#seswaa

[lionheartlr]

Botswana

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, offers a unique blend of spectacular wildlife, rich culture, and vibrant history. This travel guide will take you through everything you need to know for an unforgettable visit to Botswana. Brief History Botswana, known as Bechuanaland during the colonial period, has a rich history dating back to ancient times with early hunter-gatherer…

[foodies-channel]

🍥 Lunches for this next week set: Seswaa with Pap and Peas.

🍔YouTube || 🍟Reddit

[depictae]

10 Interesting Facts About Botswana

Learn 10 interesting facts about Botswana, from its abundant wildlife and the Okavango Delta to its diamond wealth and stable democracy. Explore Botswana's unique attractions and rich cultural heritage.

Basic Information About Botswana Country Full Name: Republic of Botswana Continent: Africa Official Language: English, Setswana Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP) Capital: Gaborone Main Dish: Seswaa (pounded meat) Famous For: Wildlife, Okavango Delta, diamond mining, Chobe National Park, stable democracy Size: 581,730 square kilometers Population: Approximately 2.4 million Name Meaning: The…

[gkathleenk]

BOTSWANA

DAY ONE

I flew in from Morocco to Gaborone, Botswana. The first thing I did when landing in Gaborone is make my way to my Airbnb. I chose to stay at a little tiny home cottage that cost 1915.65 BWP (Botswana Pula) (139 USD) per night.

After checking in, I went to the National Museum and Art Gallery. It was an 11-minute walk from my Airbnb. In Botswana, the most common form of transportation is bus, but since the distance was so short, I took a walk. Opened to the public in 1967, the National Museum and Art Gallery was made to show off African artwork and culture. The museum tries to promote lesser known artists as opposed to super famous ones. In 2007, the museum added a botanical garden. They show history in Africa in the museum, with displays such as oxcarts and traditional thatched houses.

After the museum, I walked to Nandos Main Mall. I decided to get a Nando's Salad, which was 55 BWP (3.99 USD) and the burger meal with fries, and that costed 93 BWP (6.75 USD). My tab was 148 BWP and I tipped the waiter 14.8 BWP, as 10% is the customary in Botswana.

Even though I ate in The Main Mall, I decided not to shop. The Main Mall is the biggest tourist attraction in Gaborone. Instead, I went to The Three Dikgosi Monument. Built in September 2005, this monument shows three 18ft tall Dikgosi (chiefs) who played roles in Botswana's independence from Great Britain: Khama III, Sebele I, and Batheon I. In 1895, the three Dikgosi went to Great Britain to demand freedom, but they didn't until 1960, but that was way sooner than what it would have been if the three Dikgosi didn't talk to them. Even though Great Britain had control of Botswana for 75 years, their effect on the country was actually minimal, and they didn't destroy the pre-existing culture when they took over. That is why so much of Botswana culture is so prevalent today.

After the monument, I went back to my Airbnb.

DAY TWO

Today in Botswana I wanted to explore religion in Botswana. Located a 2-minute drive away from my Airbnb was Trinity Church. The official religion of Botswana is Christianity, even though only 20% practice the religion. The remaining 80% practice various different religions. The main form of Christianity practiced is Protestantism. Christianity got its start in Botswana in 1812, and it was quickly adopted. Christian holidays are the only public holidays celebrated. The smallest religion is Hinduism, with 0.3% of the population practicing it. There are only 5 Hindu temples located in Botswana. There are some traditional African religions practiced, those being Badimo and Modimo. Badimo doesn't believe in gods or demigods, but they do believe in "living dead." The word 'Badimo' translates from Sotho-Tswana, and it means ancestors. Modimo is the name of the god that the Tswana worship. Modimo translates to "the high one" in Lesotho Sesotho. Tswana isn't really a religion in itself, it is instead the name of a Bantu ethnic group native to Botswana. The constitution of Botswana protects the peoples' freedom of religion, and forced conversion is against the law.

Speaking of laws and the legal system, Botswana has a Dutch-Roman law system. Dutch-Roman is an uncodified legal system, which means that it is absent from legislative statutes and existing only by virtue of the common law. The most common crime in Botswana is pickpocketing. Locals recommend carrying your backpack in front of you instead of on your back. You should also sit with your belongings close by.

After the church, I decided to get something to eat. The national dish of Botswana is Seswaa and it's a meat stew served over polenta or pap. Polenta is an Italian dish that is just yellow cornmeal, while pap is a porridge made from maize.

