× 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 🇧🇼 Tsodilo Hills Hike the Tsodilo Hills, Botswana. Check things to see along the trail and best time to go Explore Chobe Riverfront Explore Matsieng Footprints Trail Intro | Highlights | Map | Best time to go | Where to stay? | Details | Guide | Botswana | FAQ | What to expect when backpacking in Tsodilo Hills Tsodilo Hills is a gem tucked away in Botswana, boasting stunning rock formations and ancient San rock art that’ll make your jaw drop. The hike itself is about 10 kilometers, which sounds manageable, but be ready for some steep sections that can get your heart pumping. The scenery? Incredible—think sweeping views and a rich tapestry of colors at sunrise or sunset. Getting to the trailhead can be a bit tricky; public transport options are limited, so you might end up hitching a ride or relying on a taxi. Compared to other hikes in Botswana, like the more popular trails in the Okavango Delta, Tsodilo offers a more remote experience, but it lacks the wildlife encounters that some other spots boast. Just keep in mind that while it’s a rewarding trek, it does require a bit of effort to get there and navigate the terrain. Discover everything you want to know in the 📖  Botswana Travel Guide . Best time to go: May – September Duration: 2 to 3 days Distance: 30 kilometers Total ascent: 400 meters Get your Botswana Travel Guide 💡 Top Highlights Best things to see along Tsodilo Hills Botswana Grab your own Travelguide for only Rock-art galleries — Tsodilo’s claim to fame: literally thousands of paintings (UNESCO counts over 4,500) tucked into shallow caves and overhangs. On the hike you get eye-level access to ochre figures of eland, people and abstract motifs — seeing the art in the original setting, with faded brushstrokes and flaking pigment, beats a museum any day. Ridge and summit viewpoints — the trails run along narrow red-sand ridges and finish on rocky summits with raw, 360° views across the Kalahari pans. The way the light hits the rock at sunrise or sunset is unforgettable; the hike’s scrambling sections make the views feel earned rather than handed to you. Living cultural landscape — Tsodilo is still spiritually important to local communities, and guided walks often include San storytellers who explain the myths behind particular paintings and sites. That mix of active ritual use and archaeology is what separates this hike from purely scenic trails. Archaeology and ancient occupation sites — between panels you’ll pass spots where stone tools, pottery shards and midden deposits show continuous human use for thousands of years. Those quiet, scatter-filled hollows give you a real sense of deep time under your boots. Uncommon wildlife and flora on the rocks — the koppies host rock-hyrax, klipspringer and a surprising variety of birds that don’t hang out on the flat pans. There are also old mopane and baobab outposts clinging to the slopes — small ecosystems that make the hike feel like a series of microhabitats rather than one big desert slog. 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 Tsodilo Hills Hiking Tsodilo Hills is a fantastic experience, and timing can make all the difference. The best months to hit the trails are from May to September. During this period, you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, usually ranging from about 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It’s way more pleasant than the scorching summer months, where temperatures can soar to around 40°C (104°F) or more. Not exactly ideal for a hike unless you enjoy melting into a puddle. Early mornings are prime time for hitting the trails, especially if you’re aiming to catch the sunrise. The light on the rocks is stunning, and it’s a great way to avoid the heat later in the day. Plus, the wildlife is more active, so keep your eyes peeled for some interesting critters. A pro tip? Bring plenty of water and snacks. The trails can be more demanding than they appear, and you don’t want to be caught without a way to refuel. Also, consider wearing a hat and sunscreen; the sun can be relentless, even in cooler months. Happy hiking! JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC © Google 🛏️ Where to Stay? Best Places to Stay in Tsodilo Hills 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 Tsodilo Hills Total Distance: The Tsodilo Hills trail spans approximately 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) round trip, depending on the specific route you take through the hills. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 5 to 7 hours on this hike. This includes time for breaks, exploring, and soaking in the views. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. While the terrain can be rocky and uneven in parts, it’s manageable for most hikers with a decent fitness level. Starting Point: The trailhead is located at the Tsodilo Hills World Heritage Site. To get there via public transport, you … read more 👉 Total Distance: The Tsodilo Hills trail spans approximately 15 kilometers (about 9.3 miles) round trip, depending on the specific route you take through the hills. Estimated Duration: Expect to spend around 5 to 7 hours on this hike. This includes time for breaks, exploring, and soaking in the views. Difficulty Level: This trail is generally rated as moderate. While the terrain can be rocky and uneven in parts, it’s manageable for most hikers with a decent fitness level. Starting Point: The trailhead is located at the Tsodilo Hills World Heritage Site. To get there via public transport, you can catch a bus from Maun to the village of Tsodilo. From the village, it’s a short taxi ride to the entrance of the park. Major Landmarks Along the Route: Rock Paintings: The hills are famous for their ancient San rock art, with numerous sites to explore. Hilltop Views: Climbing to the top of the hills rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area. Wildlife Sightings: Keep an eye out for various birds and possibly even some larger mammals in the distance. Type of Terrain and Scenery: The trail features a mix of rocky paths, sandy stretches, and some steep ascents. The scenery is stunning, with dramatic rock formations, vast plains, and distant horizons that make every step worthwhile. Typical Vegetation: Expect to see a variety of flora, including acacia trees, baobabs, and various grasses. The vegetation changes as you ascend, with denser growth at lower altitudes and more sparse, resilient plants higher up. Wildlife: While hiking, you might spot various birds like the lilac-breasted roller and some small mammals. Larger wildlife is less common but can occasionally be seen, especially at dawn or dusk. Just remember to keep your distance and respect their space. ⚠️ 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 Tsodilo Hills 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? Tsodilo Hills 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 Tsodilo Hills? 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 If you find yourself at Tsodilo Hills, take a moment to soak in the vibe—it’s a blend of ancient history and stunning landscapes that feels almost sacred. The best surprise? Those rock paintings; they’ll leave you wondering about the stories behind them. Just a heads-up: the trails can be a bit tricky, so wear sturdy shoes and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. You won’t regret it. 🫱 Share this page 🙋‍♂️ Give feedback last page update: 23 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