Hi there, fellow travelers and history buffs! Today I want to share with you my amazing experience of visiting the archeological sites of Ngora, a town in the Eastern Region of Uganda. Ngora is not only the main political, administrative, and commercial centre of Ngora District, but also a treasure trove of ancient rock paintings that date back to before 1250 AD!
The most famous archeological site in Ngora is Nyero Rock Paintings, which is located about 8 kilometres east of town, on the Ngora-Kumi Road. Nyero Rock Paintings are ancient paintings on rock surfaces, made by the Batwa people, who were believed to have inhabited the place. The paintings depict geometric shapes, such as circles, lines, dots, and spirals, as well as some animal and human figures. The meaning and purpose of these paintings are still unknown, but they are thought to have some religious or ritual significance.
Nyero Rock Paintings are not the only archeological site in Ngora. There are also other rock art sites nearby, such as Kakoro, Moru Ikara, and Dolwe Island. These sites also feature similar paintings, but with some variations in style and color. Some of these sites are more accessible than others, but they all offer a glimpse into the rich and mysterious culture of the Batwa people.
I am sure it would be interesting to many of you if you had a look at following rocks and places:
Nyero Rock Paintings: These paintings, dating back to between 1,500 and 2,000 years ago, depict a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and lions, as well as human figures. They are thought to have been created by the hunter-gatherer communities that inhabited the area at the time.
Obwin Rock: This rock is covered in petroglyphs, or rock carvings, that depict a variety of symbols, including circles, triangles, and zigzags. The meaning of these symbols is still unknown, but they are thought to be related to the spiritual beliefs of the people who created them.
Ngora Rock: This rock is also covered in petroglyphs, as well as some rock paintings. The paintings depict a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and snakes. The petroglyphs are more abstract, and their meaning is still unknown.
Mukungolo: This site is home to a number of ancient burial mounds, some of which are over 1,000 years old. The mounds are thought to be the final resting places of important members of the communities that inhabited the area in the past.
Kokong Underground Tunnels: These tunnels were discovered in 2019, and their origins are still a mystery. Some experts believe that they were created by humans, while others believe that they are natural formations. The tunnels are still being investigated, and their full extent is not yet known.
Visiting these archeological sites was a fascinating and rewarding experience for me. I learned a lot about the history and heritage of Uganda, and I also enjoyed the scenic views of the surrounding landscape. The rock art sites are well preserved and protected by the local communities and authorities, who also provide guides and information for visitors. If you are looking for a unique and adventurous destination in Uganda, I highly recommend you to check out the archeological sites of Ngora. You won’t regret it!
