Kondoa

Kondoa is a small town in the northern part of Dodoma Region, best known for the Kondoa Irangi Rock Paintings, a collection of hundreds of ancient rock art sites scattered across the escarpment and granite boulders of the Irangi Hills. These paintings —some estimated at 2,000–3,000 years old—depict animals (giraffes, antelope, elephants), human figures, and geometric patterns in red, white, and ochre pigments. Kondoa town itself is a quiet trading centre at 1,375 m.

Kondoa is about 90 km north of Dodoma on a tarmac road, about 1.5 hours by bus. Regular dala-dalas and buses run from Dodoma's central bus terminal.

The rock art sites are spread across several kilometres of the escarpment. You need a guide (arranged at the Kondoa Cultural Centre or at the Kolo site entrance) and a vehicle — 4WD is recommended in the rainy season.

• Kolo Rock Art Site — the most accessible and best-preserved of the Irangi paintings, with dozens of panels showing animals, geometric symbols, and scenes of ritual life.

• Pahi and Mnenia sites — more remote rock painting sites deeper in the escarpment, with larger-format animal depictions.

• Irangi Hills — the granitic escarpment itself is a geological and ecological landmark, with baobab, candelabra euphorbia, and dramatic viewpoints.

• Guided rock art tour — a half-day to full-day guided walk to 3–5 painting sites, with explanations from Irangi elders or trained guides.

• Walking in the Irangi Hills — birdwatching and scenic hiking across the escarpment, with views of the Rift Valley.

A few basic eateries in Kondoa town serve ugali, beans, and chai. Most visitors bring a picnic from Dodoma for the rock art tour.

Chai and bottled sodas are available. Bring water from Dodoma.

• Kondoa Cultural Centre Guesthouse — basic but clean rooms with hot water; books guides for the rock art tours.
• Kondoa District Guesthouse — the main government guesthouse. Most visitors visit on a day trip from Dodoma.

Small roadside stalls sell local pottery and traditional baskets. No dedicated craft shops.

Dodoma (90 km south). Babati (75 km north, in Manyara Region). Tarangire National Park (2 hours northwest via Babati). Singida (100 km west).