Pomongwe Cave Pomongwe Cave is one of the most archaeologically significant sites in southern Africa, with evidence of human occupation spanning over 40,000 years . Located in the Matobo Hills, this large rock shelter contains both rock paintings and deep archaeological deposits that have revolutionized our understanding of Stone Age peoples.Map coordinates not available
Quick Facts Location Matobo National Park Human Occupation 40,000+ years Type Rock shelter/cave Significance Archaeological + rock art Access Easy walk from road Entry Included in park fee
Archaeological Importance 40,000 Years of History Pomongwe’s archaeological deposits reveal:
Late Stone Age layersMiddle Stone Age occupationContinuous habitation over millennia
Climate change adaptations
Technological evolution
What Excavations Found Period Discoveries Recent (1,000-2,000 years) San occupation, paintings Late Stone Age Microlithic tools, bone tools Middle Stone Age Larger stone implements Earlier Archaic human presence
Research History
First excavated 1920s-1930s
Continued research through decades
Benchmark site for southern African archaeology
Published in major academic journals
Referenced in textbooks worldwide
The Rock Art Paintings Present Pomongwe contains multiple painted panels:
Animal depictions
Human figures
Hunting scenes
Faded but visible images
Art Periods The paintings represent multiple phases:
Older, faded images
Newer, more visible paintings
Superimposition (newer over older)
Different styles and techniques
Compared to Nswatugi Factor Pomongwe Nswatugi Art quality Good Exceptional Archaeological value Exceptional Lower Preservation Moderate Excellent Visitor numbers Fewer More Overall importance Scientific Artistic
The Cave Environment Physical Description
Large granite overhang
Deep shelter from elements
Multiple levels of floor deposits
Natural lighting
Cool interior
Why People Lived Here Advantages of the site:
Weather protection
Nearby water sources
Game-rich surroundings
Defensive position
Tool-making materials nearby
Visiting Pomongwe Getting There From Maleme Rest Camp:
Follow park roads toward Pomongwe
Well-signposted
Approximately 20 minutes drive
Short walk from parking
What to Expect
Less dramatic than Nswatugi
More archaeological focus
Interpretive signage
Quieter, fewer visitors
Deeper historical connection
Best Combined With
Nswatugi Cave (art focus)
Bambata Cave (nearby)
General Matobo exploration
Wildlife viewing
Understanding Stone Age Life Daily Life at Pomongwe Archaeological evidence reveals:
Hunting - Bones of various game animalsGathering - Plant remains in depositsTool-making - Stone flakes and coresFire use - Ash layers throughoutBedding - Prepared sleeping areas
Climate Changes The deposits show:
Wetter periods (more forest animals)
Drier periods (more grassland species)
Adaptation to changing conditions
Human resilience over millennia
Technology Evolution Period Tools Found Recent Small, refined blades Middle LSA Backed tools, scrapers Early LSA Larger implements MSA Heavy-duty tools
Photography Challenges
Lower light than Nswatugi
Less dramatic paintings
Archaeological rather than artistic subject
Cave depth
Approach
Focus on atmosphere and setting
Document the shelter’s scale
Capture archaeological context
Wide-angle for overall views
Detail shots of deposits
Educational Value For Students Pomongwe offers lessons in:
Archaeological methods
Human evolution
Climate adaptation
Stone Age technology
Long-term human settlement
For General Visitors Learn about:
How archaeologists work
What ancient life was like
How paintings were made
Human story in Africa
Facilities
Parking area
Walking path
Basic signage
No toilets (use Maleme facilities)
Time Needed
Quick visit: 30 minutesWith guide: 45-60 minutesWith exploration: 1+ hour
Difficulty
Easy walk
Some uneven ground
Suitable for most visitors
Combining Sites Half-Day Rock Art Tour Morning:
Pomongwe Cave (archaeological focus)
Short drive to Nswatugi
Nswatugi Cave (artistic focus)
This combination provides:
Archaeological context at Pomongwe
Artistic highlights at Nswatugi
Complete picture of San heritage
Efficient use of time
Full Matobo Day Morning:
Rock art sites (Pomongwe, Nswatugi)
Afternoon:
Game drive
Rhino tracking (if available)
World’s View sunset
Conservation Pomongwe’s archaeological deposits are irreplaceable:
Threats:
Erosion
Uncontrolled excavation
Visitor impact
Natural weathering
Protection:
National Parks management
No unauthorized digging
Controlled access
Regular monitoring
Time Machine Pomongwe is as close as you can get to a time machine. Standing in this shelter, you’re in a space where humans have lived, worked, and created art for 40,000 years. The paintings are just the most recent chapter of an ancient story.
Pomongwe Cave is one of the most archaeologically significant sites in southern Africa, with evidence of human occupation spanning over 40,000 years. Located in the Matobo Hills, this large rock shelter contains both rock paintings and deep archaeological deposits that have revolutionized our understanding of Stone Age peoples.