Tsodilo Hills

Of the many parks, there are only two Unesco World Heritage Sites in Botswana. While most tourists flock to the Okavango Delta, Tsodilo Hills remains off the beaten tourist track.

Tsodilo Hills arises from a straight, spirit-level landscape and is visible from a great distance. Dubbed the Louvre of the desert, this is a place of reverence and worship for many. The hills rise emotionally from the plains of the Kalahari.

Inscribed as a World Heritage Site in 2001, Tsodilo Hill protects more than 4,000 ancient art paintings thought to have been in the rock for more than 30,000 years.

Tsodilo Hill consists of three prominent peaks, known as Male, Female, and Child. Visitors can soak up the undeniable spirit of this sacred space on tour through the hills with an area historian.

The most accessible (and therefore most popular) route is the Rhino route, which loops through the medium-sized Female Hills. This hill is so named because it is home to several ancient rock paintings on themes of fertility. This trail will take you past the legendary Van der Post Panel, ocher rhinoceros drawings, and even images of whales and a penguin.

The country is mostly flat, but Tsodilo boasts Botswana's highest peak. If you want a challenging hike, the top of Male Hill is a great spot. The walk starts easily with the Lion's Road. Past its eponymous rock picture. Then a steep ascent ahead takes you 1,489, above sea level.

There is also an interesting little museum for you to visit.

Location: North-west Botswana