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Lepokole Hills

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Historical site
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Lepokole Hills (Botswana)

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The Lepokole Hills in eastern Botswana are a significant geological and archaeological complex forming part of the Limpopo-Shashe landscape. These dramatic granite kopjes are renowned for their ancient San rock paintings, which depict hunting scenes and indigenous wildlife dating back thousands of years. Beyond the rock art, the area contains historical stone wall ruins similar in style to Great Zimbabwe, indicating that the site was part of regional political networks in the 15th century. During the 19th-century tribal wars, the hills served as natural fortresses and safe havens for the local Babirwa people. Today, the Lepokole Nature Reserve is a community-led conservation project aimed at protecting both the cultural heritage and the local biodiversity. Visitors can explore a network of trails that showcase the unique flora and fauna of the hardveld. The hills are particularly famous for their leopard population, a fact reflected in the name 'Lepokole,' which refers to these elusive big cats.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C272726242018172024262728
Rain mm8368481843116215991

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Lepokole Hills are publicly accessible and have hiking trails to the rock art. Some sites can only be visited with a guide.
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Typical hours
The hills are typically accessible during daylight hours. There are no official opening times or entry fees.
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Photography
Photography of the rock art is usually allowed, but avoid direct flash to protect the pigments. Use natural light.
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Time needed
Allow one to two hours for a hike and viewing the paintings. The trails can be challenging in parts.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the Tswapong Hills or the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. Both offer further natural and cultural experiences.
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Getting there
The Lepokole Hills are in the Central District of Botswana. Reachable by car from Serowe or Palapye, a 4x4 vehicle is recommended.
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Insider tip
Take plenty of water and a hat, as the area has little shade. Start the hike early in the morning.

Geography

Coordinates
-21.84270, 28.45260

Facts

  • The hills are part of the ancient Limpopo-Shashe Greater Landscape.
  • San rock art in the area dates back more than 2,000 years.
  • The site features stone wall enclosures dating from the 15th century.
  • The Lepokole Nature Reserve was established as a community project in 2001.
  • Historically, the hills protected the Babirwa tribe during 19th-century raids.
  • The name 'Lepokole' is a local reference to the many leopards in the hills.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Motlhabaneng Rock PaintingsMotlhabaneng Rock Paintings58 km · NWExplore →
Tuli Block Cattle FarmingTuli Block Cattle Farming64 km · WExplore →
Selebi-Phikwe Copper MineSelebi-Phikwe Copper Mine70 km · SExplore →
Limpopo RiverLimpopo River75 km · NWExplore →
Fort TuliFort Tuli83 km · NExplore →
Tuli Block Farm RegionTuli Block Farm Region84 km · NWExplore →
Tuli Wildlife SanctuaryTuli Wildlife Sanctuary88 km · NExplore →
Tuli Block Agro-IndustryTuli Block Agro-Industry90 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is a guide necessary for the Lepokole Hills?
Yes, a local guide is recommended for orientation.
How challenging is the hiking there?
The hikes are moderate and require sure-footedness.
What is the best season?
The cooler months between May and August are well-suited.
Are there restroom facilities?
No, there is no infrastructure on site.
Is the area safe?
Yes, generally safe, but caution regarding wild animals is advised.
Lepokole Hills: where is it located?
Lepokole Hills is located in Botswana.
Lepokole Hills: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Lepokole Hills: why is it worth visiting?
The Lepokole Hills in eastern Botswana are a significant geological and archaeological complex forming part of the Limpopo-Shashe landscape.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

Moeng College Building — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Moeng College Building
Moeng College is a historic educational institution established by Tshekedi Khama in a remote and scenic valley.
London Missionary Society Ruins — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
London Missionary Society Ruins
The red-brick ruins of the London Missionary Society church are the most iconic landmark of the abandoned Old Palapye settlement.
Serowe Royal Cemetery — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Serowe Royal Cemetery
Overlooking the village from a hill, the Royal Cemetery is a sacred landmark where generations of Bangwato royalty are laid to rest.

More places

Motlhabaneng Rock Paintings — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Motlhabaneng Rock Paintings
The Motlhabaneng rock art site in the Tuli Block features well-preserved paintings of animals and human figures.
Tuli Block Cattle Farming — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Tuli Block Cattle Farming
The Tuli Block is a major agricultural zone where large-scale cattle ranching is a central part of the local way of life.
Tuli Block Farm Region — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Tuli Block Farm Region
A fertile agricultural region along the Limpopo River.
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Tuli Wildlife Sanctuary
A sanctuary preserving local biodiversity.
Tuli Block Agro-Industry — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Tuli Block Agro-Industry
The Tuli Block is a key agricultural region in eastern Botswana.
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Limpopo River Wildlife Corridor
An important migration path for many animal species.
Lerala Diamond Mine — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Lerala Diamond Mine
Lerala is a diamond mine situated in the Tswapong Hills region.
Moremi Gorge — Lepokole Hills (Botswana)
Moremi Gorge
This scenic gorge in the Tswapong Hills is a sacred site for the local community, featuring permanent waterfalls and ancient shrines.