Deeper than the soil – the rich history of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
in Lodges and CampsDeeper than the soil – the rich history of the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve
For thousands of years, across the thickly forested hills of what is now the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, people have gazed at sandstone cliffs and instead seen canvases. This largely uncharted region – archaeologically speaking – in southeastern Zimbabwe is home to some of the country’s earliest instances of rock art and other remnants from its rich and ancient tribal history. Each tells a story, offering a glimpse into a world that, while vastly different, still resembles – and even echoes – our own.
Portraits of the times
There are currently 121 recorded rock art sites in Malilangwe. Some belong to the San, a nomadic tribe of hunter-gatherers who have inhabited parts of Southern Africa for 20,000 years; some to Bantu-speaking Iron Age farmers, who migrated south to the region around 2,000 years ago; and some to the Khoekhoen, or Khoi, an indigenous group of pastoralists with deep historical ties to Zimbabwe.
Many exhibit rare or unique characteristics and, although they vary in age and technique, almost exclusively depict scenes of people and wildlife. Some of these scenes are within easy reach of Singita Pamushana Lodge and Malilangwe House – often clustered around natural springs, either long-dried or still flowing. This offers guests a chance to explore and reflect on the region’s history.
While we may never know the true intention behind these works or fully understand their cultural significance, they reveal two important truths. One – as humans, we share a deep-rooted respect for nature that grows the more we’re exposed to it, and, two – at rest, our inspiration coalesces into a creative pulse. The convergence of these truths into something tangible reminds us that no matter how far we remove ourselves from it, we exist as part of the natural world, and highlights how we have both evolved as a species but also remained the same.
The cyclical game of life
If you know where to look and how to spot them, there are plenty of reminders of just how long people have inhabited this land we now call Malilangwe. They tether it to a time long gone, and yet stand strong, like the ecosystem around them.
Where some might see holes in a cliff, others see divets carved to make up a Tsoro board. This traditional Shona variant of Mancala, a strategy game, has been played in modern Zimbabwe for thousands of years. Today, it’s mostly played for fun or to pass the time. But historically, it was used to help children learn to count, soldiers improve their strategic thinking, and kings and chieftains settle disputes.
Humans have always sought out play and stimulation – and we’ve always been resourceful in finding it. One can imagine that the hours spent carving this board paved the way for many more hours spent playing on it. The time spent trekking to it is also well worth it for more than the view.
A uniquely local point of view
Today, thanks to the tireless efforts of many passionate conservationists, the Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve functions much the same as it has for thousands of years. Its virtually untouched wilderness offers crystal-clear views of the African night sky, lending itself to incredible stargazing that goes beyond looking into learning.
Our people in Malilangwe come from its communities and are happy to share local wisdom and knowledge of their history, mythologies, and astrology.
Conserving ancient cultures
The true power of conservation is that it protects more than wildlife and natural ecosystems. It’s a means to preserve culture and honour communities as well. Where we lose land, we lose history and heritage, and where we lose history, we sever our ties to nature. Find out more about the magnificent Malilangwe Reserve here.