After eating I traveled to Kgale Hill, a famous tourist attraction in Gaborone. Kgale Hill translates to "The Place that Dried Up" in the countries national language of Setswana and is now nicknamed "The Sleeping Giant. Kgale Hill is 4,222ft above sea level. The hill takes an hour and 35 minutes.

After the 3 hour hike it took to do up and down, I decided to head home before my flight out tomorrow. See you in Oceania!

[benazirs-blog]

Bogobe With Mashed Pumpkin

Cooking, recipes, how to benazir's blog Actually I have seswa posted as a previous blog post and this is what is on top of the bagobe itself. So I am going to post a link to it just in case. Instant Pot Seswaa is made to go with this and now I am going to write about the rest of this post. For the mashed pumpkin you will need to turn the oven on to 400F or 200C. In a roasting pan you can coat…

[stocklivemarket]

If you are thinking of traveling to Gaborone, Botswana, you are in the right place. Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is located in a flat valley between the Kgali and Oodi Hills, on the banks of the Notwane River. It is located in the southeast of Botswana, 15 kilometers from the border with the Republic of South Africa. Gaborone, one of the fastest growing cities in Africa, receives a large share of the country's budget each year for the development of its roads, public buildings and infrastructure services. When to go to Gaborone April is the most beautiful time. But you can always go throughout the year. Where to Stay in Gaborone Let us share with you some of the things you need to know when traveling to Gaborone. Gaborone Luxury Hotels Falcon Crest Suites 5*, Walmont Ambassador at the Grand Palm 5*, Gaborone Hotel & Casino 5*, Gaborone Sun Hotel 4* Gaborone Budget Hotels Cresta President Hotel 3* Gaborone Hostels Brackendene Guest House Gaborone Places to Visit / Attractions Gaborone Dam, Gaborone Wildlife Park, Kgale Hill, Mokolodi Wildlife Park, Somarelang Tikologo Ecological Park, Botswana Parliament building and Khama monument, Orapa House, The Main Mall (The Mall), St. Claire Lion Park, National museum and art gallery, Thamaga pottery (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Gaborone Food / Restaurant / What to Eat and Drink? Your trip to Gaborone continues, if you can't decide what to eat, then it's time to talk about what to eat in Gaborone. The most consumed foods are oatmeal, fruit purée, Pap, Boerewors, coarse ground cornmeal, Vetkoek and Mopane worm. They cook oatmeal most often with sour milk. Its most popular dishes are "Seswaa" and "Chotlho". Usually men cook these. Steak, goat meat and river fish are the most consumed meats. Watermelon and Melon are widely grown in the region. There is a separate genus of melon called lerotse (lekatane). Wild melon grown in the desert is an important source of food and water for the people living in these regions. Local beer brands are Castle and Lion. Their homemade Non-Alcoholic ginger beer should also be tried. Gaborone Shopping / What to Buy? Wouldn't you like to beautify your Gaborone trip with shopping? Places where you can buy local products and souvenirs: Botswanacraft, Craft Workshop, Jewel of Africa African Mall Other major malls: South Ring Mall, Riverwalk mall, Bradhaus Mall. The biggest supermarket is The Mall. Gaborone Nightlife / Bar / Entertainment There are different activities that can be done at night in Gaborone. You can go to Maitison Cultural Center or Capital Players to watch a show such as theatre, music, Nightspark or Keg & Zebra to listen to live music, or to Chatters Bar or Bull & Bush Pub if you want to have a drink in a beautiful environment. There are also Casinos in Gaborone. The age limit to enter the casino is 18. When you travel to Gaborone, do not leave without tasting the nightlife! Gaborone Festival / Fair Mainly dance and music, the Maitisong Festival is an important festival held in Gaborone in April. Gaborone Holidays / Holidays / Important Days January 1 - New year (Ngwaga o mosha'"Gole dzwa in kalanga"), 2 January Public holiday, 1 July Sir Seretse Khama Day, 19 July President's Day (tsatsi la ga tautona), 20 July Public Holiday, October 30, Independence Day (Boipuso), December 25 Christmas (Keresemose "khisimose in Kalanga"), December 26-27, the day after Christmas Gaborone Considerations / Important Information While the city was known as Gaberones until 1969, now the old city of Gaborones has become a district of today's Gaborone and is briefly referred to as The Village. The center of the city was built in 3 years. Parliament buildings, government offices, power plant, hospitals, schools, radio station, police stations, post offices, radio houses and approximately 1000 houses are among the first structures built in this 3-year period.

