On the escarpment near Kondoa, in central Tanzania, more than 150 rock shelters hold paintings of animals, people and abstract shapes. Some may be several thousand years old. The area was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.
What the paintings show
- Animals such as giraffes, elephants, antelope and rhinos, often painted in fine red lines.
- People with unusual hairstyles, hunting, dancing or playing instruments.
- Abstract designs and later, cruder paintings in black and white.
Different styles show that many groups painted here over a long period, from hunter-gatherers to later farming and herding peoples.
A living site
Some shelters are still used by local communities for rituals, such as rain-making ceremonies. Visitors should respect any signs or guidance from the custodians.
Visiting
- Base: the village of Kolo, about 20 km north of Kondoa town, where the Antiquities Department office arranges guides and permits.
- Access: walks of 20 minutes to a few hours to reach the shelters. Some sites need a 4×4.
- Time: a full day for several sites, or an overnight stay.
- Distance: about four to five hours by road south of Arusha, or about three hours from Tarangire.
When to go
June to October, when roads are dry. Bring water, a hat and good shoes.
Other rock art and history in Tanzania
Combine Kondoa with Olduvai Gorge for a trip through Tanzania’s deep past, or with Tarangire for a safari.
Frequently asked questions
Some are thought to be several thousand years old, and painting continued over a long period.
Yes. The Kondoa Rock Art Sites were listed in 2006.
Arrange a guide and permit at Kolo village, north of Kondoa town, about three hours from Tarangire.
