Botswana Tourism

A frequent haunt of lions and leopards these hills have several sets rock- paintings, with some been painted as long as 4000 years ago.

Visit the Sky Lounge, Botswana National Stadium, Francistown Stadium and Lobatse Stadium, which are some of the most popular cultural attractions in Botswana. Nightlife in the wild means taking in all of nature’s glory, its might as well as fury. 

Entertainment comes to Botswana in the form of Maitisong Festival, held in Gaborone every year during the last week of March and first week of April. What started as an evening entertainment for family and close friends has now turned into Botswana’s largest performing arts festival. A pleasant carnival atmosphere spreads all over and features a variety of performances. Theatre, marimba bands, traditional music and dance as well as street vendors selling food and drinks, all have an open stage to showcase their talents.

The Batswana locals believe in a big lunch while the rest of the meals mostly comprise of tea and bread or maybe any leftover. Their diet is very similar to those inhabiting the rest of South Africa. Lamb, mutton, chicken and other meats form a significant part of their diet, with beef being the king of them all. Pulse dishes are also very popular as the country has many varieties of beans and peas being grown. A few popular local dishes are:

Seswaa- Their national dish is a meat stew served with thick maize or green leaves called Morogo.

Vetkoek is deep fried dough which is late stuffed with curried mince.

Botswana has its own variety of beer, which is fermented from sorghum, maize, millet and wild fruits or berries. While a local finds it very appealing it may not hold the same charm to a tourist who may prefer imported drinks.

Bon Arrivee- Just as one walks out of the airport, this friendly little joint comes into view. Steaks and seafood are the top picks here and while food takes its own sweet time to arrive, every item served on the plate is fresh and prepared moments ago.

Thorn Tree in Francistown has much to offer apart from the ambience and décor. Everything from a quick coffee, to burgers to fresh fish is available here.

Courtyard Restaurant in Gaborone has quite an imaginative African menu which is often combined with the staple food, to give an authentic yet tweaked eating experience.

Hilary’s- while all other eating joints in Botswana serve greasy sausages and fatty steaks, Hilary’s is known for its home cooked and surprisingly vegetarian dishes.

Southeast of Botswana where its capital Gaborone lies, have a few places where one can spend their nights with drinks and music. However, a trip to Botswana has more to do with nature and wildlife than to clubs and discos. Still, you could visit No. 1 Ladies Opera House, and Maitisong Cultural Centre are some of the more popular hang outs here.

Chatters Bar is a great place to spend a great evening with friends and families.

The monthly flea market is held at the Nakedi Road, Broadhurst in the capital city of Gaborone, which is quite a popular local attraction.

Botswanacraft - It is the largest retailer selling local souvenirs and handicrafts. Various malls are located throughout, such as Riverwalk Mall, African Mall, Broadhurst Mall and South Ring Mall are some of the popular ones.

Activities in Botswana mostly include hiking, trekking and guided tours. A sports centre can also be found in the capital called the Gaborone Golf Course. The 18 hole golf course also has a swimming pool, bar and restaurant. All other activities involve nature and wildlife.  Some of the well-known hiking trails are:

Divuyu Trail- a short and rocky climb it leads to ruins of the Diyuyu village.

Rhino Trail- the trail takes one across many site that have their own stories to tell. Considered as the most interesting trail of all, with the many legends surrounding it.

A bronze sculpture depicting three tribal chiefs, who altered the fate of Botswana.

On top of Thathaganyana Hill in Serowe, lies the grave of Sir SeretseKhama, the founding father of modern Botswana. A visit to this area requires prior permission from police as it is a sensitive area.

ISKCON Gaborone (KrishnaBalaramPalace) and the ISKCON Gaboronein Gaborone are two important religious sites in the country. These beautiful buildings are the holy abode of the Hindu Lord Krishna and Balaram.

There aren’t very many museums however, Nhabe is a cosy little museum in Maun, which has all of Botswana fitted into it. History, art and culture all have a select few exhibits dedicated to them. Photos, paintings, pottery, baskets and other local produce are also displayed here and are up for sale. Visit the NationalMuseum in Gaborone for an enriching experience.

With over 165 species of birds, both migratory and local, the sanctuary also protects antelopes, zebras, jackals, foxes, monkeys and squirrels. The dry season i.e. May to October is the best time to visit, however during the rainy season it is the haven for migratory birds.

A dry granite rock island surrounded by a sea of salt, located in the Makgadikgadi Pan area of Botswana. It is the largest salt complex in the world and has a crescent shaped stone wall at one shore. Hunting of animals, collection of fruits and also carrying a rock out of the island is prohibited.

A frequent haunt of lions and leopards these hills have several sets rock- paintings, with some been painted as long as 4000 years ago.