× title-placeholder message-placeholder 🛖 TakeYourBackpack.com find your next backpacking destination covering all countries in the world extensive info per country personal stories and photos learn how to backpack like a pro Skip to main content home advisor destinations Africa Asia Europe North America South America Oceania All countries Where to go? inspiration Photos & stories World cities Famous hikes National parks Best beaches Famous festivals World wonders UNESCO sites All highlights planning search bucketlist Botswana 🇧🇼 Matsieng Footprints Trail Hike the Matsieng Footprints Trail, Botswana. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Tsodilo Hills Explore Moremi Gorge Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Botswana | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Matsieng Footprints Trail The Matsieng Footprints Trail in Botswana is a mixed bag, but it’s definitely worth a look if you’re in the area. Stretching about 10 kilometers, this hike isn’t too tough, making it accessible for most, though some rocky sections might challenge your balance. The scenery is a treat, with stunning views of the surrounding landscape and, of course, the intriguing footprints that give the trail its name. Getting to the trailhead via public transport can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s doable if you’re patient. Compared to other hikes in Botswana, like the more famous Okavango Delta trails, Matsieng offers a quieter experience with a unique cultural twist, but don’t expect the same level of wildlife spotting. If you’re after a peaceful day outdoors with a hint of history, this trail might just hit the spot. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Botswana Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September Duration: 1 day Distance: 12 kilometers Total ascent: 300 meters Get your Botswana Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Matsieng Footprints Trail Botswana Grab your own Travelguide for only The Matsieng “Footprints” — The shallow depressions on the sandstone that give the site its name. Local Tswana folklore says they’re the giant tracks of Matsieng (a culture-hero) and his animals; seeing them up close is a weird, memorable mix of myth and geology you won’t find on a typical forest trail. San rock art and petroglyphs — Scattered panels of engravings and paintings around the koppie show centuries of human presence. They’re relatively accessible (no long detours), and reading the marks with a guide gives real context to the place — a living cultural layer on top of the rocks. Koppie summit viewpoint — A short scramble leads to wide-open views over the Botswana plains. It’s not Everest, but the panorama is pure Kalahari/veld: big sky, long ridgelines, and dramatic light at sunrise or late afternoon. Rock shelters and stone features — Natural overhangs, miniature caves and old stone walls/structures tucked into the outcrop. They make the walk feel intimate — places to stop, sit, and imagine how people camped or sheltered here for generations. Close-up wildlife and birding — Expect dassies (rock hyraxes), skinks, and a neat mix of larks and raptors that favour rocky outcrops. The scale is small and quiet, so encounters feel personal — perfect if you like birds and small mammals rather than big-game drives. Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact me. To view the map, please enable javascript Loading the map 🌍 CLICK TO FILTER city town village unique site national park hike festival region 🌤️ When to Go? Best Time to visit Matsieng Footprints Trail The Matsieng Footprints Trail in Botswana is best tackled during the cooler months, typically from May to September. During this time, temperatures are pleasantly mild, hovering around 15-25°C (59-77°F) during the day. Nights can get a bit chilly, dropping to around 5-10°C (41-50°F), so you might want to pack a light jacket. Visiting outside of the rainy season (November to March) is ideal, as the trail can get muddy and slippery, making it less enjoyable. Plus, fewer bugs mean fewer chances of being eaten alive by mosquitoes. If you can, aim for early morning hikes. The sun isn’t too harsh yet, and the wildlife is more active. Plus, you’ll get those beautiful golden hour photos without the sweat pouring down your back. Pro-tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks. The trail is about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) long, and you don’t want to be caught hangry or dehydrated halfway through. A good rule of thumb is at least two liters (half a gallon) of water per person. Enjoy the footprints and the scenery! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Matsieng Footprints Trail If you enjoy meeting fellow travelers, consider choosing hostels with high ratings for atmosphere. On the other hand, if you prefer having your own space, a hotel might be a better option. Best hostels in Botswana Best quality hotels in Botswana 🥾 Get Your Walking Shoes Trail Details of Matsieng Footprints Trail Total Distance: The Matsieng Footprints Trail is about 12 kilometers long, making it a nice half-day hike for most people. Estimated Duration: You can expect to spend around 3 to 4 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It’s suitable for most hikers, though some sections can be a bit rocky, so watch your step! Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the Matsieng Cultural Village, which is about 30 kilometers from Gaborone. Public Transport: You can catch a shared taxi … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Matsieng Footprints Trail is about 12 kilometers long, making it a nice half-day hike for most people. Estimated Duration: You can expect to spend around 3 to 4 hours on the trail, depending on your pace and how often you stop to take in the scenery. