Kuru Dance Festival. Image source: Events and Festivals Blog
Nestled quietly in the center of Southern Africa lies Botswana, a country that boasts of a varied amount of wildlife, national parks, and game reserves especially the Central Kalahari Game Reserve where tourists can enjoy the beautiful sight of Elephants, Lions, Zebras, Springboks, Black-Backed jackals amongst many others.
Besides being a delight for the exploration of nature at its finest, Botswana also offers visitors a rich cultural experience with its array of festivities that immerses visitors in the rich traditions of the country. Whether it be traditional music and arts, Botswana’s cultural landscape leaves visitors with a rich and rewarding experience. Let’s explore some of the festivities that make Botswana a great place to visit.
Kuru Dance Festival
The Kuru Dance Festival is a gathering of communities from Botswana and neighboring countries like South Africa, and Namibia. The festival provides an opportunity for these various ethnic groups to showcase their rich history and tell their story with unique dance steps, and elaborate costumes.
The dance styles displayed during the event speak of the life history of the ethnic groups present. Various dances like the rite of passage dance, courtship dance, and hunting dance among others provide insights into the way and life of the ethnic groups and their shared history as a people. It is largely held in August.
Khawa Dune Challenge
If you enjoy high-paced activities and edge-of-your-seat experiences, then the Khawa Dune Challenge is a perfect opportunity to live wild and free. Experience the stunning beauty of the Kalahari deserts as the region of Khawa entertains visitors with various forms of motorbike and quad bike circuit racing. Added to such adventurous experiences are camel-back rides, night camp-outs, music festivals, and other cultural performances that introduce people to the beauty of the region while also exploring the wonders of the Kalahari Desert.
Source: Facebook | Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival
President’s Day
To honor the contributions of its leaders in the progress and development of Botswana, the people set aside a special day in July to remember and acknowledge the contributions of its past and present leaders and the roles they played in uplifting the fortunes of the nation after its independence in 1966.
This four (4) day-long national holiday cuts across every part of the nation and sees citizens return to their various home communities to participate in diverse cultural celebrations.
Maun Festival
If you are a lover of arts, then the Maun International Arts Festival is the place to be. Commonly held in April, the festivals bring to life the uniqueness of Botswana’s artistic talent. The festivals offer visitors the opportunity to explore various artistic works of local artists ranging from beadworks, carvings, and various potteries with diverse unique designs. This unique show of craftsmanship reflects the cultural history of the people of Botswana.
Maitisong Festival
Music, dance, poetry, comedy, whatever you desire to see in a performance arts event, the Maitisong Festival offers such an entertainment experience. Arguably one of the biggest arts festivals in Botswana, the event attracts both international and local artists for live performances that entertain the audience and enrich their cultural experience of the country.
Okechukwu Nzeribe works with the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, in Anambra State, Nigeria, and loves unveiling the richness of African cultures. okechukwu.onicima@gmail.com
