← Gaborone International Marathon·Day trip

Manyana Rock Paintings: A Slow Day Out of Gaborone

A half-day by road to cliff-base rock paintings in the south of Botswana, with a seated lunch and a return before dark.

DurationDay trip
TransitPrivate vehicle or hire car from Gaborone (check drive time with your host)
DepartsYour Gaborone hotel

After the Gaborone Marathon: The Manyana Rock Paintings

The Route: Gaborone → Manyana → Gaborone Logistics: Private vehicle or hire car. Arrange a driver through your hotel if you would rather not drive on tired legs. Marathon Month: May Duration: Day trip

Gaborone hotel ──(road)──> Manyana rock paintings
                                   │
Gaborone hotel <──(road)── Lunch ──┘

The Diacore Gaborone Marathon is scheduled for a Sunday, which makes Monday the day for a quiet outing. Manyana, south-west of the capital, has rock paintings that are visited with a local custodian, and the walk to them is short enough to suit sore quads.

May in Gaborone: this is the start of the cool, dry winter. Mornings can be cold, days are still warm and rain is unlikely. Take a layer for the early start and a hat for the middle of the day.

The Paintings

The paintings are on rock faces at the base of a low hill. Visits are normally led by a custodian, so ask your hotel to confirm opening arrangements and any fee before you set off. The ground is uneven and there are some steps, so wear trainers with grip, not sandals. If the climb looks like too much, the lower panels can be seen from near the base.

Lunch

Eat in Gaborone before or after the drive, since choice near the site is limited. Ask your hotel for a seated option and book if you are in a group.

Getting Back

Allow time for the return to the city before dusk, since roads are less comfortable to drive in the dark. Check current fares and times with your driver before you leave, and agree the price in advance.