Tsodilo
Archaeological Site Hill complex with UNESCO-listed ancient rock paintings
Tsodilo Hills preserve thousands of San rock paintings across steep ridges; guided walks explain rock art, local San traditions and the site’s cultural significance.
Tsodilo is a group of rock-art-covered hills in northwestern Botswana that form a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for an exceptionally dense concentration of prehistoric paintings. The hills contain many rock shelters and painted panels with images made over thousands of years.
The hills are also archaeologically significant for numerous graves and artefacts that document long human use and ritual activity. The site is culturally important to local San peoples and remains a focus for traditional beliefs and practices.
Tsodilo stands as an isolated set of rocky outcrops rising from otherwise flat terrain in the Kalahari region; access is by road from nearby settlements and visits typically include guided walks to major painting sites.
- Rock art concentration: The site contains thousands of rock paintings and engravings concentrated on a few granite hills that are considered sacred by local San and other communities.
Tips for Visiting Tsodilo #
- Book a guided tour through the Tsodilo Hills visitor/interpretation centre - access to many rock‑art shelters is regulated and local guides provide the context and routes to the best panels.
- Ask your guide to include some of the less‑visited painting sites rather than just the main shelters; many visitors miss important panels tucked deeper in the hills.
- Visit in the cooler parts of the day (early morning or late afternoon) for better light on the rock art and to avoid midday heat during the hikes between sites.
Best Time to Visit Tsodilo #
Visit Tsodilo in the dry season (May-October) for the most reliable access to the rock-art sites and comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Tsodilo #
Tsodilo's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in October) and mild winters (coldest in June). Temperatures range from 7°C to 35°C. Moderate rainfall (502 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (122 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (116 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 17°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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June
June is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is the coolest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 7°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 33°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is the warmest month with highs of 35°C and lows of 18°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is warm with highs of 34°C and lows of 19°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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