The newly established district of Phakalene is home to 5-star hotels, restaurants, and nightclubs. Gaborone is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. Compared to other capitals in Africa, the public transport system has developed. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push(); Gaborone Population 208.411 Gaborone Climate / Weather It has a semi-arid climate. The temperature differences between day and night are very high. The hottest months are January and February. In October, although rare, the temperatures before the rain can rise suddenly. Humidity in June reaches up to 90%. September has the lowest humidity with 28%. In July and August, while the daytime temperature is around 23 degrees, it drops to 5 degrees at night. What Is Gaborone Made Of? Gaborone is a fairly small but not crowded capital. You can explore the city on foot. Most places, including shopping malls, are closed on Sundays. You can play golf during the day, see local handmade products and shop at Botswanacraft centre. There are very pleasant cafés and restaurants in Gaborone. On Saturdays and Sundays, at 16:00, you can go to the National Stadium and watch a football match. Major neighborhoods in Gaborone are Broadhurst, Gaborone West, The Village and Naledi. You can wander around these districts.

[travellife22]

Top 10 food in namibia botswana victoria falls

Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls are three of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa. With their stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich culture and history, it is no surprise that these countries attract so many visitors each year. However, one thing many travelers overlook is the delicious food these countries have to offer. From succulent seafood dishes to spicy stews, Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls each have their own unique culinary delights. In this blog post, we will be exploring the top 10 must-try foods in these three countries. Whether you are looking for a light snack or a hearty meal, these 10 dishes will tantalize your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.

The 5 best foods in Namibia

1. Namibian Fish: The country’s rich waters are home to some of the best fish in the world. From the staple hake to the more exotic tiger fish, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

2. Potjiekos: A traditional South African dish, potjiekos is a stew made in a three-legged pot over an open fire. It’s a popular dish in Namibia and can be made with any number of different meats and vegetables.

3. Chilled Watermelon Soup: This refreshing soup is perfect for a hot day in Namibia. It’s made with watermelon, cucumber, mint, and yogurt and is served cold.

4. Grilled Chicken: Chicken is a popular choice of meat in Namibia, and it’s often grilled over an open fire for extra flavor. Try it with piri piri sauce for a truly Namibian experience.

5. Cape Malay Curry: Another popular dish from South Africa, Cape Malay curry is a spicy curry made with chicken or lamb, tomatoes, potatoes, and masala spices.

The 5 best foods in Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The country is home to a variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Botswana is also home to some of the best food in the world. Here are 10 of the best foods you can find in Botswana:

1. Seswaa: This dish is made with beef or chicken that has been slow cooked until it is incredibly tender. The meat is then shredded and mixed with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. It is typically served with pap (a type of cornmeal porridge) or rice.

2. Morogo: This dish is made with spinach or other leafy greens that are cooked until they are soft. They are then mixed with onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. Morogo can be served as a side dish or as a main course.

3. Bean Stew: This hearty stew is made with a variety of beans, including black-eyed peas, lima beans, and kidney beans. The stew also contains tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of spices. It can be served with rice or bread.

4. Chicken Curry: This curry is made with chicken that has been cooked in a curry sauce made with coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and a variety of Indian spices. It can be served with rice or bread.

5. Beef Stew

The 6 best foods in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Africa, and for good reason. The Falls offer a breathtaking natural wonder, and the nearby town of Victoria Falls is full of great restaurants, cafes, and bars. Here are 10 of the best foods in Victoria Falls that you shouldn't miss out on:

1. Zambezi River Trout - The Zambezi River is home to some of the best trout in Africa, and you can find it served up fresh at many restaurants in Victoria Falls.

2. Biltong - This cured meat dish is a staple of South African cuisine, and you can find it served in many different ways in Victoria Falls.

3. Braai - A braai is a South African BBQ, and you'll find plenty of places serving up this delicious grilled food in Victoria Falls.

4. Cape Malay Curries - These curries are a specialty of the Cape Malay community in South Africa, and they're not to be missed while you're in Victoria Falls.

5. Peri-Peri Chicken - This spicy chicken dish originates from Mozambique, but you can find it all overVictoria Falls. It's usually served with rice or potatoes.

