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Matsieng Footprints
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The Matsieng Footprints are a compelling archaeological and mythological site located near Mochudi in Botswana. The site features a series of petroglyphs engraved into a natural sandstone outcrop. Its centerpiece consists of two large indentations resembling human footprints, which, according to the folklore of the Tswana people, were made by the first ancestor, Matsieng. Legend tells that Matsieng emerged from a deep hole in the ground, followed by animals and other humans, to populate the earth. In addition to the human-like prints, the sandstone surface is adorned with numerous engravings of animal tracks, including those of lions, giraffes, and zebras. The site holds profound spiritual significance and has historically been used for rain-making rituals and other traditional religious ceremonies. The engravings are estimated to be between 1,000 and 3,000 years old, likely created by the ancestors of modern San or early Bantu groups. Matsieng remains a sacred landscape that bridges the physical environment with the region's ancient creation myths.
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 18 | 15 | 14 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 27 |
| Rain mm | 79 | 70 | 59 | 32 | 7 | 6 | 1 | 1 | 10 | 27 | 59 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The site is located approximately 45 kilometers north of Gaborone.
- There are two primary indentations said to represent Matsieng's feet.
- The engravings likely date from the Late Stone Age or Early Iron Age.
- The 'hole to the underworld' is a deep natural shaft in the sandstone.
- Local communities continue to use the site for ritual purposes today.
- Matsieng was officially designated as a national monument in 2006.
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