Mphunzi Cave Paintings, Chongoni

Situated within a cluster of forested granite hills and covering an area of 126.4 km2, high up the plateau of central Malawi, the 127 sites of this area feature the richest concentration of rock art in Central Africa. They reflect the comparatively scarce tradition of farmer rock art, as well as paintings by BaTwa hunter-gatherers who inhabited the area from the late Stone Age. The Chewa agriculturalists, whose ancestors lived there from the late Iron Age, practiced rock painting until well into the 20th century. The symbols in the rock art, which are strongly associated with women, still have cultural relevance amongst the Chewa, and the sites are actively associated with ceremonies and rituals. The area was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006.

Self-driving a car around Malawi is both safe and easy. If, on the other hand, you would like to be driven to places, and picked up from the airport, a smart, efficient, friendly mid-aged fellow I would strongly recommend is Clifton Banda. Ask him about accommodations too. You can reach him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 265 999 475 050.

Martin Gray is a cultural anthropologist, writer and photographer specializing in the study of pilgrimage traditions and sacred sites around the world. During a 40 year period he has visited more than 2000 pilgrimage places in 165 countries. The World Pilgrimage Guide at sacredsites.com is the most comprehensive source of information on this subject.

For additional information consult:

http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/476 
https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Chongoni_Rock_Art_Area
http://www.bradtguides.com/destinations/africa/malawi/chongoni-rock-art-area.html