Rock art around Rhodes
The quaint village of Rhodes is situated in one of the most remote parts of South Africa with many rock art sites within close proximity, some of which are open to the public. These paintings or rock art was painted by the san people that lived and hunted in these mountains hundreds of years ago and they are still in good condition.
The rock art available for viewing in our area is situated on private property (farms). It is therefore important to make viewing arrangements via the Rhodes Info Centre. In order to preserve the art a small fee will be charged to visitors. Two of the sites are up the spectacular Maartenshoek valley on farms belonging to Rassie and Loekie Smit from the farm Maartinsdell and Vaasie and Margie Murray from the farm Glass Nevin. Viewings at Buttermead farm should be made directly with Gawie and Susanne Naudè.
Martindell rock art
The images at Martindell rank amongst the best preserved in southern Africa. Some images are so bright it seems they were only painted a few decades ago. Visitors need to arrange viewings through the Info Centre and a small fee per head will be charged for the tour. Martindell is approximately 20 minutes drive from Rhodes into the scenic valley of Maartenshoek. This site is situated high up on a rock overhang. It is a bit of a climb to reach them, but worth the effort as the view of the valley is spectacular and the paintings even more so.
Glass Nevin rock art
The images at Glass Nevin are spectacular and worth a visit. The walk to the paintings is approximately 2kms through the farm and along the Bell River. Here too visitors need to arrange tours through the Info Centre and a small fee per head will be charged. Glass Nevin is approximately 15 minutes drive from Rhodes into the scenic valley of Maartenshoek.
Buttermead rock art
Buttermead is an ideal rock art site in that visitors can appreciate the art without having to drive too far out of town, approximately 3km. The fairly short walk to the paintings is not too strenuous and suitable for all ages.
The painted rock shelter at Buttermead has polychrome artwork of eland, some of which have been superimposed over earlier paintings. There are many interesting images here, including birds in close association with dying eland and dogs.