Rock Painting in Uganda

The Nyero Rock painting tourist attraction are situated in the Eastern region of Uganda in Ngoro district which originally was part of Kumi district  in the land of Teso sub region. The Nyero rock paint are among the least explored attractions in Uganda however extremely interesting when you take visit to the place. It is one of the legendary historical site  that is rich in remarkable history which makes it one of the outstanding old historical place featuring about 3 rock panels that are well painted on the granite out crop of the Moru Ikara. Some of the features drawn and painted on the granite rocks include; Concentric circles, Zebra canoes, the animals and people. The Nyero rock paint are very significant prehistoric features that are recognized by the UNESCO World Heritage site in Uganda and ranked among the best historical sites. 

There are 3 categories of Nyero rock paintings such as; Nyero 1, 2 and 3. The Nyero 1 features a few circles and it is located below the main site, Nyero 2 is the most stunning, biggest and main site that consists of a white wall painted with numerous red circles, people, boats as well as animals and its painting are extremely impressive and very clear compared to the rest. Nyero 3 has paintings that are not so clear and they are quite unnoticed unless a guide shows you its exact painting. The best time to visit the Nyero painting is in the  night hours where you get lost in the clear spectacular scenic beauty of the paintings. It is also important to note the rim of the Nyero painting are surrounded by cacti and boulder peaks thus allowing you enjoy a wild experience.

The Nyero rock painting is believed to  have been drawn about 1250 AD and it is around this period that the early stone age came out to demonstrate the relationship between their previous life and the current life they are living. Besides the Nyero rocking paintings site, there are other rocks sites that can be explored in eastern Uganda such as; Komuge in Bukedea district, Mukongoro in Kumi, Dolwe island on Lake Victoria in Namaying district, Kakoro and Kapiri in Paliisa district.

The Nyero rock paintings to have been drawn by earlier indigenous settlers in the region before the coming of the Iteso people who are currently living in the area. The indigenous people originally are the Batwa and they are believed to have drawn the paintings on these granite rocks. However, regardless of who put the drawings, Nyero rock painting is one of the extremely stunning tourist attraction in the eastern region of Uganda that is worthy a visit on a Uganda safari. A tour to Nyero rock painting gives you an insight to explore other exciting attractions close to this historical site such as; Sipi falls, explore Mountain Elgon national park and enjoy hiking adventures among other activities. 

Upon arrival, you are assigned a local guide who takes you around through the amazing caves and accompany your experience with a explanations and an interesting legendary story behind the Nyero Rock painting as well as the strong attachment that local people believe in these Nyero rock painting. When you take a hike to summit of the rock, you get an insight to enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding environment, you also get an opportunity to enjoy bird watching as well as sighting other Reptiles.

The best time to visit the Nyero rocking painting is during the dry season when the walking trails are easy to climb compared to the wet season when the rocks are very slippery thus making hiking challenging when climbing. 

How to get to Nyero rock paintings

From Kampala to Kumi district where the Nyero rock painting is located, it is a 6-7 hours drive by road and here you drive through jinja -Iganga and Mbale highway and then finally Kumi district. From Kumi main town to the Nyero Rock paintings site, it is about 10 kilometers taking the west direction.

The Nyero rock painting site can be explored as an enroute stopover from kidepo valley national park since it is a long hour distance of about 12 -13 hours drive. On the other hand, since Nyero rock painting is an historical site, it still needs support to make it boast as an incredible tourism potential. So far funds from the USA have been donated with an aim to preserve this wonderful tourist attractions so as they don’t get faded into the near by society. When You make it a point on Uganda safari, we can include it on your tour to the Pearl of Africa, book with Mumwe safaris one of the best experts in organizing unique outstanding safaris in Uganda. To plan with us, kindly contact our friendly reservation team by send us an inquiry on info@gorillaugandasafaribookings.com or call us directly on +256-775630809 or +256-701343598  to speak directly to our reservations team.