Gallery
Scenes From Kondoa Rock Art Sites
Extraordinary African Safaris
A UNESCO World Heritage collection of ancient paintings in the hills of central Tanzania — some of the oldest and richest rock art in Africa.
The Kondoa Irangi Rock Art Sites are one of the most remarkable concentrations of prehistoric art in Africa, scattered across the rocky hills and shelters east of the Great Rift Valley wall near the town of Kondoa in central Tanzania. Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area holds hundreds of decorated shelters whose paintings span thousands of years.
The art tells a long human story. The oldest red-pigment images — elongated human figures, wild animals, and hunting scenes — are attributed to ancient hunter-gatherer communities and may be many thousands of years old, among the oldest in the region. Later white paintings, made by farming peoples, overlie them, recording changing ways of life. The famous Kolo sites are the usual starting point for visitors.
Kondoa is for travellers fascinated by deep history and willing to venture off the standard routes. Visits involve short walks up to the shelters with a local guide who interprets the images. It combines with a Dodoma stop or a journey across central Tanzania, adding extraordinary cultural depth to a trip.
The Kondoa Rock Art Sites lie near Kondoa town, reached by road from Dodoma (a few hours) or as part of a central Tanzania journey. Visits start at the Kolo registration point, where a local guide is arranged, followed by a short drive and walks up to the painted shelters. Sturdy shoes and water are advisable. The dry season is most comfortable and the access tracks easiest.
Climbing to a rock shelter and finding paintings thousands of years old, explained by a guide who grew up beneath them, was one of the most moving things we did in Tanzania. — Guest review, TripAdvisor
Dry, settled weather and firm access tracks to the shelters, the most comfortable time for the walks. The best window.
Best overallThe coolest part of the dry season on the plateau, pleasant for climbing up to the painted shelters.
Best weatherBrief showers green the hills; access remains mostly easy between storms.
Best for valueThe wettest stretch, when the access tracks can become difficult. The quietest months.
Quietest months
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