Things To Do
in Lehututu

Lehututu is a small Botswana village set along the Boteti River, where wide savannahs meet seasonal floodplains and a tranquil, rural rhythm prevails. The area serves as a quiet gateway to the Okavango ecosystem, offering birdlife, wildlife observations, and genuine community experiences away from the more tourist-heavy routes. Visitors encounter warm hospitality, traditional crafts, and simple riverbank scenes that showcase the country’s essence.

Expect expansive skies, dry-season wildlife activity around water sources, and a sense of stepping into a quieter corner of Botswana’s vast landscapes.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Lehututu
morning
:

Arrive at Lehututu and settle into your accommodation, taking in the serene surroundings. Enjoy a traditional breakfast featuring local ingredients to start your day energized. Take a guided tour of the nearby village to learn about the culture and history of the Batswana people.

afternoon
:

Explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area with a guided nature walk, connecting with the local flora and fauna. Stop for a picnic lunch in a picturesque spot, enjoying the sounds of the wilderness. Capture stunning photographs of the breathtaking landscape.

evening
:

As the sun sets, gather around a campfire to share stories and listen to traditional music. Enjoy a delicious dinner under the stars, tasting local dishes prepared by your hosts. Reflect on your first day and get ready for the adventures ahead.

day 2
Wildlife Safari Adventure
morning
:

Embark on an early morning safari to witness the wildlife awakening with the dawn. Spot elephants, lions, and various bird species in their natural habitat while guided by an experienced ranger. Enjoy a light breakfast in the bush, surrounded by the sounds of nature.

afternoon
:

Continue your safari with a visit to a waterhole, where you can observe animals coming to drink. Indulge in a hearty lunch at a designated picnic area, sharing experiences with fellow travelers. After lunch, take part in a photography workshop to improve your skills in wildlife photography.

evening
:

Return to your accommodation for a leisurely evening. Join locals for a traditional dance performance that showcases the rich cultural heritage of Botswana. End the day with a late-night stargazing session, marveling at the clear African skies.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
💧Bottle of water (1.5L)$0.50-2
🚗Local taxi or short-distance transport$2-6
🛏️1 night in budget hotel$40-70
🧺Groceries (basic items)$15-30

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, authentic Botswana experience away from tourist crowds
  • Strong hospitality and opportunities to connect with local communities
  • Limited nightlife and dining options compared with bigger towns
  • Remote location means fewer amenities and longer travel times
  • "Dumela" - Hello
  • "O kae?" - How are you?
  • "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
  • "Mme, ke kopa?" - Please
  • "Pula" - Category of local currency (the currency)

Places to Visit in Lehututu

Visit one of these nice places.

Boteti River Edge at Dawn

Soft morning light along the river with reflective waters and silhouettes of palm stands; ideal for wide landscape shots and wildlife silhouettes.

Lehututu Village Alleys

Thatch-hut architecture and daily village life provide authentic portrait and street-scene photography opportunities.

Riverside Dunes

Open areas with sandy banks and low vegetation; great for sunrise or sunset compositions with expansive skies.

Culinary Guide

Food in Lehututu

Botswana’s rural cuisine highlights hearty staples, grilled meats, maize-based dishes, and greens. Expect simple, home-style meals at guesthouses and village eateries, with fresh produce often sourced locally and seasonally. Rice, maize pap (bogobe), and morogo (wild greens) frequently accompany meat dishes like seswaa (shredded beef). Tea, traditional maize beverages, and bottled water are common, with river fish featured when available.

Lehututu Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Seswaa

Slow-cooked, shredded beef or goat served with morogo and pap; a Botswana classic often prepared for family meals and special occasions.

Must-Try!

Bogobe (Pap) with Morogo

Soft maize porridge paired with sautéed wild greens; a staple accompaniment that pairs well with meat or fish.

Morogo

African leafy greens (often spinach-like) sautéed with onions and sometimes peanut or tomato sauces; a common side dish.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Lehututu Village Market

A small market offering fresh produce, maize, beans, and homemade snacks; a good place to try mopane worms or grilled maize.

