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Matsieng Footprints
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This archaeological site was declared a National Monument in 1971 and is located 35kms from Gaborone towards Francistown. The site is signposted from the road, turn left at the sign, onto a dirt track and follow this for a short way. A wire fence encloses the site and a National Museum Guide is in attendance. The site is open every day except Tuesday and Wednesday.
Legend tells the story of how Matisieng, a giant and ancestor of the Tswana, led his people and animals from the centre of the earth to inhabit the world. This happened long ago when the rocks of the earth were still soft and the footprints of Matisieng, his people and their animals are outlined in the ancient sandstone rock at this site. The hole, from which Matisieng is said to have emerged, is over 4 metres deep and filled with water.
Located here, and measuring over 32cm in length, is the right footprint of Matisieng. A left footprint is at the Kobokwe Cave, which is at least 50km away. Another footprint can be found at Tswapong. Some people do not believe the story of Matisieng the giant, but attribute the footprints to the Basarwa people (also called Bushmen or San) who lived in the area long ago and were known to create petrogylphs.
An elongated human footprint and animal spoor engravings are estimated to be between 3,000 and 10,000 years old.
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