Rock art is found across the world and is a unique heritage which is divided into three main categories; rock paintings (pictographs), rock engravings, (petroglyphs), and geoglyphs (natural objects used as designs) (Anati, 1993; Clottes, 1997). This study deals with rock art paintings (pictographs) in the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park (UDP). Based on the South African National Heritage Resource Agency’s rock art definition - being any form of painting, engraving or other graphic representation on a fixed rock surface or loose rock or stone, which was executed by human agency and which is older than 100 years, including any area within ten meters of such representation” (NHRA, 1999: 6). The focus of this research revolved around the advantages and disadvantages of tourism developments at rock art sites and the way in which these sites and painting are being managed and conserved through sustainable tourism practices. Positive impacts of sustainable tourism practices identified were through the increase in rock art awareness, providing opportunities for people to see and experience existing paintings in a natural setting and the contributions from rock art tourism to the local communities and local infrastructure. The negative aspects of rock art tourism include alternating of the sites and the increasing probability of negative human impacts such as graffiti and vandalism which deteriorate the art. These impacts are paradoxical to the future of conserving rock art and were explored the study.

Fordred & Mearns, Managing open rock art sites for tourism, in the central uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa PP.pdf

Fordred & Mearns, Managing open rock art sites for tourism, in the central uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.pdf