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 insights into the lives, beliefs, and practices of ancient indigenous peoples, particularly the San.
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Some of these rock art sites are accessible to the public, however, most require visitors to be accompanied by a certified guide. If you’re interested in exploring the history of rock art in South Africa, these regions offer several tours that can be planned into your next trip:
1. Cederberg
Bushmans Kloof, located in the Cederberg Mountains of the Western Cape, preserves over 130 ancient rock art sites created by the San people, with some pieces over 10,000 years old. The reserve, recognised as a South African National Heritage Site, offers insight into the San’s cultural and spiritual life. Visitors can explore these paintings through guided tours and workshops, including opportunities to recreate traditional art techniques. The on-site Heritage Centre also houses San artifacts 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. These artworks, some dating back 8,000 years and perhaps even further on, often illustrate shamanic trances and connections with ancestral spirits, symbolised by animals like the eland. Publicly accessible sites include Battle Cave, Main Caves at Giants Castle, and Game Pass Shelter – about a one hour walk from Kamberg Rock Art Centre, where there is also much to marvel over.
Image: thedrakensberg.net
3. Rhodes
Rhodes is surrounded by well-preserved San rock art, some of which is 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, which include Martindell, Glass Nevin, and Buttermead, each requiring prior arrangement through the Rhodes Info Centre, reports walkerbout.co,za. Martindell and Glass Nevin may require a climb and longer driver, while Buttermead is just 3 km from town, and easily accessible.
Image: rhodesinfo.co.za
4. Limpopo
Limpopo is home to 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.
Image: kaoxacamp.com
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