Deep in Kumi District is a wonderful treasure trove to visit and learn about the Uganda history , as told through beautiful and well preserved rock paintings. Nyero rock painting is its name, a rocky setting with three beautiful sets of paintings that date to before 1250 CE. The most beautiful of these is made of concentric circles in white, a representation of the galaxies beauty. It is considered the most unique prehistoric art, a reason as to why it graces the face of the 1,000 Ugandan shilling notes, as designed in 2010.

Painting at Nyero Rock.

Nyero’s paintings are believed to have been drawn been dyed by the Batwa, one of the two indigenous tribes of Uganda. They are a pygmy tribe that occupied Eastern Uganda before the migration of its current occupants, Nilotics and Luo.

Some of the rocks that make up Nyero

Apart from its historical significance, Nyero offers rock climbing and hiking opportunities off-the-beaten-track. There are three main areas to visit, each sheltered by enormous rocks, each more beautiful than the last. The tour here entails climbing and down rocks, but worry not, you will pull it off even if you are not physically fit.

Touring Nyero costs 10,000UGX.