How many to visit: Two, or three at most, is the sensible number on one trip. Distances are long, buses are infrequent, and festival dates can move, so each additional event costs a full travel day or more. Two gives you a chance to compare a town-based event with a rural, heritage-focused one without turning the trip into a drive.
Choosing the kind: Arts and music events in
Gaborone suit travelers on tight budgets or short schedules, since transport, food and beds are all easy and cheap. A
Maun-area event suits those who also want safari time, but lodging costs rise with the season. Heritage gatherings in
smaller settlements, including the Kalahari west and north-east, suit travelers who are comfortable with camping, self-drive or arranged lifts. They offer the most direct contact with local …
read more 👉 How many to visit: Two, or three at most, is the sensible number on one trip. Distances are long, buses are infrequent, and festival dates can move, so each additional event costs a full travel day or more. Two gives you a chance to compare a town-based event with a rural, heritage-focused one without turning the trip into a drive.
Choosing the kind: Arts and music events in
Gaborone suit travelers on tight budgets or short schedules, since transport, food and beds are all easy and cheap. A
Maun-area event suits those who also want safari time, but lodging costs rise with the season. Heritage gatherings in
smaller settlements, including the Kalahari west and north-east, suit travelers who are comfortable with camping, self-drive or arranged lifts. They offer the most direct contact with local culture and the least comfort.
What it costs: A backpacker using buses, hostels or campsites and eating locally should plan
P550 to 950 a day (about US$40 to 70). Entry to community festivals is usually modest, often P50 to 300 (US$4 to 22), with larger arts events at the upper end. Camping runs about P100 to 250 (US$7 to 18) per person, and a long-distance bus or minibus ride between main towns about P150 to 400 (US$11 to 30). Hiring a vehicle adds roughly US$60 to 120 a day, and a 4x4 is the better choice for sand tracks, which is why many experienced visitors share a car with two or three others. Local guides or cultural hosts are typically P300 to 800 (US$22 to 60) for a half day. Cash is practical at small events, as card terminals are scarce outside towns.
Safety and etiquette: Botswana is one of the safer countries in Africa, and the main risks are on the road. Wildlife and livestock wander onto highways at dusk, so finish journeys before dark. Malaria prophylaxis is worth discussing with a doctor for the north during the wet season. Alcohol is part of many gatherings, so keep valuables close and plan how you will get back to your lodging.
Greet with
Dumela before asking anything. Ask permission before photographing people, especially at San and other community events, and ask before filming ceremonies or dances. Dress modestly, since this is a conservative country, particularly in rural areas. If an event is run by a community organization, buying crafts directly from the makers is a better way to spend money than bargaining hard. Check dates a few weeks ahead through local radio, social media or tourism offices, as programs are often confirmed late.
v2.webp){kind=logo}
Best Backpacking.jpg)
Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.