6. Vegetarian Food - There are plenty of great vegetarian options to be found in Victoria Falls, so don't worry if you're not a meat-eater.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls offer a rich and diverse culinary scene that is sure to satisfy any food lover. From traditional barbecues and stews to unique game meats and fresh seafood, there are many delicious dishes to discover in this part of Africa. Be sure to try some of these top 10 foods when you visit the region to experience the flavors and cultures of Namibia, Botswana, and Victoria Falls.

[plumeetprose]

« Lekhotloane » ou le boeuf pilé sur lit de morogo aux pommes de terre . « Cuisiner suppose une tête légère, un esprit généreux et un coeur large. » #PaulGauguin . Originaire du Lesotho, le « Lekhotloane » est un plat traditionnel africain composé de bœuf bouillie et pilé puis, cuisiné dans des oignons et un bouillon de boeuf. . Réalisé à la manière du #Seswaa de #Botswana puis, mijoté dans un bouillon de boeuf agrémenté d’oignons, le #Lekhotloane est généralement servi avec du morogo (épinards sauvages africains) et des pommes de terre. _____________________________ À l’occasion de la fête nationale lesothonienne, j’offre cette recette découverte sur la chaîne de « Cliffieland » à @latendresseencuisine dans #CuisinerPourLaPaix _____________________________ Ingrédients (4 personnes) : => pour le Lekhotloane : – 500g de poitrine de bœuf, – 1 litre d’eau, – 1 filet d’huile, – 1 oignon, – 1 cube de bouillon de bœuf, – Sel et poivre. => pour le morogo aux pommes de terre : – 1 bouquet de morogo, – 4 oignons verts, – 4 pommes de terre moyennes, – 1 cuillère-à-soupe bombée de beurre de cacahuète, – Sel et poivre. ___________________ La suite en commentaire ___________________ #Blogger #RecetteSimple #CuisineSimple #Citation #CitationDuJour #FeedFeed #FoodInstagram #InstaFeed #Funn #EasyRecipe #TheFeedFeed #InstaYummy #Eaaats #InstaGood #InstaFood #Foods #InMyKitchen #FoodOfTheDay #Blogueuse #RecetteFacile #Foodies #InstaPic (à Lesotho) https://www.instagram.com/p/CF6Ok3aDqdZ/?igshid=9xgmxosl3wnf

[howelljenkins]

thank you so much! I follow you over on @promethes too, and I think your writing is beautifully emotive. I'd love any constructive criticism you have to offer and just your general opinion, if that's OK?

Just a fair warning to you: these excerpts are from a poem which looks pretty deeply at my experience as an immigrant and as a mixed black kid, so it is a touch on the heavy side.

Please don't feel obliged to read it!

i. Your mother tongue will die run through on the cut-glass edge of empire that sits between teeth and tongue. The taste of blood lessens with time.

(So does the taste of home.)

ii. This land is yours to walk, home to sorghum paste and seswaa and sunspots of kindness. This land was never yours to roam. Never shall you walk it without a thousand small cruelties.

iii. You will spend a childhood screaming I am more than my phylogeny I make my own destiny hear me hear me hear me. In response, the sun that lights the school courtyard —

will cast you half a shadow.

ooh omg thank u for the compliment and also for sending to me <333

I reaalllly liked the third part especially the ending. the contradiction of homeland vs school courtyard and sunspots vs half shadows.... yeah!!!

for the first part I’d say maybe try to keep away from using “tongue” twice bc it kind of weakens your line the second time you use it especially since the idea behind “between teeth and tongue” is so good

also for the second part I really like each part individually but i feel like combined together they muddle what youre trying to say. but ughhh sorghum paste really hit home omg 😭

anyways ur a legend <3

[cliffdvr]

Second Spin, Country 23: Botswana

Watch as I cook of the food of the Week 23 of my Second Spin: A Global Cooking Adventure, Botswana. Tonight's menu:  Bogobe (Sorghum Porridge), Seswaa (Shredded Beef) and Mogobe (Amaranth Greens/Callaloo)

#food #international #cooking #Botswana #bogobe #sorghum #porridge #seswaa #mogobe #amaranth #callaloo #cliffieland

How it went for The Global Cooking Challenge (03/02/2013): http://cliffdvr.tumblr.com/post/44745728957/cooking-around-the-world-botswana

One source for the the three recipes:  https://cookedearthblog.com/2012/02/14/republic-of-botswana/

[gwendolynlerman]

Discovering the world

Botswana 🇧🇼

Basic facts

Official name: Republic of Botswana

Capital city: Gaborone

Population: 2.4 million (2023)

Demonym: Batswana

Type of government: unitary parliamentary republic

Head of state and government: Mokgweetsi Masisi (President)

Gross domestic product (purchasing power parity): $54.64 billion (2024)

Gini coefficient of wealth inequality: 45.5% (medium) (2016)

Human Development Index: 0.708 (high) (2022)

Currency: pula (BWP)

Fun fact: It has Africa’s largest population of elephants.

