Uganda offers a number of different tourist sites scattered in different parts of the country, which you can be able to visit on your Safari in Uganda. To many, a mention of taking a Safari in Uganda, what crosses their mind is actually chimpanzee trekking, mountain climbing, gorillas tracking, bird watching, game drives and white water rafting. Hardly ever will someone consider visiting the eastern district of Kumi as an interesting tourist destination. Close to Kumi town is a small village known as Nyero which has 3 beautiful rock shelters having ancient rock paintings. These caves can best be visited while when going or coming from Kidepo National Park. These rocks are actually said to be holding Uganda’s oldest rock paintings believed to be dating back to the Stone Age time.
What is Unique about these Nyero rock paintings?
The Nyero Rock Paintings are said to have been done by the ancient settlers who lived in this place. Today the Itesot people are living in this area; however there are tales that pygmies lived in this area several years ago.
Regardless of who drew them, the rock paintings are simply amazing and a thing to admire. There are a number of people who travel t Nyero to look at these paintings and explore the three caves that contain the drawings. If you have an interest in archeology then the Nyero Rock Paintings are a site to be visited especially if you are driving by to or from Kidepo Valley Park and we include the Nyero Rock Paintings Shelters Caves on some of our Safari Itineraries
On your visit you will be assigned a local guide who will lead you around showing you unique the features in these caves and narrate to you the local tales attached to these caves and their painting, and briefly tell you about Uganda’s historical cultural past.
Ascending a bit higher from these caves, you will enjoy views of adjacent areas and if lucky see some birds, small reptiles and monkeys.
We advice our clients that visit the Nyero caves take caution while ascending to caves especially during the rainy months because the rocks are normally very slippery.
When we look at Uganda’s Cultural Tourism packages, the Nyero rock paintings are among the most scenic destinations to visit on your safari to Uganda.
To keep this place well looked after and be conducive to receive visitors, this site needs financial assistance in form of Donations, however in 2010, the USA the donated some money to assist in the preservation of these rock paintings. These rock paintings are very delicate and at all times should be well preserved.
So we as AA Safari recommend that you include a visit to the Nyero Rock painting on your itinerary the next time you visit Uganda for Safari.
