Things To Do
in Ghanzi
Ghanzi is a town located in the western region of Botswana, serving as the capital of the Ghanzi District. It is known for its rich cultural heritage, predominantly inhabited by the Basarwa (San) people, who have a deep connection to the land and its wildlife. The area is characterized by its arid climate and vast expanses of savanna, making it a unique ecosystem home to diverse flora and fauna.
Ghanzi is also recognized for its cattle ranching and agriculture, contributing to the local economy and community livelihoods.
- "Dumelang" - Hello
- "O kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Tsamaya sentle" - Goodbye
- "O eng?" - What is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $75
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with an early sunrise walk in the Kalahari Desert. Experience the beauty of the morning light while spotting unique wildlife.
Enjoy a traditional bush lunch with local foods. Afterward, participate in a guided cultural experience with the San people.
Wind down with a stargazing session, learning about the constellations above the desert. Gather around a campfire for stories of the land.
Take a guided nature walk to explore the unique flora and fauna of the Ghanzi region. Photography enthusiasts will love capturing the landscapes and wildlife.
Visit a nearby wildlife reserve to observe animals in their natural habitat. Pack a picnic to enjoy while surrounded by nature.
Attend an evening game drive, seeking out nocturnal animals like lions and leopards. Return to your accommodation for a tasty dinner with local flavors.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse ethnic groups.
- Access to natural attractions such as the Kalahari Desert.
- Affordable cost of living compared to urban centers.
- Growing tourism sector offering economic opportunities.
- Stable political environment and safety.
- Limited access to advanced healthcare facilities.
- Economy reliant on agriculture and tourism, leading to vulnerability.
- Sparse infrastructure in some areas.
- Extreme weather conditions, including heat and occasional droughts.
- Limited job opportunities in specialized fields.
Best Activities in Ghanzi
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Embark on a safari to witness the diverse wildlife including giraffes, zebras, and various bird species.
Experience the rich cultural heritage and vibrant traditional dance performances at this annual festival held in Ghanzi.
Join local guides for informative and immersive bush walks to learn about the flora, fauna, and traditional Bushman survival skills.
Places to Visit in Ghanzi
Visit one of these nice places.
Offers beautiful views and photo opportunities of the Kalahari landscape and wildlife.
Provides guided tours offering stunning views and photography opportunities of the surrounding areas and wildlife.
Here you can capture photos of local crafts and the cultural surroundings.
Opportunities to capture local community life and interact with the people for authentic photography moments.
Food in Ghanzi
Ghanzi Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meat dish made from beef, goat, or lamb, boiled, shredded, and usually served with pap (maize porridge) or bogobe (sorghum porridge). It can be found in most local eateries and at social gatherings.
Must-Try!
A unique delicacy, the mopane worm is a type of edible caterpillar that is often dried, fried, or cooked in a stew. It's a popular snack and can be found at local food markets and roadside stalls.
A fusion dish that combines the traditional flavors of seswaa with a modern twist, often available at specialty restaurants in Ghanzi.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A hub for local street food vendors offering a variety of traditional dishes, snacks, and refreshing beverages. It's a great place to immerse in the local food culture and try authentic Botswanan street food.
Another bustling market with an array of street food options, from grilled meats to flavorful stews, providing a true taste of Ghanzi's vibrant culinary landscape.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ghanzi, it is important to greet others, especially elders, with respect. Handshakes are common, and it is courteous to use the local language to greet people, such as saying 'Dumela' for hello.
Respect for elders is highly valued in Ghanzi. It is important to show deference and listen actively when elders are speaking. It is also customary to seek their advice and guidance in community matters.
When attending traditional events or community gatherings, it is respectful to dress modestly and in traditional attire where appropriate. This shows a willingness to engage with and respect local cultural practices.
Safety
Tipping in Ghanzi
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Ghanzi, Botswana is not a common practice. However, in certain upscale restaurants and hotels, a service charge may be included in the bill, in which case an additional tip is not necessary.
Payment in Ghanzi, Botswana is primarily done in cash. Credit cards may be accepted in some establishments, especially in larger hotels and stores. It's advisable to carry sufficient cash for transactions as ATMs may not be widely available in certain areas.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for wildlife viewing as animals congregate around waterholes. Weather is cooler and drier. Vegetation is sparse, making it easier to spot animals.
Landscape is lush and green, birdwatching is excellent, and it's the breeding season for many animals. However, some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding, and mosquitoes are more prevalent.
Ghanzi at Night
Hiking in Ghanzi
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Explore the vast Kalahari Desert with guided hiking trails that feature breathtaking scenery and unique wildlife.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tsodilo Hills offers hiking opportunities with ancient rock art and stunning views of the landscape.
Local trails around Ghanzi providing a chance to experience the natural beauty of Botswana's bushland and local flora.
Though a bit further away, guided walks in the Okavango Delta offer exceptional wildlife viewing and beautiful wetlands.
Explore the expansive game reserve with its diverse ecosystems and hiking opportunities amidst the wildlife.
Aiports
How to reach Ghanzi by plane.
The main airport serving the town of Maun and the gateway to the Okavango Delta, located approximately 120 kilometers from Ghanzi.
The largest airport in Botswana, located in Gaborone, approximately 400 kilometers southeast of Ghanzi.
An international airport located in Kasane, about 600 kilometers northeast of Ghanzi, serving the Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls.
An airport located in Francistown, approximately 450 kilometers east of Ghanzi, serving domestic and regional flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The Tswana people are the largest ethnic group in Botswana, including Ghanzi. They are predominantly found in the eastern part of the country.
The San people, also known as Bushmen, are indigenous to the region and have a significant presence in Ghanzi. They maintain their traditional lifestyles and languages.
The Herero are primarily pastoralists and are present in Ghanzi, having migrated from Namibia.
The Himba people are semi-nomadic shepherds and are found in Ghanzi as part of the broader Himba community from Namibia.
The Kgalagadi people are another group living in the region, often recognized for their unique cultural practices and language.
There are smaller communities and ethnic groups in Ghanzi, including various migrant groups, contributing to the area's cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Ghanzi, attracting many fans and participants, with local leagues and community tournaments often taking place.
Rugby has a significant following in Ghanzi, with schools and clubs promoting the sport and organizing matches both locally and against teams from other regions.
Basketball is gaining popularity, especially among the youth, with several courts established for recreational and competitive play.
Netball is widely played, particularly by women and girls, with regular competitions and community events to promote the sport.
Athletics is popular in schools, with events such as sprints, relays, and long-distance races being common during sports days.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ghanzi.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While the traditional cuisine is meat-centric, many restaurants and cafes in Ghanzi offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives, such as vegetable stews, salads, and grain-based dishes.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can opt for dishes like grilled meats, fresh fruits, and locally grown vegetables, which are widely available and can be customized to accommodate gluten-free requirements.