Etymology

The country’s name means “land of the Tswana”.

Geography

Botswana is located in Southern Africa and borders Zambia to the north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, South Africa to the south, and Namibia to the west and north.

There are two climates: hot steppe in the north and southeast and hot desert in the center and southwest. Temperatures range from 4 °C (39.2 °F) in winter to 32 °C (89.6 °F) in summer. The average annual temperature is 20.9 °C (69.6 °F).

The country is divided into ten administrative districts, two cities, and five towns. The former are further divided into twenty-three subdistricts. The largest cities in Botswana are Gaborone, Francistown, Mogoditshane, Maun, and Molepolole.

History

200: arrival of Bantu people

400: arrival of Tswana people

1075-1220: Kingdom of Mapungubwe

1450-1683: Kingdom of Butua

1810s-1840s: Mfecane

1816: arrival of first Europeans

1885-1966: Bechuanaland Protectorate

1966-present: Republic of Botswana

Economy

Botswana mainly imports from South Africa, Namibia, and Canada and exports to India, Belgium, and the United Arab Emirates. Its top exports are diamonds, beef, and copper.

The economy is based on mining and tourism. Services represent 70.6% of the GDP, followed by industry (27.5%) and agriculture (1.8%).

Botswana is a member of the Commonwealth and the Southern African Development Community.

Demographics

Tswana people represent 79% of the population, followed by Kalanga people (11%), white people (7%), and San people (2%). The main religion is Christianity, practiced by 79.1% of the population, 66% of which is Protestant.

It has a positive net migration rate and a fertility rate of 2.3 children per woman. 72.2% of the population lives in urban areas. Life expectancy is 65.6 years and the median age is 25.7 years. The literacy rate is 88.5%.

Languages

The official language of the country is English, which is spoken natively by 2.8% of the population, but Tswana is the national language and is spoken by 73.3% of the inhabitants. Other commonly spoken languages include Kalanga (17.2%) and Kgalagadi (2.4%).

Culture

People in Botswana value the community above individuals and believe in working together. It is common to address unknown people using the words for “father” and “mother”.

Men traditionally wear a piece of cloth made of animal skin around the waist (tshega), a blanket (kaross), and sandals. Women wear a wide skirt (mosese), an apron (khiba), a kaross, sandals, and a headwrap (tukwi).

Architecture

Traditional houses in Botswana are round, made of mud and wood, and have thatched roofs and a courtyard.

Cuisine

The Batswana diet is based on corn, meat, and vegetables. Typical dishes include bogobe (polenta made from corn and served with green vegetables), dikgobe (a dish of beans, corn, and lamb), melktert (a sweet pastry crust with custard filling), seswaa (beef or goat cuts served with ground corn or sorghum), and vetkoek  (deep-fried ground meat).

Holidays and festivals

Like other Christian countries, Botswana celebrates Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, Christmas Day, and Boxing Day. It also commemorates New Year’s Day (January 1 and 2) and Labor Day. Specific Batswana holidays include Sir Seretse Khama Day on July 1, which celebrates the birth of the first president; Presidents’ Day on the third Monday of July, and Botswana Day on September 30 and October 1).

Botswana Day

Other celebrations include Dithubaruba Cultural Festival, which features arts, dance, and music; Khawa Dune Challenge, which involves camping and dune racing, and Kuru Dance Festival, in which different ethnic groups showcase their costumes and dance styles.

Kuru Dance Festival

Landmarks

There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Okavango Delta and Tsodilo, a set of caves with rock art.

Tsodilo

Other landmarks include the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Chobe National Park, the Domboshaba ruins, the Gcwihaba Caves, and the Three Dikgosi Monument.

Three Dikgosi Monument

Famous people

Ernest Amos - soccer player

Frank Lesokwane - singer

Lebogang Manson - entrepreneur

Malia Baker - actress

Mpule Kwelagobe - model

Nijel Amos - athlete

Sasa Klaas - singer

Shona Ferguson - actor

Thato Sikwane - DJ

Unity Dow - judge and writer

Unity Dow

You can find out more about life in Botswana in this article and this video.

