MORE THAN A SAFARI
Discover Botswana’s cultures
Botswana is home to an array of cultures, each contributing to the country’s rich heritage.
Botswana’s cultural heritage
Botswana’s cultural heritage
To truly understand any place, you need to interact with its people. That’s why we’ve created experiences in our Botswana camps that immerse you in the local culture. Explore national heritage sites, learn from the local staff, and engage with the surrounding communities in a respectful, meaningful and educational manner.
Cultural groups of Botswana
From the Tswana to the San, the BaYei and Hambukushu, Botswana is rich in culture. We couldn’t begin to list all of the ethnic groups in this country, as there are many, but here are a few of the major cultures.
The San
The San or Basarwa people, which include many sub-ethnic groups, each with their own Khoisan language, are indigenous to Botswana, with ancestral homelands in the Central Kalahari. Traditionally hunter gatherers, many today are cattle farmers or pastoralists. The San possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge on flora and fauna, as well as ancient animal tracking, hunting and survival techniques.
The BaYei
The first Bantu speakers to migrate to the Okavango Delta, the BaYei (or WaYeyi) people speak ShiYeyi. They are known for their fishing skills and their strong connection to the waters of the Delta, having historically depended on them for their survival. The BaYei, alongside other cultural groups, are associated with the invention of the mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe still used today.
The Hambukushu
Also a Bantu-speaking people who emigrated from Central Africa, the Hambukushu are known for the arts, including paintings, wooden carvings, traditional music used in ancestral worship, and intricate basket weaving. Generations of Hambukushu women have used these baskets to catch fish in the Okavango. The Hambukushu speak Thimbukushu, and also live in parts of Zambia, Namibia, and Angola.
The Tswana
The Tswana people are the largest ethnic group in the country, making up over 70% of the population. They are comprised of many sub-ethnic groups and tribes led by separate chiefs, but many speak Setswana, the official language of Botswana. Historically and in the modern day, many rely on herding and cattle farming, and continue to practice traditional medicine, song and dance.
The San
The San
The San or Basarwa people, which include many sub-ethnic groups, each with their own Khoisan language, are indigenous to Botswana, with ancestral homelands in the Central Kalahari. Traditionally hunter gatherers, many today are cattle farmers or pastoralists. The San possess a wealth of indigenous knowledge on flora and fauna, as well as ancient animal tracking, hunting and survival techniques.
The BaYei
The BaYei
The first Bantu speakers to migrate to the Okavango Delta, the BaYei (or WaYeyi) people speak ShiYeyi. They are known for their fishing skills and their strong connection to the waters of the Delta, having historically depended on them for their survival. The BaYei, alongside other cultural groups, are associated with the invention of the mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe still used today.
The Hambukushu
The Hambukushu
Also a Bantu-speaking people who emigrated from Central Africa, the Hambukushu are known for the arts, including paintings, wooden carvings, traditional music used in ancestral worship, and intricate basket weaving. Generations of Hambukushu women have used these baskets to catch fish in the Okavango. The Hambukushu speak Thimbukushu, and also live in parts of Zambia, Namibia, and Angola.
The Tswana
The Tswana
The Tswana people are the largest ethnic group in the country, making up over 70% of the population. They are comprised of many sub-ethnic groups and tribes led by separate chiefs, but many speak Setswana, the official language of Botswana. Historically and in the modern day, many rely on herding and cattle farming, and continue to practice traditional medicine, song and dance.
Cultural experiences
Village visit
Wilderness Vumbura Plains guests can visit the Okavango Community Trust village of Eretsha.
Craft demonstrations
Watch a demonstration and learn basket-weaving techniques from the Wilderness DumaTau and Vumbura Plains staff.
Boma night
Hear traditional songs, eat and share stories around the fire, and enjoy the African tradition of communal dining.
Traditional cuisine
Taste traditional local food like seswaa (slow-cooked meat with maize porridge or ‘pap’) at Wilderness Qorokwe.
Stories from our guests
"What really stood out to me was that the staff at [DumaTau] were truly exceptional and a key part of what made my stay so memorable – they engaged in meaningful conversations, sharing stories about the local culture and their own lives, which made the experience feel even more authentic”. – BB, September 2024 Review
Taste of Botswana
Signature dishes at Wilderness Vumbura Plains use the traditional powdered root of the Okavango waterlily, tswii.
The iconic baobab’s root powder, a natural superfood, is used at Wilderness Mombo and Wilderness DumaTau, in menu items such as smoothies. DumaTau’s impressive menu also features elements of Kalahari truffle, marula and ground nuts.
Be sure to chat to a Travel Designer about camp cuisine, as our creative chefs are always developing new dishes.
Cultural calendar
Independence Day
This day celebrates Botswana’s independence from Great Britain in 1966, and is celebrated yearly on September 30th.
Maitisong Festival
One of the biggest annual cultural events, Maitisong is a 10-day celebration of music, art, poetry and theatre.
Dikgafela Harvest Fest
This is one of many festivals that thanks the ancestors for the latest harvest, and asks them to bless the next.
President’s Day
An annual occasion celebrates Botswana’s first president, Sir Seretse Khama, & the leaders who came after.
Frequently asked questions
Cultural encounters in Botswana
Plan a culturally enriching safari
Our expert Travel Designers will curate a personalised itinerary for you, balancing your dream safari camp with unforgettable wildlife encounters and rich cultural experiences.
Enquire now
Let’s plan your next journey
Ready?
When we say we’re there every step of the way, we mean it, literally. From planning the perfect circuit, to private inter-camp transfers on Wilderness Air, and easing you through Customs. We’re with you on the ground, at your side, 24-7, from start to finish. Ready to take the road less travelled? Contact our Travel Designers to plan an unforgettable journey.