Page 45 - Discover Botswana 2021

s to see and do in Botswana
Eastern Botswana | PAGE 103
101 thing
Eastern
Botswana
101 things to see and do in Botswana Eastern Botswana | Moremi Gorge | PAGE 105 101 things to see and do in Botswana Southern Botswana | Gaborone | PAGE 145
Dazzling Waterfalls
53HIKE the lush, scenic trails leading to one of three main waterfalls at the astonishing Moremi Gorge, an anomaly in drought- prone Botswana and a welcome reprieve
from the heat, sand and dust of the arid country.
Water rises from deep aquifers in
the ground and, combined with rainfall throughout the year, forms flowing streams and gushing waterfalls.
Nestled in the exceedingly beautiful Tswapong Hills, about 60 kilometres east of Palapye, the recently opened Goo Moremi Gorge Resort is a refreshing and relaxing weekend getaway for residents of eastern Botswana. Additionally, it is a noteworthy example of how community-based tourism
brings training, jobs and prosperity to rural residents, while at the same time promoting local conservation.
Hikers zig-zag through the gorge, criss-crossing the perennial streams, before reaching the three waterfalls that appear one after another on the walk. They cascade into deep pools framed by lush mosses and ferns. The landscapes consist
of green forests, mountainous drylands and precipitous cliffs. These are breeding grounds for the endangered Cape vulture – better seen from afar so as not to disturb the sensitive birds. A wide variety of bird species has been recorded in the area, making for interesting birding for visitors.
While you won’t find the ‘Big Five’ here, the gorge is home to both the ‘Little Five’
(Elephant shrew, Red-billed buffalo weaver, Leopard tortoise, Ant lion and Rhino beetle) and two of the ‘Ugly Five’ (Marabou stork and Cape vulture).
Southern Botswana | Gaborone | PAGE 139
Night Out on the Town
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Tropic of Capricorn, Eastern Botswana
101 things to see and do in Botswana
Custodian of Art and
Culture
72 ACQUIRE a knowledge of the natural and cultural histories of Botswana with an engaging
and well-presented exhibition at the National Museum and Art Gallery , situated close to the Main Mall in downtown Gaborone.
The Museum’s colourful permanent indoor and outdoor displays chronicle the flora, fauna and cultures of Botswana; and the adjoining National Art Gallery regularly holds quality exhibitions of arts, crafts
and photography, by local, regional and international artists.
101 things to see and do in Botswana
Magical Moments
Northern Botswana | Okavango | PAGE 29
TRAVEL TIP
Goo-Moremi Gorge is a National Monument. Rich in spiritual legend, it is held sacred by the Batswapong who regard it as the seat of their ancestral home, where they believe the ancestors rest and guide their lives. Visitors should treat the site with respect and refrain from defacing or damaging it.
76JIVE with wild abandon at one of the
regularly staged Mascom Live Sessions concerts, held at Botswanacraft, on Gaborone’s Outer Ring Road. Top class local and
regional performers take their audiences higher in rollicking shows that leave people breathless with their over- the-top energy, exuberance and musical brilliance. The Sessions have seen the likes of some of Africa’s best and
most popular musicians – the late Hugh Masekela, Salif Keta, Freshly Ground, Ringo, Franco, the late Oliver Mtukudzi, and many, many others. A super night out!
Consult Events Botswana at www.events.co.bw
NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS:
12 SIP your favourite cocktail whilst a golden African sun begins its descent in a wide, cloud-stacked
sky streaked in myriad colours. You are now havingSundowners , as dramatic shafts of sunlight play games with the soft green grasses, colours shifting with every glance. Flocks of birds break the silence of
the moment, noisily making their way to their nesting grounds.
The sun suddenly turns a fire-red, quickly setting the sky ablaze with ribbons of pink, coral and purple, streaking against cool blue. It is one of those stupendous sunsets which only Botswana can deliver, one that will remain in your mind’s eye forever.
PHOTO TIP
To photograph a live concert, don’t be afraid to experiment with different angles. Including the front row of the crowd, for example, can help portray the charged atmosphere. If you are close to the stage, adding a little fill-in flash can help freeze the movement of the musicians in the darkness of the stage; but make sure you limit the power, so it doesn’t overshadow the ambient spotlights.
Established in 1967 and recently celebrating its 50th anniversary, the museum has been a vibrant focal point
of artistic and cultural activity since its inception. Its mandate is to display and promote the country’s natural and cultural heritage, and to acquire artifacts relating to Africa south of the Sahara. The collection of artifacts, research, exhibitions, national and international collaborations and vigorous outreach programmes to schoolchildren are ongoing.
Check the outdoor bulletin board for upcoming exhibitions and other events.
PHO TO TIP
An African sunset scene can be extremely dramatic. But, did you realise that the magic continues, and is often even better, after the sun has dipped below the horizon? Think of using the abunda still Delta waters to capture the reflections of these colourful skies. Use a tripod and bracket your exposures for an increased dynamic range by blending the images in post processing.
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