Stadsaal Rock Art

About Stadsaal Rock Art

Deep in the Matjiesrivier Nature Reserve in the heart of the Cederberg, the Stadsaal Rock Art site features some of the most iconic and best-preserved San rock paintings in South Africa. The Elephant Mural: The most famous panel depicts a herd of elephants surrounded by human figures. Estimates suggest these paintings are at least 1,000 years old, though some Cederberg art dates back 8,000 years. Unlike sites showing hunting scenes, these paintings lack weapons, leading experts to believe they represent shamanistic rituals or spiritual trances rather than literal events.