IMPACT TRAVEL
Maun is the tourism capital of Botswana, acting as the gateway to the magnificent Okavango Delta. The great majority of the population of Ngamiland is based in Maun. Until recently, tourists would fly into Maun International airport and then transfer directly to their light aircraft which would take them to their lodge or camp. More and more international tourists are spending a night in Maun before or after their trip. This has afforded a fantastic opportunity for the tourist to explore Maun and offers a wonderful opportunity for local craftsmen and women to share their extraordinary culture. As such, a number of excellent local companies have opened their doors to the tourist to provide an insight into the lives of the Batswana people. As well as this, the tourist now has the opportunity to buy local crafts thereby automatically giving back to this colourful and enterprising community.
AFTERNOON ARRIVAL
Thari-E-Ntosho
Time: 16:30 – 19:30
Collect from Hotel.
Book into Thari-E-Ntsho for two and a half hours of total entertainment whilst at the same time interacting and engaging with Batswana youth. Bonte, who spearheads this initiative, is a vibrant, dynamic Motswana lady who will keep you completely captivated whist bringing Batswana culture to life! A not to be missed opportunity should you have the time which includes:
- Traditional dances depicting dances from all over Botswana.
- Drum Café introducing basic and intricate drum beats.
- Traditional Board game.
- Botswana Basket exhibition by world renowned basket weaver and founder of Quality Baskets Mrs Kushonya.
- Various handmade crafts sold by the youth artisans.
- Exhibition and talk on traditional birth, puberty, clothing and wedding rites.
- An all you can eat traditional buffet.
- Contemporary live music during dinner by the youth band Molemo.
- Storytelling around the fire.
- An autographed children’s book by Bessie Head Literature Award Winner Bontekanye Botumile.
Return to hotel / airport.
COST: USD55 PER PERSON
Perfect late afternoon / evening engagement!
MORNING / AFTERNOON ACTIVITY
Quality Basket-Weaving Experience & Cultural Village Tour
Times: 09:15 – 12:15 / 14:00 – 17:00
Collect from Hotel.
Botswana Baskets are arguably the finest craft works in all of Africa! Each basket is a unique piece of art work whose designs are drawn from the surrounding animals and natures such as ‘running ostrich’, ‘forehead of the zebra’, ‘ flight of the swallow’ and ‘the rondavel’. The basket is the end result of a substantial amount of work and skills, harvesting the palm (sustainably), dying the palm, and weaving the most incredible designs straight from the mind. Basketry is generally a skill learnt from childhood but you have the opportunity of spending time with one of Maun’s master weavers and storytellers to create magic yourself! The Hambukushu Village is part of Quality Baskets and allows you the opportunity to see a traditional Hambukushu homestead and to understand the Hambukushu culture. The Hambukushu live predominately on the Western side of the Okavango Pan-handle.
Return to hotel / airport.
COST: USD30 PER PERSON
MORNING / AFTERNOON ACTIVITY:
Visit one of the Travel for Impact Partners*
Times: 9:00 – 11:30 / 14:00 – 16:30
Collect from Hotel.
Support vulnerable children, children with special needs, elderly people, or help out in an animal clinic. Meet with organisation representative and gain an understanding of the organisation, activities, successes and challenges. Depending on what is happening within the organisation such as school holidays, lunch time, sports, life skills, join in with one of the activities and support the organisations ‘at work’. If required, a translator will accompany you on these trips.
* These visits are dependent on the activities of the organization and needs at the time.
Return to hotel / airport.
COST: USD15 PER PERSON
OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR THE MORE INDEPENDENT TRAVELLER:
SELF-DRIVE TOUR
Doing a self-drive tour around Botswana?
Botswana undoubtedly has some of the world’s most beautiful wildlife, however, it is so much more! Use our map, The People’s Path, to discover out some of the other must-see activities that Botswana has to offer.
This map offers travelers an opportunity to experience alternative activities – some of Botswana’s hidden gems. Check out specialty coffee shops, craft centres, caves, croc farms, and more! The People’s Path focuses on the people that make Botswana an unforgettable country and best of all? It’s FREE!
NHABE MUSEUM
Visit Nhabe Museum and check out their latest exhibition. At the same time, visit their coffee shop, enjoy a coffee, light meal, and engage with ‘the locals’ and artists under the beautiful trees in the Nhabe Museum grounds.
ENTRANCE – FREE!
SHOROBE BASKETRY
Recently refurbished, Shorobe Basketry is located on your way to Moremi Game reserve. It is well worth a visit as an experience in itself. Established by a number of women in Shorobe the Co-operative has provided a lifeline to its 42 members through the sales of crafts, predominately baskets. Now you can not only buy beautiful crafts but also enjoy a soft drink and use a flush toilet …!
ENTRANCE – FREE!