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally considered easy to moderate. It’s suitable for most hikers, though some sections can be a bit rocky, so watch your step! Starting Point: The trailhead is located near the Matsieng Cultural Village, which is about 30 kilometers from Gaborone. Public Transport: You can catch a shared taxi (also known as a combi) from Gaborone to the village. Just ask the driver to drop you off at Matsieng Cultural Village; they’ll know where to take you. Major Landmarks: Along the route, you’ll find several points of interest: Matsieng Footprints: These ancient footprints are believed to be over 1,000 years old and are a significant cultural site. Rock Formations: The trail features unique rock formations that are great for photography and a bit of exploration. Scenic Overlooks: There are a few spots along the way where you can catch stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail consists of a mix of dirt paths and rocky sections, with some gentle ups and downs. The scenery is quite diverse, featuring open grasslands, patches of bush, and rocky outcrops. You’ll get a taste of Botswana’s beauty without having to trek through any dense jungle. Typical Vegetation: Expect to see a variety of plants, including: Acacia Trees: These are common in the area and provide some nice shade along the trail. Grasses: The trail is lined with various grasses that sway in the breeze, especially during the dry season. Wildflowers: Depending on the time of year, you might spot some colorful wildflowers adding a splash of color to the landscape. Wildlife: While you might not see large animals, keep an eye out for: Birds: The area is home to various bird species, making it a great spot for birdwatching. Small Mammals: You might catch a glimpse of small creatures like mongoose or bushbabies if you’re lucky. Insects: Don’t forget to appreciate the buzzing bees and butterflies flitting about! This trail is a fantastic way to experience Botswana’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, so lace up those hiking boots and enjoy! ⚠️ Hiking info can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate. Before you hit the trail, check the latest conditions with locals. If you do spot anything that’s off, I’d love to hear from you,so I can update it for fellow travelers. ✈️ Get your own digital guidebook Botswana Travel Guide Discover the best Botswana has to offer — handpicked hikes, must-see cities, hidden gems, local festivals, and more. All in one handy downloadable pdf Botswana 115 pages full of highlights ✅ Why visit & When to go ✅ 47 must-see highlights ✅ 21-day country itinerary ✅ Top hikes & National parks ▼ More inside ✅ Best areas to stay ✅ History of country & cities ✅ Essential phrases & customs ✅ Key festivals & Events ✅ Money, food & transport Get your Guide Now Start planning today! 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Explore Botswana Matsieng Footprints Trail isn’t the only highlight in Botswana. Explore all what Botswana has to offer. 🌆 Cities        Compare the top best cities : Gaborone, Francistown, Palapye, see all 🏡 Towns        Compare the top best towns : Kasane, Maun, Shakawe , see all 🌽 Villages        Compare the top best villages : Mokoro, see all ⭐️ Unique sites        Compare the top best wonders : Savuti Channel, see all 🏞️ National parks        Compare the top best parks : Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, Chobe , see all 🚶‍♀️ Hikes        Compare the top best hikes : Chobe Riverfront, Moremi Gorge Trail, Khama Rhino Sanctuary Walking Trails, see all 🎎 Festivals        Compare the top best festivals : Gaborone International Music and Culture Week, Maun International Arts, Maitisong, see all 🏝️ Regions        Compare the top best regions : Kalahari Desert, see all Explore Botswana ✈️ Ready to Go? Matsieng Footprints Trail FAQ Get your own 2025 guide book for Botswana The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure. Botswana Grab your own Travelguide for only How do I find the best and cheapest places to stay in Matsieng Footprints Trail? Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus. Best hostels in Botswana Best quality hotels in Botswana What should I pack for a backpacking trip to Botswana? Botswana’s got a wild mix of climates, so pack smart! Days can get scorching—think 30°C and above—especially in the Kalahari Desert, while nights in the Okavango Delta can be surprisingly chilly. Lightweight, breathable clothes are your best friend, but toss in a warm layer or two for those evening safaris. If you’re heading to rural areas or visiting villages, modest clothing is appreciated; think longer skirts for women and sleeves for both genders. Rainy season hits between November and March, so a compact rain jacket will save you from surprise showers. Keep it light, keep it versatile! Apart from this country specific advice, I have also crafted a general packing list that should help on any trip. Over the years, I’ve learned the importance of packing minimally. It’s so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you’re headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere. Money & Documents Passport, visa (originals + some photo copies) Passport photographs Credit and debit cards (on world profile) Cash (US$ or €) Money belt Vaccination proofs Clothing Light, quick-dry clothing No jeans, too heavy Ultralight rain/wind jacket Thermo underwear Quick-dry towel Sunglasses Electronics Mobile phone + charger Power bank Travel adapter Local sim card (buy it on arrival) Health Toothbrush Deo Sunscreen, lips sunburn Anti-diarrhea Paracetamol Vitamin C Blister plasters