Chongoni Rock Art Area, Dedzar Area
We never miss Rock Art, no matter where we go. This one, in Chongoni, is easily accessible and comes with a terrific view over the area of Dedzar, about an hour south of the capital Lilongwe. Before we started out, we stopped for lunch at the famous pottery shop and restaurant in Dedzar, where we also got the proper information as to which are the best rock paintings. There are so many, spread out in different directions and most only accessible after long walks.
Chongoni Rock Art Area, Dedzar Area
The pottery shop would have provided a guide for 13 Euro per person, which seemed a bit excessive. But as always in Africa, there is a solution. At the very site a very pleasant man guided us up the hill to see the various panels and to explain the drawings – all for 6000 Kwacha or 12 Euro.
It was a bit of a climb, but with a bunch of village children tagging along we had enough distraction. There are two kinds of drawings: red ones that were drawn on the rock face 10.000 years ago by pygmies. The other kind are drawn in white, mainly animals, and more recent. To be very honest, we have seen rock paintings that were a lot more complex and sophisticated. But nevertheless it was a great excursion and we learned a lot about the village and the hospital at the foot of the mountain, from a young doctor who climbed up with us.
Chongoni Rock Art Area, Dedzar Area
No comments yet.