A Celebration of Music, Dance, and Global Culture
From traditional African rhythms to international music icons, the festival features live performances across a variety of genres, including:
- Afrobeat, reggae, jazz, house, gospel, pop, and indigenous African sounds from across the continent.
- Traditional African dance performances that share stories of the local people’s deep connection to the land.
Expect vibrant performances that go on from dusk until dawn, enveloping you in the spirit and music of Africa.
Adventure and Wildlife Encounters
Although the festival does not feature game drives, visitors can still experience the breathtaking wildlife of Botswana through:
- Okavango Delta Boat Safaris: Drift through the channels of this pristine ecosystem, spotting elephants, lions, and exotic bird species.
- Tsodilo Hills: Explore ancient rock art in one of Africa’s most culturally significant locations.
- Guided Walking Safaris: Venture into the wilderness with local guides, learning about the flora, fauna, and Botswana’s conservation efforts.
- Stargazing Safaris: Botswana’s clear skies offer unparalleled stargazing opportunities, with astronomers guiding you on night safaris under the stars.
Cultural and Heritage Showcases
The Okavango World Festival is a celebration of Botswana’s rich cultural heritage, offering opportunities to:
- Taste Traditional Setswana Cuisine: Experience authentic Botswana dishes such as seswaa (shredded beef), pap and morogo (vegetables), and biltong at the festival’s food markets.
- Browse Handmade Crafts: Explore a wide range of crafts, from *beaded jewellery*, *wood carvings, to traditional woven baskets.
- Workshops and Exhibitions: Take part in arts and crafts workshops or enjoy exhibitions showcasing the work of local artisans, musicians, and dancers.
Sustainability and Conservation Summit
At the core of the Okavango World Festival is the commitment to sustainability and conservation. Attendees can engage with global leaders in conservation and sustainability through discussions, panels, and workshops on:
- Climate Change and its impact on biodiversity.
- Wildlife Conservation efforts in Botswana and across Africa.
- Eco-Tourism as a tool for preserving ecosystems while empowering local communities.
Business, Tourism, and Networking Hub
The Okavango World Festival is not just a cultural celebration but also a key event for business professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs interested in the eco-tourism and hospitality sectors in Africa. You can:
- Network with international and local business professionals.
- Explore investment opportunities in Botswana’s growing eco-tourism and hospitality industry.
- Promote your business to a global audience and meet key industry leaders.
TRAVEL AND ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation Options
- Camping (Bring Your Own Tent): Free with general admission. Enjoy the natural surroundings while setting up your own camp for a fully immersive festival experience.
- Luxury Safari Lodges: A range of premium lodges is available for booking. These lodges provide top-tier amenities and exclusive access to safari and festival activities. (Prices vary depending on the lodge selected.)
- VIP Glamping (Tented Camps): For the ultimate luxury outdoor experience, VIP glamping tents are available in limited numbers. These include high-end amenities, private bathrooms, and access to VIP-only events.
Getting to the Festival
- By Air: Direct flights to Maun or Shakawe Airport. From there, easy transfers are available to the festival site.By Road: The festival is a 5-6 hour drive from Maun or 12-14 hours from Gaborone.
- Shuttle Services: Pre-arranged shuttle services from major hubs in Botswana are available for your convenience.
THE HUB OF BOTSWANA’S CULTURAL CALENDAR
The Okavango World Festival is more than just an event—it is the heart of Botswana’s cultural and tourism calendar. As the central hub for events across the country, the festival provides information and updates on:
- Annual Cultural Festivals celebrating Botswana’s rich heritage.
- Tourism Expos and Sports Events happening throughout the year.
- Global Conferences on eco-tourism and sustainable development.
Whether you’re in Botswana for a short visit or planning a longer stay, the Okavango World Festival website is your one-stop resource for everything you need to know about the country’s events.
