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Rock Art of Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe possesses one of the richest concentrations of rock art in the world. Thousands of painted sites scattered across the country preserve a visual record spanning at least 13,000 years, created primarily by the San (Bushmen) hunter-gatherers who once inhabited this region.

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Overview

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By the Numbers

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Geographic Distribution

Rock art is found throughout Zimbabwe, but major concentrations exist in:

1. Matobo Hills (Matabeleland South) - Densest concentration
2. Mashonaland Central - Including Guruve and Mvurwi areas
3. Harare Region - Domboshava, Ngomakurira
4. Eastern Highlands - Scattered sites
5. Midlands - Various locations

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The Artists: San People

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Who Were the San?

The San (also known as Bushmen or Basarwa) were the original inhabitants of southern Africa, living as hunter-gatherers for thousands of years before Bantu-speaking peoples arrived. San Society:

• Egalitarian social structure
• Nomadic hunter-gatherer lifestyle
• Rich spiritual traditions
• Deep knowledge of the natural world
• Trance healing practices central to spiritual life

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Why Did They Paint?

The paintings were not merely decorative - they were deeply spiritual: The most widely accepted explanation is that many paintings depict shamanic trance experiences, with the geometric patterns (entoptics) and supernatural scenes representing visions experienced during altered states of consciousness.

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What You’ll See

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Common Subjects

Animals:

• Kudu (most common)
• Eland (spiritually significant)
• Giraffe
• Elephant
• Zebra
• Various antelope species
• Predators (lion, leopard)
• Baboons
• Birds

Human Figures:

• Hunters with bows
• Dancing figures
• Figures in trance postures
• Ritual scenes
• Hand prints

Supernatural Elements:

• Therianthropes (human-animal hybrids)
• Geometric patterns (entoptics)
• Rain animals
• Lines and dots

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Artistic Techniques

The San artists demonstrated remarkable skill:

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Where to See Rock Art

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Matobo Hills (Best)

Matobo Hills

Home to over 3,000 documented sites - the world’s highest concentration of rock art.

Key Sites:

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Mashonaland Sites

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Eastern Highlands

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Featured Sites

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Domboshava

Domboshava

Just 30 km from Harare - the most accessible major rock art site in Zimbabwe.

Highlights:

• Easy day trip from Harare
• Well-maintained walkways and signage
• Multiple painted shelters
• Beautiful granite scenery
• On-site interpretation center

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Nswatugi Cave

Located in Matobo National Park, Nswatugi is one of the most impressive rock art galleries in Africa. What to see:

• Life-sized giraffe paintings
• Kudu in various poses
• Human figures hunting
• Excellent preservation
• Stunning cave setting

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Pomongwe Cave

One of the most archaeologically significant sites, with evidence of human occupation spanning 40,000 years. Features:

• Rock paintings from multiple periods
• Archaeological excavation site
• Stone tools found here
• Evidence of climate change adaptations

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Viewing Tips

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Best Practices

1. Hire a guide - They know where the best paintings are
2. Visit in the morning - Better light for viewing and photography
3. Look carefully - Many paintings are faded and easy to miss
4. Take your time - Layers of paintings reward patience
5. Bring binoculars - Useful for paintings high on walls

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Photography

• Natural light only (no flash)
• Polarizing filter helps reduce glare
• Best light: morning or overcast days
• Telephoto lens for details
• Wide angle for context

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Conservation Do’s and Don’ts

DO:

• Stay on paths
• Keep distance from paintings
• Use zoom lenses
• Report damage
• Support sites through entry fees

DON’T:

• Touch the art
• Use flash photography
• Splash water on paintings
• Remove anything
• Mark or graffiti the rocks

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Understanding the Paintings

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Common Motifs Explained

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Reading a Rock Art Panel

1. Look for layers - Older paintings often underneath newer
2. Note relationships - Figures interacting tell stories
3. Observe postures - Body positions have meaning
4. Check for superimposition - Later paintings over earlier
5. Consider location - Why this shelter? What view?

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Research and Conservation

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Ongoing Work

Organizations protecting Zimbabwe’s rock art:

• National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ) - Official custodians
• Rock Art Research Institute - Academic research
• Trust for African Rock Art - Conservation advocacy
• Universities - Archaeological studies

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Threats to Rock Art

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Planning Your Rock Art Visit

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Suggested Itineraries

Day Trip from Harare:

• Domboshava (half day)
• Or Ngomakurira (full day with hiking)

Weekend from Bulawayo:

• Day 1: Matobo Hills (Nswatugi, Pomongwe)
• Day 2: More Matobo sites + World’s View

Extended Rock Art Tour:

• Day 1-2: Matobo Hills (multiple sites)
• Day 3: Travel to Mashonaland Central
• Day 4: Chikupo, Zombepata area
• Day 5: Domboshava, return to Harare

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Practical Information

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Entry Fees (Approximate)

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Guides

Guides are highly recommended:

• Know exact painting locations
• Explain cultural context
• Ensure you don’t miss anything
• Available at major sites or through tour operators

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What to Bring

• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sun protection
• Water
• Binoculars
• Camera with zoom lens
• Notebook for observations