The Nyero rock paintings are historical old paintings found in Kumi district in the eastern part of Uganda dating centuries of years ago, they are said to have been drawn by the early settlers of Kumi based on archeological facts its believed that the first settlers of here were the batwa(pygmy) a group of last short structured people in the country who can now be found around the Bwindi impenetrable national park in the south western Uganda they probably would have been moved by migrants especially Nilotic and bantu group of people , lately it’s the Itesot group of people who settle in this area they are traditionally cattle keepers.
The paintings are important rock of art in Uganda first documented in 1913, they were added to the UNESCO world heritage site as a way of preserving the cultural history, the site is a beautiful drawn with different kinds of paintings and similar colorings most of which bear meaning as it will be explained by the guide that takes around the rocks, they are three rock shelters that could have been written in the stone age period adorable and remarkable drawings that one shouldn’t miss out. There are six of the rocks each of which is called Nyero, they are considered to be the most beautiful and protected historic sites in Uganda.
The Nyero rock paintings have an admirable environment with cool breeze, a perfect stopover to the kidepo national park, above the rocks is a scenic environment with views of chanced primates especially monkeys, reptiles and some bird species it is a refreshing and relaxing destination unveiling the beauty of the pearl of Africa, the historical site is worth a visit as you get a chance to see other 3 land marked caves in the region.
The paintings are increasingly being visited with annual number increment they are best to see in the dry seasons of December –February and June- mid September, it should be noted that the rocks are accessible in the wet seasons as well but a lot of care has to be put into consideration as they are very slippery. The rock paintings remain valuable to the people of Teso and treasure them despite un known facts about the original drawers.
Besides the Nyero rock paintings, there are other sights with rock paintings such as the Mukongoro located in Kumi district, the Komuge in bukedea district, among other unexplored few the common theme of the paintings is circles towards the center in red pigment, some of the sight allow tourists to paint their names on rock walls for future findings. And maintaining historical sites.
Nyero rock painting is 10miles away from Kumi town, its approximately 5 hours’ drive from Kampala to Kumi district, safaris can be adjoined to kidepo valley national park and mountain Elgon national park there is fairly available accommodation in Kumi town or one can decide on staying in either Mbale or Soroti town for better services Kumi’s temperature is slightly high and hence advisable to wear light clothes especially during the dry season. Please book with Lionking safaris Uganda.