Photography & Botswanan Culture

Explore the 15,000-square-kilometer Okavango Delta to learn how photographers practice responsible photography, capturing compelling images while respecting wildlife and ecosystems. Join a wildlife photography safari and keep watch for the “Big Five”—elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, and (if luck strikes) rhino—along with red lechwe, a water-loving antelope that bounds through the shallows, and more than 400 bird species overhead. Nowhere else offers this mix of water, desert, and dense wildlife, making the drive a once-in-a-lifetime experience. 

In the heart of the Okavango, you’ll explore photography as a powerful medium for storytelling and creative expression. Together with your fellow Global Navigators, you’ll spend time with local women who support their families through the region’s Shorobe basket-weaving tradition. You’ll document each step of the process as you try your hand at weaving and learn about the craft’s cultural significance. Through your lens, you’ll learn to tell the story of a community, its creativity, and the generations of knowledge woven into every basket.

Journey into rural Botswana and experience the traditions, values, and daily life that have shaped the culture for generations. At Bahurutshe Cultural Village, history comes to life through immersive experiences that offer a deeper understanding of Setswana customs, community, and heritage.  

Your visit begins with ululations, a joyful traditional greeting celebrating your arrival. Explore a kgotla, the community gathering place where important discussions and decisions take place, and discover how cooperation and respect remain central to village life. Throughout the day, you’ll tour traditional homesteads, learn craft-making techniques from local artisans, and experience the music, dance, and storytelling that preserve cultural traditions across generations. You may even witness a traditional wedding ceremony, offering a unique look into local customs and celebrations. From hands-on activities to authentic local cuisine, every moment provides an opportunity to connect with the people, traditions, and spirit of Botswana.