Nsangwini Rock Art

Nsangwini Rock Art, an atmospheric site, hidden on the northern flank of the Nkomati Valley between Maguga Dam and Piggs Peak, preserves Swaziland’s best bushman paintings. The paintings, which lie beneath a rock overhang down a rocky trail, are the work of the hunter-gatherer San people and could be up to 4,000 years old. Guides from the local community will point out various animal and human bearing spears, and bizarre spirit sporting insect heads. Archaeologists believe that these paintings were completed in a shamanic trance and that many carry symbolic meaning. The work is executed in red ochre and animal blood with wonderful delicacy and precision.

Here you can step back to a time when wild creatures roamed a land unfettered by power lines, roads, dams and the trappings of modern living; a land where people competed with nature to survive. Nsangwini Rock is a great example of one of the places these people recorded their experiences, visions and dreams.

The mountainside trail to the rock shelter is steep (about 20 minutes down and 25 minutes up) with many loose rocks, but it is manageable by all able-bodied people.

Nsangwini is clearly signposted from the main Mbabane-Pigg’s Peak road and from the Maguga Dam loop road. There is 7.5kms of dirt road from the tar, but the road is suitable for all vehicles.

Bookings for visits can be made using the following number: +268 76192665