Visiting rock art sites inside Monk's Cowl - Visitor's Book and Permit System

San rock art is part of the Drakensberg’s living cultural heritage. A visit is more rewarding with a trained custodian who can explain the paintings and help protect the shelter.

Arrange an authorised visit

Contact Monks Cowl reception before planning a visit to a local rock-art site. Ask which shelters are available to visit, what permission is required and how to arrange an accredited rock-art custodian. A hiking permit or a general guide booking should not be taken as permission to enter every painted shelter.

The 2018 announcement described a visitor’s book and laminated permit card for Hospitalspruit Cave, also called Knuffel’s Shelter, and Bee Shelter. Ask the reserve about the current process and availability of each site.

Protect the paintings and their setting

• Keep clear of paintings and the surrounding rock face. Do not touch, lean on, wet, trace or mark them.
• Leave artefacts, stone flakes and other objects where they lie.
• Move carefully without stirring up dust, and follow the custodian’s instructions for photography.
• Do not light fires, candles or cooking equipment in rock-art shelters, and take all litter away.
• Respect the cultural and spiritual significance of the site.

Rock art is protected heritage. Damage and unauthorised disturbance can lead to prosecution; an online route description does not grant access permission.

Our Monks Cowl area guide has more about walking and planning a visit in the surrounding mountains.