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Mashonaland Rock Art Sites

The Mashonaland provinces contain dozens of significant rock art sites, from easily accessible caves near Harare to remote treasures in the northern districts. These sites complement the famous Matobo collection, often featuring unique subjects and exceptional preservation.

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Overview

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Distribution

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Major Sites

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Domboshava

The most accessible major rock art site in Zimbabwe. Full Domboshava Guide →

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Chikupo Rock Art Shelter

One of Zimbabwe’s most exceptional rock art sites, featuring rare “formlings” - enigmatic shapes thought to represent shamanic visions. What Makes Chikupo Special:

• Formlings - Rare oval/kidney-shaped forms found almost nowhere else
• Trance imagery - Classic depictions of shamanic transformation
• Superimposition - Multiple layers spanning thousands of years
• Preservation - Protected overhang keeps paintings vivid

The Formlings: These mysterious shapes are among the most debated images in southern African rock art:

• Oval or kidney-shaped outlines
• Often with internal patterns
• May represent:
  • Bee swarms/honeycombs
  • Entoptic phenomena (trance visions)
  • Body maps
  • Unknown spiritual concepts

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Zombepata Cave

Home to some of the finest and most unusual rock art in Zimbabwe. Exceptional Features:

• Best formlings in Zimbabwe - Multiple examples
• Rare animal subjects:
  • Porcupines (very unusual in rock art)
  • Ostriches
  • White zebras
  • Female kudu (usually males depicted)
• Birds in brown and white - Uncommon coloring
• Excellent preservation

Art Details:

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Thetford Game Reserve Rock Art

A remarkable site known for:

• Pristine paint quality - Among the best-preserved in Zimbabwe
• Innovative composition - Artists used natural rock features
• Trance scene - First known use of rock surface in composition
• Game reserve setting - Combined wildlife and rock art

Unique Features: The Thetford paintings are notable because the San artists deliberately incorporated a natural physical feature of the granite rock surface into their trance scene composition - a technique rarely documented elsewhere.

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Lake Chivero Rock Art

The shores and hills around Lake Chivero contain several rock art sites: Sites Include:

• Cave paintings on granite kopjes
• Shelters overlooking the lake
• Combined with wildlife viewing opportunities

Advantages:

• Easy day trip from Harare
• Combine with game viewing
• Multiple sites in one area
• Good facilities at Lake Chivero Recreational Park

Explore Lake Chivero →

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Ngomakurira

The sacred mountain also contains rock art:

• Multiple painted shelters
• Combined with spectacular geology
• Challenging but rewarding hike
• Drum rocks and spiritual significance

Full Ngomakurira Guide →

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Minor Sites

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Diana’s Vow (Rusape Area)

A small but significant site near Rusape featuring:

• Well-preserved paintings
• Accessible location
• Historical research importance
• Named after early researcher

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Makumbe Cave (Mutare Area)

Remote cave with:

• Good paintings
• Atmospheric setting
• Challenging access
• Requires local guide

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Nyangwe Fort Area

In the Eastern Highlands:

• Rock art combined with Nyanga ruins
• Part of broader Nyanga heritage complex
• Multiple sites in scenic highlands

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Planning Your Visit

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Accessibility Guide

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Suggested Itineraries

Day Trip from Harare:

• Domboshava or Lake Chivero rock art
• Easy, no special arrangements needed

Weekend Rock Art Tour:

• Day 1: Domboshava morning, Ngomakurira afternoon
• Day 2: Lake Chivero area sites

Extended Rock Art Expedition:

• Day 1: Harare to Guruve area
• Day 2: Chikupo and Zombepata (with guide)
• Day 3: Thetford Game Reserve
• Day 4: Return via Domboshava

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Permissions and Guides

Easy Access Sites (no permission needed):

• Domboshava
• Ngomakurira
• Lake Chivero

Permission Required:

• Chikupo - Contact NMMZ
• Zombepata - Contact NMMZ
• Thetford - Contact reserve
• Private land sites - Ask locally

How to Arrange:

1. Contact National Museums and Monuments of Zimbabwe (NMMZ)
2. Allow 1-2 weeks for arrangements
3. Guides can often be arranged through NMMZ
4. Local tour operators may assist

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Conservation Notes

Mashonaland rock art faces several threats: How You Can Help:

• Report vandalism to NMMZ
• Don’t touch paintings
• Support guide employment
• Share site locations responsibly
• Pay entrance fees

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Comparing Regions

Why Visit Mashonaland:

• Unique subjects (formlings, rare animals)
• Fewer tourists
• Close to Harare
• Exceptional preservation at some sites
• Different character from Matobo