Wildebeest Kuil Rock Art Centre

Wildebeest Kuil is a low hill 16km from Kimberley, on the R31 towards Barkly West, covered in rock engravings made by San people over a long span of time. Some have been dated to between 1,200 and 1,800 years ago. The land has belonged to the !Xun and Khwe San communities since 1996, and community members work as guides. It is one of the easiest places in the country to see rock engravings well explained.

What to expect

Start in the visitor centre, which has displays and a twenty-minute introductory film. Then take the 800m boardwalk to the top of the hill and down again. Signs explain what you are looking at, and an MP3 audio guide is available. The site is run by the Northern Cape Rock Art Trust with the McGregor Museum and is a provincial heritage site. The images were pecked into the rock surface, and large animals dominate: elephant, rhino, hippo and eland. More than 400 engravings have been recorded across the hill. The site’s shop sells crafts and refreshments.

Practical details

The centre opens Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, and on Saturdays and public holidays, 10am to 4pm. Telephone 053 839 2747. Access is by road from Kimberley, so you will need your own car or a tour.

Good to know

The walk is short but exposed, and the Northern Cape sun is fierce, so bring a hat and water and avoid the middle of a summer’s day. The engravings are easier to make out in low, angled light. The centre opened in December 2001 and employs community members as guides, so ask for one if you want more than the signs can tell you.

Last updated 6 October 2026. Sources: McGregor Museum, Wikipedia.