North-West District

Tony Rebelo / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Rising dramatically from the Kalahari Desert, the quartzites of Tsodilo Hills offer traditional and exploratory climbing potential on ancient, sacred rock faces. Climbers travel here for a remote desert climbing experience steeped in deep cultural history and surrounded by thousands of rock art paintings. Routes require self-sufficiency, strict adherence to heritage preservation rules, and careful route-finding on rugged stone.

Access. Reached via 4x4 from Maun or Gumare up north. There are no commercial climbing guides on-site, so visitors must bring their own traditional gear and expedition supplies. Check in with the local community trust at the base camp before undertaking any exploration.

Notes. Strict heritage conservation rules apply; climbing on or near painted rock art is strictly prohibited. Extreme desert heat requires climbing only during early mornings and the cooler winter months (May to August).