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Country Guide > Africa > Botswana | |
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Social Profile Food & Drink Restaurants and bars can be found in main towns, often within hotels. Millet and sorghum porridge constitutes much of the cuisine. Visitors to Botswana may encounter Morama (an underground tuber), the Kalahari truffle and the Mopane worm (boiled, cooked or deep-fried). Most lodges and safari camps also have restaurants and licensed bars, although food is generally basic outside major hotels and restaurants. The standard of food in lodges and camps is generally very good. There is local beer and no real restrictions on alcohol. Traditional drinks include palm wine (which is extremely strong) and Kgadi (made from distilled sugar or fungus). Nightlife Most people get up early in the morning, and nightlife is not very extensive. However, there are some bars and restaurants in Gaborone. The city also has a cinema. Maun has a handful of restaurants and a small cinema. Shopping Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry (particularly at Etsha, Shakawe and Shorobe) are recommended. Modern Bushman art can be seen, and perhaps purchased, at D'Kar, 25 miles north of Ghanzi. There also occasional exhibitions at the National Museum in Gaborone. Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 0800-1800; Sat 0830-1300. Special Events The following is a selection of special events celebrated annually in Botswana: Mar 1-Aug 31 Lost in the Kalahari, Mabuasehube Game Reserve. Apr Botswana Defence Force Day. Apr 16-24 Maitisong Festival, Gaborone. Jul 16 President’s Day (celebrated with traditional dancing, musical events, including performances by the Defence Force Band, and karate shows). Jul 25-27 National Music Eisteddfod, Selebi-Phikwe. Sep 30 Botswana Day (marked by colourful parades). Nov-Dec Flowers in the Kalahari Desert, Khutse Game Reserve. Social Conventions As most people in Botswana follow their traditional pattern of life, visitors should be sensitive to customs which will inevitably be unfamiliar to them. Outside urban areas, people may well not be used to visitors. Casual clothing is acceptable and, in urban centres, normal courtesies should be observed. Photography: Airports, official residences and defence establishments should not be photographed. Permission should be obtained to photograph local people. Tipping: A discretionary 5 to 10 per cent. In many places, a service charge is automatically added. It is customary to tip the game guide and lodge staff while on safari. |