Before you, faint rock paintings emerge from the cliff faces – animals, handprints, spiritual figures – traced by the hands of those who lived here tens of thousands of years ago. There are no crowds, no distractions – just you and the land, in one of the most spiritually resonant corners of Botswana.
Visit the Tsodilo Hills on your Botswana Safari
Set deep in the remote northwest of Botswana, near the Okavango Panhandle, Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most sacred places. Often referred to as the ‘Louvre of the Desert,’ this extraordinary site is home to over 4,500 rock paintings, some dating back more than 24,000 years. The hills – known as the Father, Mother, Child, and an unnamed hill – hold deep spiritual significance for the San / Basarwa, whose oral traditions are interwoven with this dramatic landscape. On your privately guided tour of the Tsodilo Hills, you’ll have the opportunity to walk through millennia of human expression and connection to the land.
A soulful detour: what makes a journey to the Tsodilo Hills so special?
The Tsodilo Hills are unlike anywhere else in Botswana. While most visitors to the country seek big game on their wildlife safaris across the Delta and the Kalahari, few venture this far north – making your time here feel all the more special. The absence of crowds enhances the feeling of discovery, and the connection to the land feels both intimate and profound. For those seeking more than a typical safari, the Tsodilo Hills offers something elemental: a chance to slow down, reflect, and witness human history etched into nature itself.
"‘The air feels thick with history—every stone, every shadow, humming with ancient stories."
Expertly crafted: your tailored Tsodilo Hills journey
We specialise in creating deeply bespoke journeys shaped by our long-standing connections and insider expertise. For those drawn to the ancient spirit of Tsodilo Hills, we will craft a tailored safari itinerary that includes a guided exploration of the Tsodilo rock art across the Father, Mother, and Child Hills. We offer exclusive access, expert guiding, and special touches – like a private sleep-out under the stars at Tsodilo Hills itself.
Where to stay in the Panhandle and Tsodilo Hills: riverside lodges, private houseboats & starry sleepouts
While there is no permanent camp within Tsodilo Hills, we recommend staying at Nxamaseri Island Lodge, a boutique riverside retreat just a short drive away from the Tsodilo Hills in the Okavango’s Panhandle. For the adventurous, head out from the lodge to explore the Tsodilo Hills and sleep out overnight on their private deck, truly immersing yourself in the heart of the wilderness.
Surrounded by the Okavango River’s deep waterways and permanent swamps, this elegant lodge offers peaceful isolation and access to the unique wildlife experiences on the river. Experience the stillness and beauty of the Panhandle on a mokoro safari, gliding through the water lilies to see colourful fish and birdlife – there is spectacular birding throughout the year.
You can explore Delta islands on foot with your guide, seek out wildlife in the forests, and fish for tiger fish from March to December. Guests can also enjoy the option of staying aboard a private houseboat, drifting gently along the Okavango with all the comforts of a luxury retreat.
Enhance your Botswana safari: aerial views, village visits & wildlife moments
For a broader perspective, take to the skies on a scenic helicopter flight over the Okavango Delta and Panhandle – offering breath-taking views and a true sense of scale. You can also visit local villages to engage with the region’s culture and contribute to community-led conservation programmes (such as CLAWS), which play a vital role in protecting both wildlife and traditional ways of life.
Whether you’re fishing along the Okavango River, birdwatching from your deck, or enjoying a sundowner cruise on the houseboat, every moment is designed around your interests with complete flexibility.
Tsodilo Hills offers something few places can: stillness, solitude, and a connection to something much older than ourselves. This sacred site stands as a national monument for good reason.
