Our Ancient Origins
The Bushman’s Rock Art
What?
A private rock art tour with anthropologist Paul Myburgh
Where?
Cederberg, Western Cape
Featured in the Cederberg West Coast Journey
“Never before has it been more important to understand and contextualize the first people, their place in world evolution, and our place in the world as modern humans.”
-- Paul Myburgh
The Cederberg is vast, quiet, and ancient. But according to Paul Myburgh, the real story here is not geological -- it is human.
Hidden beneath sandstone overhangs are pictures left by the San people that are now thousands of years old.
These are not decorative markings. They are records of survival: a visual archive of our ancient consciousness.
“The story-pictures left as a record for humanity become critical to understanding our relationship with life going forward,” Paul notes.
While to the rest of us, these careful drawings will look like mere images on stone, Paul is intimately familiar with what they mean. And in this masterclass, he teaches you how to read them.
A Paul Myburgh Experience
Yes, this SannuAfrika experience is led by Paul Myburgh. Paul is an award-winning documentary filmmaker (National Geographic), anthropologist and the author of The Bushman Winter Has Come.
Incredibly, he spent seven years living alongside the bush people of Southern Africa and in this time, unlocked the ability to decode what these ancient drawings were saying.
By joining Paul, you’ll get the benefit of a truly remarkable academic: one with decades of experience, an utterly curious mind, and a forensic knowledge of where these historical relics can be found (even those off the beaten track).
But Paul is not just a remarkable academic. He’s also a gifted storyteller: someone who, in illuminating brushstrokes, explains the wonders of the bush.
A Gentle Rhythm
Early mornings and late afternoons are reserved for the Cederberg’s most magical light. Our photographer will lead you to carefully selected locations -- think dramatic boulders and scarred valleys -- to capture vistas that scarcely seem real.
Importantly, this is not a group workshop with rigid schedules. We tailor the experience to your interests and energy levels; and ultimately, your proficiency with a camera. You don’t need the latest kit, nor do you need any technical know-how. A phone camera will suffice.
At Your Own Pace
Note, this is an intellectual excursion, not a hiking challenge. As such, the sites we visit are designed around your energy levels and appetite for exploration.
Looking for a challenge? By all means, let’s make a day of it. Prefer a slower, more sedate pace? No problem at all. Paul and the team will cater to your needs accordingly.
And when the day is done, we’ll return to the exclusive accommodation provided: here you can read, swim or sit in silent contemplation. Reflection is part of the discovery process.
As ever, 50% of the Sannu experience is left unscripted, so that you have time to get your bearings and make the most of your stay.
More A Note on Authenticity
To protect the authenticity of this experience, Paul’s participation is necessary -- and subject to his schedule. We recommend early engagement with the Sannu team (link to enquire now page) to secure a spot in his busy calendar.
Perfect for: Culture lovers and history buffs.
The SannuAfrika difference: Private access to Paul and his specialist interpretation of the drawings; an itinerary shaped entirely around the pace you want to go at.
Remember, the Cederberg Rock Art Encounter is one chapter in a wider South African journey with the SannuAfrika family.