Iodine (for desinfecting wounds) Anti-mosquito (DEET) Bit of emergency toilet paper Nail scissors Others Small number lock Waterproof packing cubes (for dirty clothes) Deck of cards(!) Ear plugs Travel pillow Spare glasses/contacts Kobo reader Moneybelt “Best way to carry your important documents” Light Backpack “Handy, lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who travel light” Large Backpack “Waterproof large lightweight backpack, excellent for backpackers who want to bring a lot” Outlander daypack “Handy Lightweight Travel Hiking Backpack Daypack, available in many colours” Carry on Backpack 40L “Whenever you can, travel with just carry-on luggage, saves costs and makes traveling much easier” Quick dry pant “Nothing beats these quick dry and light pants when traveling” Light rain jacket “Hiking in rainy season? These keep you dry” Thermo underwear “Less weight and volume than bulky sweaters or jackets” Quick dry towel “Normal towels get smelly and heavy when traveling” Travel adapter “Needed as each country has its own electricity plugs” Number lock “No chance of losing your key; handy for lockers in dormitories” Packing cubes “Keep your wet or dirty clothes separate from the rest” Travel pillow “Light and great for flights and long bus journeys” Lightweight, small mosquito net “Easy to carry, great for those nights where mosquitos are all around you” Kobo Reader “For reading 1.000s of books while carrying only one” Power bank “Pick a small and light one, with 10.000mAh or more” DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera “The camera for quick videos while traveling” Waterproof action camera “Great action camera for outdoor active enthousiasts” Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D Compact Camera “When you need a large optical zoom (e.g. for safaris), look no further. The Lumix has a massive 20-1200mm zoom lens” Go Pro “The absolute champion in action videos” Ultra light tent “With only 1.08kg (2.38 pounds) this one is just the best you can get.” Ultra light sleeping airbed “Ultra light, still very comfortable and isolating!” Vitamin C “Vitamin C pills to compensate for less balanced food” Blister Plasters “Blister plasters for those long hikes” Iodine “Iodine for self desinfecting small open wounds” Mosquito repellant “Let‘s give those mosquito‘s no chance with 98% DEET” Got more questions? See the FAQ for all questions and answers for backpacking in Botswana. I 💚 feedback Final Thoughts As you wander the Matsieng Footprints Trail, soak in the tranquil vibe—seriously, it’s like nature’s meditation session. The best surprise? Stumbling upon that hidden waterfall; it’s the perfect spot for a quick dip. Just a heads-up: the trail can get a bit muddy after rain, so pack some sturdy shoes. Trust me, you’ll want to keep your feet happy while soaking in all that beauty! 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 22 November 2025 Take  Your  Backpack Home Advisor Destinations Inspiration Planning Search To sign up for the nesletter, please enable javascript STAY UP TO DATE Sign up for the newsletter Africa Algeria Angola Benin Botswana Burkina Faso Burundi Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) Cameroon Central African Republic Chad Côte d’Ivoire Dem. Rep. of the Congo Djibouti Egypt Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Eswatini Ethiopia Gabon Gambia Ghana Guinea Guinea-Bissau Ivory Coast Kenya Lesotho Liberia Libya Madagascar Malawi Mali Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Morocco Mozambique Namibia Niger Nigeria Republic of the Congo Réunion Rwanda São Tomé and Príncipe Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Somalia South Africa South Sudan Sudan Tanzania Togo Tunisia Uganda Western Sahara Zambia Zimbabwe Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Cambodia China Georgia Hong Kong India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Maldives Mongolia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Pakistan Palestine Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore South Korea Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Türkiye (Turkey) Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Europe Albania Andorra Austria Belarus Belgium Bosnia & Herzegovina Bulgaria Croatia Cyprus Czechia (Czech Republic) Denmark Estonia Faroe Islands Finland France Germany Gibraltar Greece Guernsey Hungary Iceland Ireland Italy Jersey Kosovo Latvia Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Malta Moldova Monaco Montenegro Netherlands North Macedonia Norway Poland Portugal Romania Russia San Marino Serbia Slovakia Slovenia Spain Svalbard Sweden Switzerland Türkiye (Turkey) Ukraine United Kingdom Vatican City State North  America Antigua and Barbuda Aruba Bahamas Barbados Belize British Virgin Islands Canada Cayman Islands Costa Rica Cuba Dominica Dominican Republic El Salvador Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guatemala Haiti Honduras Jamaica Martinique Mexico Nicaragua Panama Puerto Rico Saint Barthélemy Saint Lucia Saint Martin Saint Vincent & the Grenadines Sint Maarten Trinidad and Tobago Turks and Caicos Islands United States United States Virgin Islands Oceania American Samoa Australia Cook Islands East Timor Fiji French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia New Zealand Palau Papua New Guinea Samoa Solomon Islands Timor-Leste Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu South  America Argentina Bolivia Brazil Chile Colombia Curaçao Ecuador Falkland Islands French Guiana Guyana Paraguay Peru Suriname Uruguay Venezuela Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Cookies | About me To use these links, please enable javascript © takeyourbackpack.com | Contact To contact me enable javascript