White Lady Rock Painting | Swakopmund

The White Lady Rock Painting is a prehistoric pictograph located within the Maack Shelter in the Tsisab Ravine of the Brandberg Mountain massif. It is situated approximately 30km northwest of the town of Uis in the Erongo Region.

Visual Characteristics

The painting is a 40cm high figure rendered in white, reddish-brown, and black mineral pigments. The figure is depicted in a striding motion, holding a bow and an arrow-like object, and is part of a larger panel containing smaller human figures and oryx antelopes. The surrounding rock shelter is composed of weathered granite with a coarse, crystalline texture and a light-tan coloration.

Location & Access Logistics

Access is via the D2359 road from Uis, leading to the Brandberg Heritage Site parking area. From the trailhead, visitors must undertake a 2.5km (approximately 45–60 minute) guided pedestrian trek over sandy riverbeds and granite boulders. Private vehicles are required for the transit to the trailhead; a mandatory local guide must accompany all visitors to the shelter.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The painting was created by San (Bushman) hunter-gatherers and is estimated to be approximately 2,000 years old. It was brought to international attention in 1918 by German explorer Reinhard Maack. Despite its name, archeological consensus identifies the figure as a male shaman or hunter rather than a woman.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the guided interpretive walk through the Tsisab Ravine to view the rock art panel. Visitors can observe various other petroglyphs and pictographs located along the trail. Photography of the painting is permitted, though the use of flash is prohibited to prevent pigment degradation.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Infrastructure at the trailhead includes a reception office, basic pit latrines, and a small shaded assembly area. There is no water or food available along the 5km round-trip trail. Cellular signal (4G) is available at the parking area but is lost upon entering the deep granite ravines.

Best Time to Visit

The site is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00. The winter months of May through September are preferred to avoid the extreme heat of the desert summer. Early morning is the optimal time for the hike to ensure the painting is viewed before the sun reaches an angle that creates heavy shadows within the shelter.

Facts & Legends

French archaeologist Henri Breuil famously speculated that the painting depicted a figure of Mediterranean or Egyptian origin due to its unique style, though this theory has since been debunked by modern carbon dating and stylistic analysis confirming its indigenous San origin. To protect the art, a metal fence was installed in front of the shelter to prevent visitors from touching or wetting the pigments.

Nearby Landmarks

Brandberg Mountain Summit (Königstein) – 4.8km Northwest

Tsisab Ravine – 0.1km East

Uis Mine – 32km Southeast

Hungarob Ravine – 3.5km Southwest