[faith-in-a-jar]

It seems I’ve been living here secretly this year. After spending the last few years in Cape Town studying Brand Building and Management, I returned to Botswana under the cover of grief. I lost one of my closest childhood friends, and her loss called me home. I was tired of looking for a home elsewhere just for opportunities. I needed to come and ground myself. I needed family, friends, pap, seswaa and the sun. I needed to simplify, to reflect, and to find myself again in the city I grew up in, a city that has grown and changed just as much as I have over the years.

After a few months of looking for the right dosage of anti-depressants I found myself emerging into the awareness of the elections, now past. Having been absent the past few years, I had to get myself caught up on the BDP, UDC, BPF merry-go-round, although I did not register to vote. Somehow, I felt I didn’t deserve to, not knowing who any of the representatives were, no idea about their policies, their histories. I decided instead to observe. Observe the placards go up to line the streets, the same election poster in different colours. Same pictures, same font, same photo studio. It all looked the same to me. Then I started to listen. I was impressed by the various radio broadcasts of debates, candidate interviews and discussions. I was absorbed in rediscovering Botswana in 2019 even though I have been living here the whole time.

This time feels particularly ripe. The recent discovery of the origin of all mankind emerging from here, their genetic footprint found in the very first people of our nation, the San; the recent revelations about yet more missing billions, the ruling party now at odd with its own (very recent) past. It is the perfect time to imagine and interrogate the future of Botswana, at once glowing with possibility and prosperity in everything from diamonds to wildlife, on the other hand- land locked and baking at an increasing rate, water scarcity brings our inequality and issues with corruption into sharp relief. What future do we see for ourselves?

Imagine if Botswana could brand its way out of climate disaster and into a new and innovative base of economic activity fuelled by sustainability. Imagine if we became world leaders in scientific research in UV rays, in solar power and solar batteries. Imagine if we embarked on a nationwide beautification mission creating shaded sidewalks, shelters and gardens, creating clean streets with recycling systems in place, where waste gets recycled and used to manufacture the shading materials. Imagine we were exporting our climate solutions, innovating ways to both protect our environment and grow our economy while maintaining a peaceful and welcoming society. Just imagine the possibilities, the young creative who wouldn’t have to choose between pursuing their passions and starting a family. Imagine! Imagine moving out of our parents homes to start building our own!

So join me as I find my feet again. Last week I ventured out to the presidential inauguration. I guess I wanted to hear first hand what our leader has to say for himself, for us, for our country. Now that the election fever is over, the real work begins. I am cautiously optimistic, and keen to reconnect with and meet new young artists in Botswana as we set out to find our creative voice in our country.

[tinvontravel]

Order ticket online @ tinvon.com/order-ticket-or-book-seat/ or dm or call/WhatsApp +26775643160. Brace up for the first edition of the #Cultural Exchange Night - hosting tourists from #Mozambique. Not to be missed, brought to you by The Gabs Experience -Travel and Tours (#Botswana) and MozMasaii _Travel (Mozambique). Cultural exchange through #music, food, #attire, #dance and language. We bring to you Mozambique's 2 time award winning International acclaimed #housemusic #DJ, DJ Dilson. On the local side the decks will be controlled by our own best dance DJ, DJ Benny T. #Traditional #food on sale includes dumplings, bogobe jwa lerotse, dikgobe, phane, serobe, morogo wa dinawa, seswaa, koko ya #Setswana, Beef stew etc. Selected drinks will be on promotion! Early Bird Tickets are now out, sold at P70 including delivery around #Gabs. Entrance tickets will be charged at P100 at the gate. This historic event will be held at Bahama Lounge, Block 9, Bonanza Shopping Complex, on the 28th June 2019, from 6pm to 6am. SEE YOU THERE! COME ONE, COME ALL. #AfricaTravel #travelsquad #TravelAfrica #AfricanMusic #AfricanCulture #African #AfricanDance #AfricanAttire #AfricanFashion #Gaborone #GaboroneNightlife #GaboroneHangout #TheGabsExperience #tinvon (at Gaborone, Botswana) https://www.instagram.com/p/BxrQbDfnKW7/?igshid=1me2wghxvhn6g

[pvgoestosouthafrica-blog]

On Saturday morning, Brooke and fellow volunteer Paulien went to hike up Table Mountain. Brooke also wanted to abseil the mountain but the cable car was down for its yearly scheduled maintenance, meaning everything on the mountaintop was shut down. This included the visitor center, the store, the cafe, and the abseiling lines. Brooke and Paulein decided to use the Platteklip Gorge route. It's not exactly easy, but it's the most direct and most popular route up the mountain. The sign at the start of the route said it would take about 2.5 hours, give or take. Apparently the fittest people can do it in an hour. Well we definitely weren't the fittest! We meant to set a timer before we started our trek up but we think it probably was around 2 hours. The entire hike was like stairs of rocks. We stopped every once in a while to catch our breath, drink some water, and admire the view. The weather was beautiful and warm but it began to get more windy and chilly as we approached the top. We felt the mist as it rolled down the mountainside. Along the way, we watched groups of people make their way down the trail, all with smiles on their face, telling us we were getting there. We were told 30 more minutes, after hearing 30 more min about half an hour before! 😄 We were thrilled when we finally made it to the top. The worst part was actually the way back down, though. While not as physically tiring, it was definitely scary jumping down from one rock to the next. On our way down, we ran into some African Impact staff on their way up. Turns out Platteklip Gorge really was the most popular route! While Brooke was huffing and puffing on Table Mountain, Jodi was determined to go to Boulders Beach to see the African penguins. Since there were no trips going there this weekend, she decided to call a cab. The cab arrived at 10:30 am and she was off. She knew the trip would be a little longer, but driving along the ocean was beautiful! As the driver approached Simon's Town, he noticed a lot of cars had pulled over to the side and were watching something in the ocean. At closer look, it was a pod of whales! You could see their flukes hitting the water from a distance. After such a spectacular sighting, Jodi was able to spot a lot of penguins at Boulders Beach. She even took a picture of them dancing. It's nesting season and there were a lot of young chicks. The African penguins, also known as the jackass penguins, are on the endangered species list, unfortunately. On Saturday evening, several volunteers made our way to Gold. Gold is a restaurant promising to give you a traditional African experience. While we ate our 14 course meal featuring dishes from all over the continent, we were entertained by singing and dancing. We even had our faces painted! Brooke loved the Cape Malay ostrich and lamb samoosas while Jodi couldn't bring herself to eat it. Brooke also tried springbok in the Botswana Seswaa Masala stew but wasn't a fan. They both agreed that the Zanzibar soup (spiced tomato) with South African roosterkoek (gluten free bread) was the best. Gold was definitely a cool experience! Unfortunately, Sunday's shark cage diving excursion was canceled due to poor sea conditions. Brooke was very disappointed but determined to make the best of her last day. She contacted several wine tour companies and was able to get a spot for a wine tour around Stellenbosch. A van came to pick her up on Sunday morning around 9am to cart her around to 5 different wineries. She had a great time pairing wine with cheeses, chocolates, and even biltong (dried, cured meat). The wine was good but it was the company that made it even better. She met people from Norway, Australia, Brazil, and there were even a few Americans from Reading and York Pennsylvania! Besides the human company, many wineries had dogs to pet so Brooke was in her happy place. Jodi decided to take in some sites and do a little shopping on Sunday. She took a taxi to Mojo Market because she had seen a pair of shoes the week before and wanted to purchase them. After a brief shopping experience, she headed to Sea Point beach. There were hundreds of people there enjoying the "summer like" weather and eating breakfast. She collected many small but beautiful sea shells. She was even kind enough to get some for Brooke. She met some people from the area and she talked to them about home in States. After a few hours, Jodi headed back to Observatory. She stopped at Obs Cafe for a light lunch and then it was back to the volunteer house to start packing! Even though things didn't work out exactly as planned, we had a wonderful last weekend in South Africa. We're ready to begin our trek back home.

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Botswana Personalised Photographic Guided Safari Tours African Travel Specialist

Armchair Travel: Safari Expert Says Botswana is Worth a Closer Look

An effective Covid vaccine is now being rolled out across the globe, yet we may need to wait a little longer than the first quarter of 2021 to saddle up and get going. In the meantime, armchair travel remains the “go to” when satisfying our wanderlust for exploring exotic destinations. Botswana is among the countries to investigate, says Deon De Villiers, an organiser of customised safaris, and having done so, there are few people who would not add it to their travel “bucket list.”

Read: African Safari Travel Specialists Botswana Guided Bespoke Luxurious Personalised

Botswana’s Wildlife and Parks

The biggest drawcard for visitors to Botswana is, of course, its wildlife and parks; considered by many as some of Africa’s best, for diversity of wildlife and pristine wilderness areas. Although the country has just four official National Parks, each is absolutely enormous such that over 25 per cent of the whole country has been designated specifically for conservation. The country’s wilderness areas span a variety of natural landscapes, each with their own wealth of differing wildlife. Of course, in addition to the national parks, there are a great many private reserves, many of them featuring everything from luxurious lodges, to bush camps and mobile safaris – to appeal to a broad range of tastes and wallets.

The bucket list “Big 5” – lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino are generally the stars of the show. But as dramatically stunning as they are – these are the tip of the iceberg in terms of the wild animals to be seen. Apart from various species of antelope, there are also giraffes, cheetah, hippo, hyenas and zebras, plus wild dogs, honey badgers, mongoose, and the famed meerkats to be seen. The natural diversity of Botswana doesn’t stop at the animals. Birds ranging from water-loving species to those preferring open savannah or even dry climate, and an interesting variety of reptiles to observe in their natural habitats too.

“It’s heaven for wildlife photographers and those who aspire to take that iconic picture of animals in their natural habitat, or even those whom wish to simply record the experience in their minds eye,” says De Villers who is well-known for his own wildlife photography efforts. Botswana – it is an inspiration for travellers or virtual travellers and dreamers…

Read: Luxury African Travel Specialists Personalised Guided Ethical Elephant Safaris

Armchair Travellers will Enjoy the Journey

Although Botswana has to be seen in person to be fully believed, there’s much for armchair travellers to soak up from the comfort of their homes. Apart from the official Botswana tourism website, Deon De Villiers’ own Safari Guru website features magnificent images and explains just what people on safari in this magnificent country would experience.

Book an Appointment with Deon De Villiers for a Free Botswana Travel Planning Session

All this will make people dream of Africa and the adventures they can experience when they are finally able to throw off their lockdown shackles. “There will be quite a rush on luxury travel opportunities and bespoke adventures when we can be clearer on the lifting of travel restrictions,” says Deon. “Some people are already undertaking a flexible planning process in which we tailor the safari and make provisional reservations. That way, they can be sure of first options once travel is once again permitted.”

Whether it is just dreaming for now, or there are travellers that are itching to enjoy an overseas holiday once they are able to travel, Botswana, its people, its landscapes, and its wildlife are waiting. The virtual journey can start today. And, for those who can’t resist planning the holiday of a lifetime even if the dates remain uncertain, Deon is the man with the local knowledge and contacts to prepare an itinerary that will give them something to look forward to.

Botswana’s People, Culture and Cuisine

To add a little colour to the wildlife background, this Southern African country is among the most politically stable and least corrupt on the continent. Reflecting its long history as one of Africa’s oldest democracies, and the peaceful and easy-going nature of its people. Several distinct tribes speaking variants of the flowing Tswana language and having distinct variations in cultural practices, coexist in harmony here. However, English, as the national language is widely spoken and this factor is a big contributor to the country’s success as a tourism destination and is sure to continue to reassure travellers once international tourism resumes.

The national dish, known as “seswaa” is a simple recipe in which meat is cooked on the bone with salt as a tenderising agent before being pounded into fragments. The meat is served on stiffened maize meal, often with “Marog,” a green, leafy vegetable that could be from one of several plant species less known in the Western world, among these, Amaranthus.  A variety of other dishes make up the cuisine of Botswana with beef, lamb, and beans as well as the ever-present maize meal being favourite ingredients.

Of course, Western cuisine is also well-known here, with many safari lodges and camps catering to all tastes through their own unique fusion of international variants.

On the arts front; distinctive music, traditional dancing, uniquely interesting wood carvings and sculptures, and basket weaving recognised as being among the best in the world. When you’re in camp you will experience much of this local talent – as Botswanans love to sing and dance. Certainly, jewellery, often incorporating intricate beadwork, is much sought after – both among locals and the tourists who admire it.

For more information visit the African Travel Specialist | Safari Guru website or call Deon De Villiers and his team of experts on (+61) 0427 782 226.

Syndicated by Baxton Media, The Market Influencers, Your Digital Marketing Agency.

Botswana Personalised Photographic Guided Safari Tours African Travel Specialist was originally published on Baxton