08 Aug 2016

The 2016 Cross Okavango Delta Expedition team received a warm welcome as they complete their successful 14 days’ journey from Seronga to Maun using traditional dug canoes.

As part of the Botswana Tourism Organization (BTO) BOT50 independence celebration activities, the organisation held a colourful welcome reception at the confluence of the Thamalakane and Okavango Rivers.

The event was characterised by songs, poems, ululation and Masalela a Badimo traditional group took the audience by storm through their sterling performances. 

The 2016 expedition was the second after the successful inaugural journey in 2015 led by the adventurer, Tlhalefang Charles.

This year the team comprised of seven Bayei poolers experts, musicians; HT and Molefi ‘Stiga Sola’ Monaga of Maun, poet Leshy Lovesong of Chobe, photographer Pako Lesejane, USA Conservation music project artist and a film crew of three documenting the expedition. 

The idea to bring along artists was to motivate them to create artworks that have been inspired by the Okavango delta.

Speaking during the ceremony BTO public relations manager, Keitumetse Setlang commended the team for taking upon themselves to traverse water of Okavango. 

Ms Setlang said the team sacrificed their lives to go through dangerous animals because they were accompained by experienced poolers hence they were comfortable.

She said the expedition was Charles’ idea together with his friend Lesejane who were travel enthusiasts adding that they traveled through the thickest forests in Angola before.

This time around, she noted that they brought on board some artists who could share stories about the beauty of the delta. 

Setlang explained that BTO had partnered with the crew because they believed that there was a lot that the world could see and learn. She said they want the experiences to be documented.

 She further revealed that as they celebrate the 50th anniversary, they intend to do some spectacular activities because they give people chance to hear nice stories of Okavango delta through artists. 

“I am glad because the locals are part of the crew and they could share stories of the delta. We want to paint a picture about the delta,” she added.

She also noted that as a private sector, they had an opportunity to promote expedition and also mokoro safaris.

Setlang wished more projects and products could be developed out of the expedition adding that BTO was ready to assist where possible. 

For his part, the team leader, Charles said they had a successful journey although at the beginning they had some difficulties due to low water levels at the river. 

Also, he observed that for those who went for the first time had a fear as they met wild animals, adding that the fear later died and they started falling in love with the environment.

Charles explained that they brought along some local artists to assist them to share their experiences about the delta, noting that it was a pity as most of the books about the delta were written by foreigners.

“I believe it is wise for Batswana to know the delta better  and be proud as they celebrate 50 years anniversary of independence. 

The artists would come up with poems, songs and stories, which would spread the message about the beauty of the delta,” he added. Ends