure.
You can capture images of the ancient rock art, the natural rock formations, and the scenic countryside surrounding Manyana.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the rock shelters and the landscape, while a zoom lens might help with details of the paintings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Practical tips for families: ensure children wear comfortable shoes for the walking involved, and carry plenty of water and snacks. The relatively short duration of the visit (1-2 hours) is ideal for keeping younger attention spans engaged. Visiting the nearby Manyana Trading Post can also be a fun stop for a treat.
🚶 Budget Travelers
This makes it a very cost-effective way to experience a significant historical and cultural site. Packing your own water and snacks will also help keep expenses down. It's a great example of an enriching experience that doesn't break the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of the San People
Visitors often remark on the awe-inspiring nature of seeing art that has survived for so long. While the paintings are faded, the included guide plays a crucial role in helping visitors discern the figures and understand their potential meanings. The guide's explanations encourage visitors to use their imagination, making the experience more engaging and personal. This interaction transforms a simple viewing into an educational journey through history and culture.
It's important to approach these sites with respect. The Manyana Rock Paintings are a fragile heritage. While photography is generally permitted, it's advisable to avoid direct flash and to be mindful of the delicate surfaces. The experience is enhanced by appreciating the context – the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape and the historical narrative woven by the guide.
Navigating Your Visit: Practicalities and Tips
Upon arrival, the entrance fee (50 Pula for foreigners) is a small price for the experience, as it includes the invaluable service of a local guide. These guides are essential for spotting the often-faded artwork and for providing historical context and interpretations. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is highly recommended, as you'll be moving between various rock shelters. Don't forget to stay hydrated, as the Botswana climate can be warm.
Many visitors also recommend visiting nearby attractions like the Livingstone's Tree and the Manyana Trading Post to round out the experience. The trading post offers a glimpse into local life and a place to relax. The overall sentiment is that Manyana is a beautiful, awe-inspiring, and educational destination, perfect for a refreshing escape from the city.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit