White Lady of Brandberg — Maack Shelter Rock Art

The White Lady of Brandberg is Namibia’s most famous piece of rock art and one of the most celebrated San paintings in the world. Located in Maack Shelter at the foot of the Brandberg, the panel measures 5.5m x 1.5m and depicts numerous human figures, oryxes and other animals in vivid ochre and white — painted by San hunter-gatherers approximately 2,000 years ago. The central figure (ironically not female — closer examination reveals it is male) was first described by German topographer Reinhard Maack in 1917. A guided 3-hour return hike leads to the shelter; guides are mandatory (N$270 international fee). Bags and bottles are not permitted near the paintings to protect the art.