A short left to Blouberg, is an adventure for naturalists in the heart of Makgabeng Mountains, lies the rich history of the San, Khoikhoi, Sotho and Tswana people depicted in pictograph traced back to thousands of years ago.
Located approximately 135 km North of Polokwane City, under Blouberg Local Municipality, you drive through the Town of Senwabarwana on a tar road for about 120km.
On Senwabarwana, My Darling route, you take short left at Ga-Motshemi, driving through the rural villages, you notice few developments within rural areas with tar road, water pump houses, schools, backyard gardens in homes and shops. Driving down deep in the area towards Bodi village, the land looks dry yet adventurers. The glamor of the tar road ends few kms from the short left.
The real adventure starts when you reach the gravel route. You definitely need a 4X4 bakkie and the drive ain’t for the faint hearted. The hard rocks, heavy sand, brushy trails and the breathtaking rocky landscape makes for an ideal getaway for ecofreaks.
You need a tour guide to ease navigation of the area especially when you enter the restricted site. Guided by local guide Jonas Tlouamma, an official from Blouberg Local Municipality, Local Economic Development (LED) unit, you will appreciate the rich history depicted through rock art painting. He is passionate and the story is very personal to him. This is because he was born and grew up in the area with the stories being narrated to him by his father. It has been passed from generation to generation. Their forefathers were part of the inhabitants in the area.
He tells the story of Kgoshi Kgalushi Malebogo with so much pride. The great Bahananwa warrior who resisted, fought and defeated the boers fight alonside his trusted soldiers and how and why he surrendered.
On the mountain, the white rock art paintings starts with the Great Train site which was probably the first example of protest art and panels. There are also the shamanic rituals, hunters with bows and arrows, kudus, patterned rocks dating back to 1.8 billion years ago, iron age sites, two near-endemic reptiles, two endemic plant species. Makgabeng contains more than 800 rock paintings.
Come explore and experience the mind blowing landscape away from technology. Right in Makgabeng there is an establishment called Makgabeng Farm Lodge, ideal for overnight accommodation. If prefer to be in Senwabarwana Town, there are three accommodation facilities namely Motlele Motel, Rethabile Guest House and Boikhutsong Lodge.