Things to Do in Tsodilo Hills

Tsodilo Hills, known as the 'Louvre of the Desert,' is one of Botswana's most significant cultural and archaeological sites, featuring over 4,500 rock paintings created by ancient San people over thousands of years. This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four main hills - Male Hill, Female Hill, Child Hill, and North Hill - rising dramatically from the Kalahari Desert landscape in the remote northwest corner of Botswana near the Namibian border. The site holds profound spiritual significance for the local San people, who consider it the dwelling place of ancestral spirits and the location where the gods lowered mankind to Earth. Visitors can explore ancient rock art galleries, learn about traditional San culture, and experience the mystical atmosphere of this sacred landscape while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding desert wilderness.

Dining options at Tsodilo Hills are extremely limited, with most visitors bringing packed meals or arranging catered tours that include traditional bush meals prepared by guides. The basic campsite has facilities for self-catering, so bringing a camping stove and supplies from Maun or Shakawe is essential for independent travelers. Some tour operators offer traditional San food experiences including wild honey, indigenous fruits, and bush meat (where legally permitted), providing insight into traditional desert survival foods, though most meals consist of standard camping fare supplemented with local specialties.

The best time to visit Tsodilo Hills is during Botswana's dry winter season from May to September when temperatures are more manageable (20-25°C during the day), rainfall is minimal, and access roads are in better condition. The shoulder months of April and October offer good weather with fewer crowds, while the wet season from November to March brings extreme heat (often exceeding 40°C), potential flooding of access routes, and challenging travel conditions that may make the site inaccessible.