Cities and regions／Malawi
Place of interest ·

Chongoni Rock-Art Area

A granite-and-forest landscape near Dedza containing 127 rock-art shelters linked to BaTwa/Akafula and Chewa traditions. Visits depend on the available shelter, local guiding and respect for continuing ritual practices.

Chongoni Rock-Art Area
Photo by Lazare Eloundou Assomo Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
The place

What makes it special

  • Mphunzi suits a two- to three-hour visit from Dedza, with about 30 minutes by vehicle.
  • Namzeze preserves red and white paintings but requires up to an hour by vehicle and a 15- to 30-minute uphill walk.
  • The area remains culturally significant to Chewa communities, beyond its rock paintings.
Respectful close view of red and white rock paintings on granite at Chongoni.
Photo by Lazare Eloundou Assomo Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
Chongoni Rock-Art Area
Photo by Lazare Eloundou Assomo Source: Wikimedia Commons Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0 igo
Travel atlas

Articles in Chongoni Rock-Art Area

Guides to this place

1 article

Chongoni Rock-Art Area

Viajalo Editorial

Guides to this place

1 related guides

Respectful close view of red and white rock paintings on granite at Chongoni.

Planning a Visit to Chongoni’s Rock Art with a Local Guide

At Chongoni, the best plan is not to collect rock shelters. It is to choose a feasible visit, go with a guide and accept that a ceremonial landscape is not always available to visitors.

Read guide →
Information in context

Sources and references

This profile summarises our destination guides. Their research sources and the geographical reference are listed below.

Profile updated: 13/09/2026