Bambata Cave
An important archaeological cave in the western Matobo Hills, where Stone Age artifacts were unearthed and 'Bambata pottery' was named after it. Its walls bear animal rock paintings.
Bambata Cave sits in the northwestern part of Matobo National Park and is a key site for the archaeology of southern Africa. Stone tools and pottery shards excavated here in the early 20th century gave rise to the names 'Bambata culture' and 'Bambata pottery,' and the site offers some of the earliest evidence of herding and pottery-making in southern Africa. The cave walls preserve rock paintings of giraffes, antelopes and human figures. The walk from the parking area is a 30 to 40 minute uphill climb. The cave sees far fewer visitors than Nswatugi Cave, which makes it well suited to visitors with an interest in archaeology. A National Park entry ticket is required.
Opening hours
Daytime