One of the more important sites is Bleeding Nose Shelter, where the paintings stand out richly against the white Sandstone. This was probably a ceremonial site, and subjects include eland, small antelope, rare paintings of birds and a whole variety of humans standing, dancing and shooting with bows. This site takes its name from a painting of a man in the shamanistic ‘trance’ state, with blood pouring from his nose, who is joined to his companions by mystical lines of power.

The massive slab that gives Fallen Rock Shelter its name is dramatic in its own right, but it also houses one of the largest and most well-preserved collections of images known in the entire Pakhuis region. It seems to have been a dwelling site, as it has an unexcavated deposit of ash, sand and grass left behind by the Bushman occupants over thousands of years. It shelters the largest painting of a Bushman cave-dwelling group known in the Western Cape.

Sonya’s Cave shelters a series of ledges filled with tall, elongated, male figures painted red. Nearby, figures in black depict giraffes and antelope. The Bushman used natural pigments such as ochre, animal blood and plant juices to make their paintings. While some colours have been lost over time, numerous clearly discernible pictographs have survived to serve as cultural markers, revealing the shamans’ visions, tribal dances, and other spiritual rites.

Open the window into a world of ancient beauty. Be humbled by the beauty and simplicity of these extraordinary artworks. Enter into the very spiritual reality of these true conservationists and be inspired and invigorated by this significant cultural African heritage. Our trained guides conduct daily rock-art walks with interpretations that provide insight, and a deeper understanding of these rare archaeological sites.