Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino | The Adventure Travel Site

An Explorer’s Crash Course: Travel Guide to Botswana

Discover the underrated wonders of Botswana, with a crash course on travelling around the region. Known for its untouched landscapes, abundant wilderness, and colourful heritage, exploring Botswana promises an unforgettable journey chasing the beauty of southern Africa.

When to Visit

Due to changes in the climate, Botswana’s seasons follow a loose guideline. Typically, however, the best time to book your stay at a Botswana resort is during the dry season, from May through October.

These months are considered the best for wildlife spotting, as well as for having pleasant, cool weather and minimal crowds, despite being peak season.

Getting to Botswana

The easiest way to get to Botswana is to book a flight to Gaborone’s international airport, located 20 minutes from city hotels like Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. However, for those keen on exploring the northern landscapes first, consider landing in Zambia or Zimbabwe. Botswana’s stunning border towns are just a short drive from Livingstone and Victoria Falls, offering incredible wildlife sights along the riverbanks.

Botswanian Cuisine

Cradled by rich southern African cultures and diverse natural landscapes, Botswanian cuisine is a reflection of the nation’s colourful heritage and bounty. Staple dishes include seswaa (slow-cooked, shredded beef or goat), bogobe (sorghum porridge), and vetkoek (fried dough filled with meat), promising a hearty meal at any camp or restaurant in Botswana.

Must-See Sites

Although Botswana is packed with an endless collection of stunning sites, some adventures are too essential to leave out from your travel itinerary. Visit the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and explore the riverbank ecosystem on canoe safaris and game drives.

The otherworldly Makgadikadi Salt Pans should not be missed either. As one of the largest salt flats on earth, this surreal landscape offers views unlike any other, accompanied by seasonal wildlife migrations.

Top Cultural Experiences to Enjoy in Botswana – Pick your adventure and get started!

Being a country in South Africa, Botswana certainly does have a lot to offer travellers in terms of cultural experiences. For those swashbuckler travellers out there looking for some exciting experiences in this part of the world, consider some of these cultural expeditions.

Kuru_Dance_Festival — Image by SanDanceVR via wikimedia commons

Visit Traditional Villages

How about starting out with a peek into the lives of the locals? Add a tour of a traditional village to your list of things to do in Gaborone and delve into the lifestyles of the people here. Explore mud huts, learn about traditional customs, and even find local crafts you can purchase as souvenirs. Gaborone Village located a short distance away from hotels like Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino is a great place to begin.

Festivals in Botswana

Some of the festivals held throughout the year in the country also provide great insights into the local culture. The Domboshaba Festival takes place in September and is a celebration of Kalanga culture, dance, music and crafts. The Kuru Dance Festival is another cultural experience of traditional storytelling, dance and music held in D’Kar.

Arts & Crafts Markets

These markets showcase the local craftsmanship of the people of Botswana. You’ll find handcrafted baskets, beadwork and pottery for sale. These would be ideal souvenirs to take back home with you.

The Bushmen Experience

Known to be one of the oldest tribes in the country, the San people are also called Bushmen. A guided tour with this cultural group will provide insight into their unique hunting techniques and survival skills in the Kalahari Desert.

A Guide to Experiencing Gaborone’s Rich Cultural Heritage: Hidden Gems and Vibrant Traditions

Gaborone, the heart of Botswana, is a vibrant hub brimming with history, art, and culture. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning traveller, this city promises unique experiences that weave together traditional and modern influences. Here’s how to soak up Gaborone’s rich cultural heritage.

The Thriving Art Scene

Start your journey by immersing yourself in the city’s art spaces. Gaborone boasts galleries like Thapong Visual Arts Centre, where local artists showcase their talents. Whether it’s sculptures, paintings, or photography, each piece tells a story of Botswana’s enigmatic culture.

Cultural Performances and Music

No visit to Gaborone is complete without experiencing its traditional music and dance. Head to cultural festivals or community events to witness electrifying Tswana dance performances and soulful singing that embody Botswana’s spirit.

Taste the Local Cuisine

Indulge in the flavours of Botswana by trying seswaa, a slow-cooked meat dish, and madila, fermented milk. If you’re looking for the best hotel in Gaborone that offers a modern twist on local flavours, the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino are among your options.

Kalanga, Seswaa avec bogobe, CC BY-SA 3.0

Explore the National Museum

Dive deeper into history at the Botswana National Museum. This gem highlights everything from archaeological finds to contemporary art, offering a full-circle view of the country’s evolution.

Discovering the Culture of Botswana

While Botswana may be well known for its wildlife reserves and safaris, don’t forget this southern African nation has a rich heritage and culture too that are equally enthralling.

A Great Place to Start

For those planning a holiday here, a great place to learn about the local culture is the National Museum and Art Gallery close to Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino. Those staying at such hotels in Gaborone, Botswana can easily visit this museum which features exhibits on history, arts and crafts, culture, wildlife, nature, paintings and more.

Diverse Local Tribes

The people of Botswana are made up of various tribes, though the majority are from the Tswana ethnic group; in fact, the country is named after the Tswana people. The Basarwa, Babirwa, Bayei and Kalanga are amongst the many other tribal groups in the country, each with a unique set of customs and traditions.

Indigenous Music

Those on cultural tours in Botswana should also look to hear indigenous music which has its own identity. Passed along over generations, this form of traditional music incorporates rhythmic clapping and singing; also popular is folk music which features traditional lyrics and stringed instruments for a memorable auditory experience.

Traditional Dance

Very much a part of the local culture is the various traditions of dance to be found here too. These often expressive dances can vary from tribe to tribe and are performed at festivals and religious ceremonies or even for storytelling. Examples include the distinctive rain dance of the San people in Botswana.

Celebrate the trio of bronze giants

Anyone who visits Botswana does not forget to visit the trio of massive bronze figures. This monument reveals many facts about the history of Botswana too.

The Three Dikgosi

This monument is also known as the Three Dikgosi. These 3 statues represent Sebele I, Bathoen I and Khama III who were considered three tribal leaders who took measures to talk on behalf of the people of Botswana once.

Their story

They travelled from Botswana to Britain in 1885 when the country was about to be threatened due to the exploitative British South Africa Company. The case was brought to the Queen and the situation was handled.

Recognition and celebration

According to the historical facts, their actions brought both good and bad to Botswana. But still, this monument was built and 2005 for the locals to pay their due respect. The statues have been done in regal bronze and they are 18 ft tall.

Visiting this monument

If you are holidaying in one of the hotels in Gaborone Botswana the likes of Avani Gaborone Resort & Casino, you will surely visit Botswana Square. Once you visit this place, you’ll find these three statues standing proudly there.