Botswana’s cultural highlights

The collective name for everyone who lives in Botswana is Batswana, which translates as ‘people of Botswana,’ and gives a sense of the cultural unity felt throughout the nation despite the complex patchwork of tribal identities found here. The terminology is an apt reflection of the pride that the population takes in Botswana’s beauty and stability, and while each person feels ‘Batswana’ to the core they also identify with their ethnic group, which often has distinct language and culture all of its own. This fascinating cultural diversity ensures that there is always something new to discover as you travel through the country – a unique dance, a local style of music or a traditional ceremony particular to one tribal group. Our local experts have helped us compile this overview of Botswana’s cultural highlights.

Botswana’s tribal identity

Of the many ethnic groups in Botswana, the Tswana is the largest and most important, constituting around 80% of the population. The Tswana are divided into eight subgroups, though today the differences between them are less pronounced. Botswana is named after the Tswana people, though there are several other tribal groups present as well, notably the Babirwa, Baherero, Bakgalagadi, Basarwa, Basubia, Batswapong, Bayei, Hambukushu and Kalanga. As expert boatmen and fishermen, you are most likely to encounter the Bayei if you undertake a boat safari in the Okavango Delta where they have diversified into tourism.

One of the best known groups are the San Bushmen, long standing inhabitants of Botswana’s central Kalahari with an ancient tradition of living in harmony with nature, following a hunter-gatherer existence. It is widely believed that the ancestors of the San people were the first people to live in southern Africa, and there is evidence that their foraging skills, societal norms and general lifestyle has changed little for many thousands of years. In fact, various tools  discovered in 2012 which have been dated to around 40,000 BC are nearly identical to the tools used by the San today, demonstrating that their heritage is a truly ancient one.

Cuisine and culinary traditions

Staples like maize, sorghum, and beans form the backbone of traditional dishes, while specialties such as seswa (shredded meat) and pap (a maize porridge) provide a taste of home-cooked comfort. As you travel through Botswana, take the opportunity to try meals at local eateries and traditional bomas, where you can enjoy authentic dishes prepared with time-honored recipes. Culinary experiences can also include cooking classes led by local chefs, allowing you to learn about the significance of these dishes in Botswana’s culture while sharing stories and laughter around the kitchen.

Dance: a huge part of Botswana’s cultural highlights

Dance is an integral part of many traditions and celebrations in Botswana, and there is a huge variety of dances performed for different occasions and for storytelling purposes. Botswana’s dance culture is one of the most extensive in Africa, both in expressive and artistic terms. The San dances are well known as a showcase of Botswana’s rich cultural heritage, sometimes performed in a trance-like state for religious ceremonies, for healing or for offering thanks for a successful hunt. Rain dances are also practiced by the San people, and all these different San or Basarwa dances are celebrated at the Kuru Dance Festival which takes place every other year – the next one will fall in August 2020.

Art and craftsmanship in Botswana

Botswana is home to a rich array of art and craftsmanship that showcases the cultural heritage of its people. Visitors can dive into this creative scene by exploring local markets and artisan workshops, where skilled craftspeople demonstrate their expertise in traditional beadwork, basket weaving, and pottery. The arts and crafts markets in Gaborone and Maun provide excellent opportunities to discover unique handmade souvenirs while supporting local artisans. For a more immersive experience, consider joining a workshop to learn the techniques behind these crafts firsthand. Whether you’re shaping clay into beautiful pots or stringing beads into intricate designs, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry that reflects Botswana’s traditions and stories. Engaging with the local craft community not only enhances your journey but also connects you to the vibrant culture that makes Botswana so special.

Botswana’s music

Indigenous music passed down the generations is a simple art making great use of the voice along with clapping for rhythm, and though this form of music is still celebrated, you are more likely to hear a modern version as you travel around Botswana – faster beats created by a synthesizer are more likely. However, the Batswana people are in touch with their roots, and folk music is very popular, incorporating stringed instruments and traditional lyrics to create a fantastic musical experience for visitors. Owing some of its heritage and energy to the Kwaito music originating in the townships of Johannesburg, Botswana’s homegrown version mixes Botswana’s Kwasa Kwasa music with Kwaito to create the hybrid Kwaito – Kwasa, modern pop music with its roots firmly in African soil.

The National Museum in Botswana

Gaborone is home to the most important museum in Botswana, The National Museum and Art Gallery which celebrated its 50th birthday in 2017. It displays an eclectic mix of exhibits detailing the history, nature, people and art of the nation.

There is a good natural history section reflecting Botswana’s rich wildlife; various displays of local arts and crafts from the past as well as contemporary; archaeological artifacts; historic examples of local transport; and a cultural section dedicated to displays about ethnology and ethnography. It is also the venue for a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year, where you can delve into the heart of Botswana’s cultural highlights.

Festivals in Botswana

Maitisong Festival

This month-long festival takes place from late March or early April every year in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone. The festival is a celebration of performing arts, featuring music, dance, poetry and theater shows performed by artists from Botswana and beyond. As well as acting as a platform for intercultural exchange, the festival promotes and supports young performers at the start of their careers, and aims to raise the profile of the arts in Botswana and throughout the world.

Maun International Arts Festival

This vibrant festival, held in Maun every October, celebrates the creative spirit of Botswana with an exciting array of artistic expressions, from music and dance to theater and visual arts. Featuring performances by both local talents and international artists, it’s an ideal opportunity for travelers to dive into Botswana’s rich cultural scene and experience its dynamic artistic community.

Botswana Day

Every 30th September, Botswana marks the anniversary of its independence from the UK with a national holiday. A festival of patriotic events, speeches, parades and parties takes place across the country, while on a family level the celebrations often involve spending the day outdoors enjoying a picnic or barbecue with friends and relatives. Outfits and decor will often mimic Botswana’s flag, featuring blue, white and black, and celebrations in the capital are rounded off with an impressive firework display.

Tjilenje Cultural Festival

The Tjilenje Cultural Festival takes place every year in May. The host town, Nlapkhwane, is the hub of the region where the Bakalanga people are in the majority, and the festival was set up with the aim of preserving and promoting their traditional culture. For this reason the festival is an amazing immersion into traditional local culture, with displays of dance, music, games and a selection of local food.

Make it happen

Our handpicked local experts are the best people to help you plan your dream trip, filled to bursting with Botswana’s cultural highlights. Whether you are looking for a trip with a strong cultural focus or you would just like to add some cultural experiences to your safari itinerary, they can oblige. Send them a few details by filling in a short enquiry form, and they will create a bespoke itinerary based on your priorities and requirements.