With over 4 500 rock paintings found in an area of just over 10 km², Tsodilo Hills boasts one of the highest concentrations of rock art in the world. Archaeological explorations have found evidence of human activity here stretching back over 100 000 years. Tsodilo Hills was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2001.

The Hills consist out of four large quartzite hills which rise sharply out of the surrounding landscape; the word 'Tsodilo' is derived from the Hambukushu word 'sorile' which means sheer.

The San and Hambukushu communities who live in the area believe Tsodilo to be a sacred place visited by their ancestral spirits. The largest hill is named 'The Male', the second largest, the 'The Female' and the smallest, the 'The Child'. According to local legend, the fourth, unnamed hill, which stands separate from the rest, is the man's first wife, whom he left for the younger female.

At over 1 200m, the male rock is the highest point above sea level in Botswana. The San believe that the gods live in the
caves found on the female hill and that they will haunt anyone who hunts there.

The rock paintings include drawings of whales and penguins, people and trance dancing, and animals such as the eland. While the majority of the paintings are only a century old, some of the paintings date back over 20 000 years.

The region is arid and while there are plenty of savannah birds in the area, there's little to no game in the area besides steenbok and duiker. That said, leopard tracks have been observed in the surrounding hills so travellers should take care when walking in the area.

The tall, spreading trees in the area with smooth bark and hand-shaped leaves are manketti trees (Schinziophyton rautanenii), associated with the Kalahari. Their fruits ripen from March to May and contain a nutritious nut contained in a layer of edible flesh. This supplement the diet of the San community, as it dries and stores easily.

ACCOMMODATION:
There’s a rustic campsite and basic chalet accommodation.

FIELD GUIDES:
Using a guide from the village to explore The Hills is compulsory but well worth the expense. The fee is approximately BWP150 for the guide (not per person) but can be negotiated for individuals or shorter tours - a full day hike will cost more.

FOOD:
No food is sold at the site.

MUSEUM:
The site is managed by the local San community. The villagers sell handmade crafts and will take you on a guided tour.
The museum houses archaeological finds such as pottery, stone tools, metal spearheads, glass beads and fish bones.

OFFICE/RECEPTION:
The contact number for the office at reception is +267 687 8025.

WATER:
Water availability can’t be guaranteed so travellers should bring their own drinking and washing water.

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