Tsodilo Hills is one of Botswana’s most quietly powerful destinations. Remote, deeply significant, and profoundly different from the country’s classic safari areas, it offers something rare in Southern Africa: a cultural experience that feels authentic, grounding, and genuinely moving.
Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important concentrations of rock art on the African continent. Yet despite its status, it remains lightly visited and deliberately protected, making it ideal for travellers who want meaning, not crowds.
Facts About Tsodilo Hills
Located in north-west Botswana, close to the Namibian border near Shakawe
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001
Home to over 4,500 rock paintings, some dating back more than 20,000 years
Sacred to the San (Bushmen) communities, who still live in the area
Four distinct quartzite hills rising dramatically from the Kalahari sands
Best visited with a local guide to understand both the art and its living cultural context
This is not a safari destination. There is little game and no luxury trappings. What Tsodilo offers instead is perspective.
Ways to Visit Tsodilo Hills
1. Self-drive with a lodge stay in the area
The most flexible and budget-friendly option. Guests can self-drive to the Tsodilo area and stay at properties such as Askiesbos Camp or Shakawe River Lodge. From there, they can:
Visit Tsodilo Hills independently, or
Arrange a guided walk with a local San guide at the site
This option suits confident travellers who enjoy independence and understand that the reward here is cultural depth rather than comfort or wildlife.
2. A stay at Nxamaseri Lodge with a sleep-out at the Hills
This is, without question, the most meaningful way to experience Tsodilo Hills.
Guests stay three nights at Nxamaseri Lodge, a remote and atmospheric property on the Okavango Panhandle, accessed by either fly-in or self-drive. The stay includes:
Water-based activities in the Panhandle
A guided cultural excursion to Tsodilo Hills
One night at a dedicated sleep-out camp at the Hills
The sleep-out consists of simple dome tents, traditional fireside meals, and evening dances and storytelling by local San communities. It is humbling, emotional, and deeply respectful. Guests consistently describe this as one of the most powerful nights of their entire journey.
This option works best for travellers who value authenticity and are open to stepping far outside their comfort zone.
3. Helicopter day trip from the Okavango Delta
For higher-end guests who want access without compromising on accommodation.
Guests staying at an Okavango Delta lodge can book a guided day trip with Helicopter Horizons:
Helicopter transfer directly to Tsodilo Hills
Guided walk with expert local guides
Helicopter return to the Delta the same day
This is an excellent option for travellers who:
Are short on time
Want something culturally rich beyond safari
Require high-quality accommodation throughout their journey
It adds real depth to a Delta itinerary and is often one of the most talked-about experiences of the trip.
Why Include Tsodilo Hills in an Itinerary?
Tsodilo Hills is not about ticking a box. It is about slowing down and engaging with something ancient and enduring. For the right traveller, it provides contrast, meaning, and a sense of connection that no game drive can replicate.
It is best suited to guests who are curious, thoughtful, and open to experiences that go beyond wildlife. When positioned correctly, Tsodilo Hills becomes a highlight rather than a risk.
If you would like help deciding whether Tsodilo Hills is right for your clients, or how to integrate it smoothly into a wider Botswana itinerary, we are happy to advise.