21 Apr 2016

The annual cultural tourism event dubbed Khawa Dune Challenge is set for May 5-8. The top drawer event is pencilled for the small village of Khawa approximately 167km south west of Tsabong in the Kgalagadi District. 

Briefing members of the media this week, Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) chief executive officer,  Thabo Dithebe said the event was part of an effort to diversify the tourism product and amongst others ensuring quality in the tourism industry. 

“The rationale behind these types of events is threefold: to promote Botswana, provide quality and become globally competitive. As you all know Botswana is one of the best destinations as far as safari is concerned. 

We now have the mandate to look at other aspects of tourism such as sport and adventure which are potential avenues to explore,” he said.  Dithebe said they had been conducting a socio-economic survey on the impact of the event on communities and indications were that substantial gains were experienced. 

He said the whole idea was to keep the Khawa challenge as exciting as possible.Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture,  Kago Ramokate said the partnership with BTO had worked well for his ministry in realising the arts and culture component of their mandate. 

He said the event would also help in the cultural exchange of the communities. He said groups as far as Bobonong and Ramotswa were expected to take part in Saturday’s cultural night. Thabiso Seobamo from Botswana Motorsport said the stage was set for the quad bike and motorbike challenge. He said the terrain would be extended by a further 50km to make it 100km, adding that they were impressed by the growing level of international participation.

The event, now on its fifth year, will feature quad and motorbike challenges, professional sky dive demonstrations, air balloon rides, fun camel rides, cultural performances and exhibitions, sand dunes monster trucks and contemporary festival featuring Motabaseo of Mahempe fame and Wizards of the Deserts.Ends