Foraging in Tswapong Forest near Palapye
Active
6h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
The Tswapong Hills of Botswana have been a cultural melting pot for nearly 2000 years. San, Venda, Pedi, Ndebele, Birwa and Ngwato peoples have all left their mark in the local cuisine and culture.
The virgin forest of the Hills has long been a source of wild vegetables, fruits and edible insects for the local people.
With the help of your local hosts you will learn how to collect and prepare some of the forest produce and get to taste the best of the traditional cuisine.
Our multimedia presentation over dinner covers the geology, prehistory, history, agriculture and wildlife of the Tswapong Hills. We hope it will encourage you to extend your stay and explore the hidden facets of this fascinating area.
The farm is also home to a good selection of the local nocturnal wildlife. Many animals are quite tame. The farm walking tracks are yours to explore after dinner if you wish. A favorite with children: the seemingly dull African bush really comes alive after sundown.
Available options
Foraging in Tswapong Forest near Palapye
What's included
An interactive multimedia presentation over dinner
Torches if you wish to explore the farm by night
A buffet dinner of 100% authentic Batswapong dishes
A guided foraging experience in the Tswapong forests
Traditional ginger beer, mageu and other soft drinks
Motopi coffee and Motshudiri tea prepared from the trees on the farm
Tastings of the traditional drinks of the hills
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Meeting point
Signage to segaigai Farm begins on the North South Connector Pipeline Road at 22.5793 S, 027.1398 E. After our big sign the route is marked with white "S" markers all the way to the farm. The meeting point is the reception office just inside the farm gate.
About Botswana
Botswana is renowned for its vast wilderness areas, including the Okavango Delta, one of the world's largest inland deltas, and the Kalahari Desert. The country offers exceptional wildlife viewing, cultural experiences, and adventure activities, making it a top destination for nature enthusiasts and safari-goers.
Top Attractions
Okavango Delta
One of the world's largest inland deltas, the Okavango Delta is a unique ecosystem where the Okavango River spreads out into a labyrinth of lagoons, channels, and islands. It's a haven for wildlife and offers exceptional opportunities for game viewing and water-based activities.
Nature
2-4 days
Expensive (luxury safari lodges and camps)
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. It offers excellent game viewing opportunities, particularly along the Chobe River, where animals gather to drink.
Nature
1-3 days
Moderate to expensive (safari lodges and camps)
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of Africa's largest game reserves, offering a remote and wilderness experience. It's home to a variety of wildlife, including lions, cheetahs, and the endangered African wild dog.
Nature
2-4 days
Moderate to expensive (safari camps and lodges)
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park is a vast, salt-covered landscape that transforms into a lush, grassy plain during the wet season. It's home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, and flamingos.
Nature
1-3 days
Moderate (safari camps and lodges)
Tsodilo Hills
Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock paintings and cultural significance. The site is home to over 4,500 rock paintings, some of which are over 20,000 years old.
Cultural
1-2 days
Budget to moderate (entry fees and guided tours)
Must-Try Local Dishes
Seswaa
A traditional Botswana dish made from pounded meat, usually beef, goat, or game, served with pap (maize porridge) or bogobe (sorghum porridge).
Main course
Contains meat, gluten-free (if served with pap or bogobe)
Bogobe
A traditional Botswana dish made from sorghum or maize flour, cooked with water or milk to create a porridge-like consistency. It is often served with seswaa or vegetables.
Main course
Vegetarian, gluten-free (if made with sorghum flour)
Dikgobe
A traditional Botswana snack made from groundnuts (peanuts) and sorghum flour, shaped into small balls and fried or boiled. It is a popular street food and is often served with chakalaka (a spicy vegetable relish).
Snack
Vegetarian, contains nuts
Kapenta
Small, dried fish from Lake Kariba, usually served fried or grilled with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Kapenta is a popular street food and is often served with sadza (maize porridge) or bread.
Snack
Contains fish, gluten-free (if served with sadza)
Popular Activities
Safaris
Quad biking
Hiking
Wildlife viewing
Boat safaris
Cultural experiences
Birdwatching
Stargazing
Best Time to Visit
May to October (dry season)
This is the best time for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. The weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for safaris and outdoor activities.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Setswana
- Widely spoken: English, Setswana, Kalanga, Sekgalagadi, Sesarwa
- English: Widely spoken, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations
Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
Time Zone
GMT+2 (Central Africa Time, CAT)
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
Botswana is generally considered a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, it's important to exercise caution in certain areas, particularly in cities and towns at night, and to be aware of potential scams and petty theft.
Important Precautions:
- • Avoid walking alone at night, especially in isolated areas
- • Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid carrying large amounts of cash
- • Only use licensed taxis and tour operators
Getting there
By air
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport • 10 km north of Gaborone
By train
Gaborone Railway Station
By bus
Gaborone Bus Station, Francistown Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
Buses are the most common form of public transport. Commuters are used for short distances within cities, while long-distance buses connect major towns.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Botswana Taxis, Uber (in major cities)
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Gaborone Central Business District (CBD)
Maun
Kasane
Day trips
Chobe National Park
1,000 km from Gaborone • Full day
Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife. It offers excellent game viewing opportunities, particularly along the Chobe River, where animals gather to drink.
Mokolodi Nature Reserve
15 km from Gaborone • Half day to full day
Mokolodi Nature Reserve is a private game reserve offering a variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, as well as cultural and educational experiences.
Tsodilo Hills
600 km from Gaborone • Full day to overnight
Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock paintings and cultural significance. The site is home to over 4,500 rock paintings, some of which are over 20,000 years old.
Festivals
Botswana International Food and Culture Festival • July
Makgadikgadi Music Festival • September
Gaborone International Music and Culture Week (GIMCW) • June
Pro tips
- Book accommodations and tours well in advance, especially during peak season (May to October)
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a guided tour for the best wildlife viewing and cultural experiences
- Pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes for exploring Botswana's diverse landscapes
- Bring plenty of sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun, as Botswana's climate is hot and dry
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, especially during the hot and dry season (May to October)
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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