Climate Guide

Weather

Lehututu experiences a semi-arid climate with hot summers and cooler winters. Rainy periods bring temporary humidity and river level changes, while dry seasons offer clear skies and excellent wildlife visibility. Pack sun protection, a hat, and layers for varying temperatures between day and night.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and Respect

Greet others with a warm 'Dumela' or 'Dumelang' and a smile. Show respect for elders and listen before speaking in conversations.

Dress and Modesty

Dress modestly, especially in village settings and religious or community spaces; light, breathable clothing is practical in heat.

Photography Consent

Ask permission before photographing people, especially children; if allowed, offer a small tip or share the photo with the person afterward.

Gifts and Sharing

If invited into a home, it’s customary to bring a small token or contribute to a shared meal or snack.

Safety Guide

Safety

Exercise normal travel precautions: stay aware of wildlife near riverbanks and at night, drink safe water, use insect repellent to reduce mosquito bites, and keep valuables secure in crowded areas. Forestall malaria by speaking with a healthcare professional about prophylaxis if you’re visiting during the rainy season or near wetlands. Always inform someone of your plans when venturing into more remote areas.

Tipping in Lehututu

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated for good service, especially for guides and lodge staff. A small amount (5–10% or a few pula) is common in casual eateries; safari guides and boat pilots often receive 10–15% of the tour cost or a discretionary tip based on service.

Payment Methods

Cash (Pula) is widely accepted in villages and guesthouses. Some venues in larger settlements accept card payments, but carry some cash for smaller shops, markets, and tips. ATMs are more common in district towns than in tiny villages.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Hot daytime temperatures with occasional afternoon thunderstorms; stay hydrated, wear sun protection, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons.

Winter

Milder days with cooler nights; evenings can be chilly, so bring layers. Wildlife viewing is productive near water sources during the day.

Rainy Season (Nov–Mar)

Lush landscapes, higher humidity, and more frequent rain; expect muddy roads and potential travel delays; birding and mammal activity increase near water.

Nightlife Guide

Lehututu at Night

In Lehututu, nightlife is low-key and community-centered, with evenings typically spent at guesthouses or riverside spots. Social opportunities include casual conversations, storytelling, and occasionally small music or dance performances organized by locals. For a more lively scene, head to larger towns nearby where bars and lodge venues host traditional music nights.

Hiking in Lehututu

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Boteti River Bank Walk

Easy to moderate hike along the river in favorable seasons; watch for wildlife and enjoy wetlands scenery.

Kalahari Sand Dune Trek

Short sunrise or sunset hikes across desert scrub and dune landscapes, offering expansive views and birdlife.

Airports

How to reach Lehututu by plane.

Maun Airport

A regional hub for northern Botswana and a common gateway for Okavango safari trips; offers domestic flights and connections to major hubs.

Ghanzi Airport

A smaller airport serving the western region; useful for regional travel and accessing distant game viewing areas.

Getting Around

Walkability

Walkability is best in the village center and along the river; most travel between villages and attractions requires a vehicle. Sidewalks are limited, and roads can be sandy or unpaved, especially outside the main village area. For wildlife encounters and broader exploration, a guided or self-driven vehicle is recommended.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Setswana-speaking villagers

Predominant local group in the area, with strong cultural traditions, crafts, and everyday life centered on the river and village activities.

Minority communities

Smaller groups present in the broader region, contributing to cultural diversity and crafts.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

The most popular sport across Botswana, played informally in villages and organized leagues in towns.

Cricket or Basketball

Other sports practiced in some communities and school programs; attendance at local events can be limited but enjoyable when available.

Transportation

Traffic

Road travel in and around Lehututu is typically low-traffic and rural. You may encounter unpaved, sandy sections and seasonal washouts; during the rainy season some routes can become more difficult to navigate. Public transport is limited, so hiring a car or arranging transfers with guesthouses is common.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Lehututu.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian travelers can enjoy morogo, pap, fresh vegetables, beans, and maize-based dishes; request salads or vegetable stews at guesthouses and avoid meat-heavy plates where possible.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare facilities are primarily in district towns, with basic clinics in Lehututu. For emergencies or more advanced care, travel to nearby towns with clinics or hospitals, and plan for potential long travel times. Carry basic first-aid supplies and any personal medications.

Discover Botswana

Read more in our Botswana 2025 Travel Guide.

Botswana Travel Guide