Gaborone nature and history tour: Manyana rock paintings

Rock paintings, a queen's cave, and a missionary's tree in one Botswana day

A private tour from Gaborone to Manyana village combines a historical walk through 2,000-year-old Khoe rock paintings, a cave that sheltered a queen, and the David Livingstone tree where the explorer stayed before heading into central Africa. The route includes indigenous plant and tea education. Lunch and a game drive at Mokolodi Nature Reserve are optional add-ons at your cost. Private transport and an English-speaking guide are included. The tour runs four to eight hours depending on your choices.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Manyana and optional game drive

• Drive to Manyana village
• Visit Bushmen rock paintings
• See historical hill and cave
• Learn about indigenous plants and teas
• Visit David Livingstone tree
• Optional lunch at Mokolodi Nature Reserve
• Optional game drive at Mokolodi

The experience

Four to eight hours of driving and walking takes you from Gaborone down a tarred road to Manyana, a village where the rock paintings spread across five separate cliff faces. The images (giraffe, antelope, human figures, geometric designs) date from between 1100 and 1700 AD and were made by Khoe herders whose click-speaking language survives in the region today. You'll see the cave where a queen once sheltered, learn about the hill that defended Botswana's territory in its first conflict, and stand at the David Livingstone tree in the village center, marking the spot where the explorer rested before his journeys into central Africa.

Your guide walks you through the paintings and the plants that grow around them, explaining the teas and medicines the village has used for generations. Bottled water comes with you throughout the day. If you want to add lunch and a midday game drive, Mokolodi Nature Reserve lies nearby. Both are optional and priced separately, and availability depends on the reserve's schedule and your guide's availability that day, so confirm your interest when you book.

What’s included

• Private transportation from Gaborone.
• professional guide speaking English.
• bottled water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to5h before

AgesAdult (18 to 60 years) · Senior (61 to 95 years) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Child (3 to 9 years) · Infant (under 3)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 40

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats available

Operated by Heritage Adventures

Is this one for you?Choose the half-day option if you want the rock paintings and village history without the reserve. Add the full-day version with Mokolodi if you want the game drive and a longer immersion in the landscape.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years); Child (3 to 9 years); Infant (under 3).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What are the Manyana rock paintings made of and how old are they?

The paintings date from between 1100 and 1700 AD and were made by Khoe herders using pigments on five separate rock cliff faces. The images include giraffe, antelope, human figures and geometric designs that have survived centuries in the Gaborone area.

Can I add lunch and a game drive to this tour?

Yes, Mokolodi Nature Reserve offers both lunch and a midday game drive as optional add-ons at your own cost. Both must be confirmed when you book because availability depends on the reserve's schedule and your guide's availability that day.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation from Gaborone, a professional English-speaking guide, and bottled water are included. Lunch for you and your guide, and the game drive at Mokolodi, are separate costs if you choose them.

Is this tour accessible for people with mobility concerns?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible and transportation options accommodate wheelchairs. Infants and small children can travel in a pram or stroller, and specialized infant seats are available.