A Journey Through Tradition and Heritage
Botswana offers a wealth of cultural experiences that allow travellers to immerse themselves in the rich traditions and heritage of the region. From visiting local communities to exploring traditional art and music, these experiences provide a deeper understanding of Botswana's diverse cultural landscape. Let’s explore the culture in Botswana together so you can decide which you’d like to include as part of your safari.
Visiting local villages offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the Botswana people. Here you can learn about traditional customs, crafts, and the architecture of mud huts that have been used for centuries.
This is often a great opportunity to purchase items made by the villages so that you go home with something authentic whilst also giving back to the community.
Botswana hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from music and dance to traditional ceremonies. A few examples of these include:
The Domboshaba Festival, held in the North-East District every September, celebrates Kalanga culture with traditional music, dance, and crafts. It's a vibrant display of the community's heritage, offering a unique opportunity to experience Kalanga traditions firsthand.
Gaborone (the capital of Botswana) hosts the Maitisong Festival, Botswana's largest arts festival. Held annually (usually in August), this event features various performances, including theatre, music, and dance, from local and international artists. It's a significant cultural event that highlights Botswana's contemporary arts scene.
The Khawa Dune Challenge in the Kgalagadi District combines cultural exhibitions with adrenaline-pumping activities like quad biking and sand dune challenges. The festival also features traditional music and dance performances, making it a unique blend of adventure and cultural experience.
The Kuru Dance Festival, held in D'Kar, is an annual event that celebrates San culture through traditional music, dance, and storytelling. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the ancient traditions of the San people, one of Botswana's indigenous groups.
Botswana's craft markets are vibrant hubs where visitors can purchase handmade goods such as basketry, pottery, and beadwork. These markets not only provide unique souvenirs but also support local artisans, so we’d encourage a visit to one of these markets as part of your safari arrangements.
The San people, often referred to as Bushmen, are among Botswana's oldest cultural groups. Guided experiences with the San offer insights into their ancient traditions, hunting techniques, and survival skills in the Kalahari Desert.
Get lost in the seemingly endless Kalahari Desert, sleep out under the stars, and walk with the Zu’hoasi Bushmen on this adventure of a lifetime. You’ll stay at one of the most legendary camps in Botswana, each room full of curios from Natural History, you’ll also get back to basics sleeping under a blanket of stars on Kubu Island.
From 14500 per person
Spend 10 days on this small group tour heading through Botswana staying in fully serviced en-suite tented camping.
From 4500 per person
A luxury Botswana safari taking in a selection of award-winning luxury camps combined with world-class game viewing.
From 23000 per person
Discover the Kweene Trails, an area of the Okavango Delta few visitors get the opportunity to survey.
From 12000 per person
Sampling traditional Botswana cuisine is a cultural experience within itself. Dishes like seswaa (pounded meat) and morogo (wild spinach) are staples, providing a taste of the local food culture.
Sites like the Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are significant for their ancient rock art and spiritual importance to the San people. These sites offer a window into Botswana's long history and cultural evolution. Additional historical and cultural sites that are worth consideration include:
Located in the Tswapong Hills, Moremi Gorge is not only a place of stunning natural beauty but also of cultural importance. It is home to several sacred waterfalls and caves that are significant to local traditions and beliefs.
The site of David Livingstone’s mission station, Kolobeng provides a glimpse into the early interactions between Europeans and local Tswana communities. It includes the ruins of a school and a church established by Livingstone.
This archaeological site features the remnants of a 19th-century capital city of the Bamangwato people. It includes ruins of houses, a church, and other structures, providing insights into the colonial and pre-colonial history of Botswana.
A historic site near the capital, Gaborone Village includes the remnants of the original settlement of the Batlokwa people. It offers a view into the traditional architecture and settlement patterns of the region.
Known for its cultural and spiritual significance, Lecheng includes ancient rock paintings and sacred spots used by local communities for rituals and ceremonies. It's an important site for understanding the spiritual practices of Botswana's indigenous people.
