Plizio Visual Lab

Kwebe Hills

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Mountain

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The Kwebe Hills are a historically and culturally significant range in northwestern Botswana, situated about 50 kilometers south of Lake Ngami. Composed of volcanic rock, these hills rise prominently from the surrounding Kalahari plains and served as strategic refuges in the past. The Kwebe Hills gained prominence primarily through the London Missionary Society (LMS), which established a mission station here in the late 19th century under the direction of David Livingstone's associates. The ruins of this station and the graves of early settlers remain today as witnesses to colonial history and the efforts to proselytize the local Batawana population. Archaeological sites around the hills indicate habitation since the Iron Age, as the elevated terrain often provided better access to water resources. The vegetation is characteristic of dry savanna, with many myrrh trees and Commiphora species dominating the rocky landscape. Today, the Kwebe Hills are a destination for history buffs and hikers seeking the tranquility of the Botswana wilderness away from the major tourist routes. The geological formation of the hills is part of an ancient volcanic chain that extends into Namibia.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	28	27	26	24	20	17	16	20	24	28	29	28
Rain mm	113	104	76	31	3	4	0	1	3	18	46	97

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The hills are situated south of the Okavango Delta and are best reached by self-driving a fully equipped 4x4 vehicle from Maun. The tracks leading into the area are notoriously sandy, completely unpaved, and generally unmarked, requiring robust navigation skills.

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Best season

The cooler and predominantly dry winter months from May to August offer the most bearable temperatures for hiking and exploring the rocky outcrops. Summer visits often bring extreme heat, heavy sudden thunderstorms, and severely restricted access due to mud.

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Terrain & paths

Rising distinctly above the surrounding flat Kalahari sands, the terrain features rugged rocky slopes, scattered ancient baobab trees, and loose scree. Hikers should anticipate uneven, unmarked paths that demand careful footing and physical stamina to ascend.

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What to bring

Sturdy, high-cut hiking boots are essential to protect against sharp rocks, thorns, and potential snake encounters. Visitors must carry abundant drinking water, a wide-brimmed sun hat, a comprehensive GPS device, and a fully stocked wilderness first-aid kit.

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Parking

There are no formalized car parks in this exceptionally remote wilderness area. Travelers typically pull their off-road vehicles safely aside in cleared sandy patches near the base of the hills, taking extreme care not to damage the sparse desert vegetation.

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Safety

The extreme isolation poses the greatest risk; you must be completely self-sufficient. Beware of venomous snakes and scorpions hiding among the rocks, and always inform someone in Maun of your exact route, planned itinerary, and expected return time.

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Time needed

Given the long, challenging off-road drive required just to reach the base, a trip to explore these historical hills generally demands a full day from Maun, or is ideally incorporated into a multi-day bush camping itinerary equipped for rough wilderness survival.

Geography

Coordinates

-20.60000, 23.10000

Facts

The Kwebe Hills served as a mission location for the London Missionary Society in the 1890s.
Associates of David Livingstone, including James Reid, were stationed at this mission.
The hills reach an elevation of approximately 1,100 to 1,200 meters above sea level.
Geologically, they consist of porphyry, a volcanic rock dating back to the Precambrian era.
Archaeologists discovered evidence of Iron Age trade links extending to the coast.
The nearby Toteng Dam is a major local water infrastructure project.