Leaving Cape Maclear, we saw many people on the road.   This man, carrying such a big load on his bike, fascinated me.

He has great balance

And look at these women.

Perfect posture with incredible balance and strength

They can carry so much and such heavy loads on their heads.   Aren’t they amazing?     Now we are heading to Chongoni, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, to see old rock art.   The Rock Art of Chongoni would be very difficult to find without a guide.   Fortunately we have a knowledgeable guide, so here we go.

Hiking uphill

After several minutes of hiking, we are near the top and our first cave dwelling with old rock art.

Hiked to the top

Inside this cave dwelling, our guide points out old painting on the ceiling.

Guide showing us white rock art

I liked this reptile done with darker paint.

Painted reptile

This is incredible.   This art is in a cave dwelling and near the top of these rocks.

Rock art

This is the view from inside the cave dwelling, looking outside.

View from cave with rock art

Climbing back down, our guide takes us to a different style of rock painting.

Red Rock Art

Our guide is very cheerful.

Our cheerful guide

The space between the rocks is rather narrow.

In narrow spaces

More art.

Old rock art

We are in a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malawi.   This is an excerpt from the committee’s document of nomination in 2006.   “The dense and extensive collection of rock art shelters reflects a remarkable persistence of cultural traditions over many centuries … in the Chewa agricultural society.   The strong association between the rock art images and contemporary traditions of initiation and of the nyau secret society, and the extensive evidence for those traditions within the painted images over many centuries, together make the Chongoni landscape a powerful force in Chewa society and a significant place for the whole of southern Africa.”   Wow!  Centuries!   I liked visiting Chongoni Rock Art.   I liked seeing the art, and our guide made this adventure so interesting.

Rocks and tree really tall.   Our happy guide and new friend.

If you visit Malawi, we hope you visit Chongoni also.   Remember, we have much more to tell you about our adventures in Africa, and also some adventures in Colorado.