10 Dec 2017

The festive period comes with lighter side of life. It is time to break away from the traditional routine in the public’s sphere and get jovial.

Nonetheless, the amount of money one accrued in the challenging economic climate will still determine how to enjoy yourself.

BOPA’s reporter, Bonang Masolotate identifies few budget places around Gaborone city that could still make season a memorable one.

Otse Mountain Hiking

On a cool weather, hiking to the top of Otse hill could be such a fascinating yet rough outing.

Other than needing a bottle of water to sip while scanning through shrubs that makes up the mountain vegetation, it is an exhausting yet refreshing journey, which could make one forget the rumbles of the life beneath.

Neighbouring the famous Lentswe La Baratani, climbing the country’s highest peak of Otse Hill, at 1 491 metres above sea level is intense.

According to available literature, Otse Hill is the country’s highest above sea level followed by Baratani Hill and then Tsodilo Hill;  hence taking a trip to the top, one must take necessary precautions such as liaising with the village authorities or at least have supporting team members.

At the summit of the rough expedition, an over view Otse, Mogobane , Moshana in south Africa and some part of Lobatse and Ntlhantlhe villages is noticeable.

At the top, there are signs of life owing to the existence of animal dungs as well as signs of human activities who go there for spiritual cleansing, which can be attested to by the existence of money filled calabash, of which some people throw in money in, with an intention of reconciling their past with the future.

Gaborone Game Reserve

When escaping the hustle and bustle of the city, Gaborone Game Reserve could be an ideal refreshing option.

Situated, in the peripheries of Gaborone, the reserve gives the public and tourists an opportunity to view the country’s game wildlife within reach.

Beside the minimal fee paid at the gate, the self-drive game reserve offers a variety of birds and wildlife such as zebra, giraffe, kudus, elands and ostriches among others.

Regarded as one of the country’s busiest game reserve, Gaborone Game Reserve has a picnic site to allow the revelers a time to relax and enjoy their ousting in a tranquil environment.

And of course, there are those naughty monkeys who would always be eager to get a bite of what visitors bring to the reserve.

Tour the City

Touring Gaborone either by foot or driving, in a relaxed mood offers an opportunity to admire the city aesthetics and traditions.

For tourists, city sighting is an opportunity to unearth the city, its people, food, culture and lifestyle.

The main mall, which has without doubt refused to give way to the new and more cosmopolitan malls is still a hive of activities and give its guests a real sense of being in an African orientated mall.

Music huffed from a street outlet stereo to the other remains the heartbeat of main mall and so is the aroma of barbecues filling the area inviting anyone for a feast during a busy day.

And for those in love with local food, one could grasp traditional cuisine and even get into the more established restaurants for an alternative to vendors.

Local music, artifacts and the country’s memorabilia are some of those one would never miss out at this mall.

Unfortunately, the mall which is usually overflowing with activities could somewhat turn to be forlorn and deserted during public holidays such as festive season, when most people have traveled back to their villages.

The city, also boost of some of the cosmopolitan mall spread from one end to another. Game City, River Walk, Rail Park and Airport Junction are among the notable mall around, which are enormous enough to quench any appetite for shopping and feasting.

There is also the CBD, which nestled in the heart of the city and hosting some of the modern architectural structures in offices, residential, business centers and hotels. 

Among the common structures at the area is the statues of the three dikgosi, which is slowly imposing itself to be the new identity of Gaborone. 

Not far from the CBD, are notable places such as bus and taxi rank, train station and government enclave. Other area of interest could be the national parliament, statue of the pre-colonial era founding father of the national, Sir Seretse Khama, Gaborone Dam and National Museum among others.

Lion Park Resort

For a group or family entreat, a perfect setting could be the Lion Park Resort located in the outskirts of Gaborone in the south. Its disposition of fun is evident right from the entrance, which comprises of the thrilling and highly rated sprawling kwazi roller-coaster. 

Other attractions at the park include that of the amusement rides and swimming, which caters for both the young and old. 

The entry and participation in the feisty activities is however reserved for a price and so is the food served within the park. The amusement park also offers camping site and lion vieweing.

Dimawe Hill

Found outside Mmankgodi en route to Manyana, Dimawe Hill looks forlorn and abandoned, except for few homesteads and fields. 

Yet the value of the hill is not on its looks, but somewhere around 1852 when various groups of Batswana came together to defeat the Boers and rescue Bahurutshe from their pursue.

 It is believed that under the leadership of Kgosi Sechele 1 of Bakwena, who resided at Dimawe then, Kgosi Sechele I requested the Boers who were perusing Bahurutshe to take off their shoes when talking to a Kgosi, which they obliged. 

Unsuspecting, Batswana tribes launched an attack and rolled stones from the Hill killing the invaders who had a hard time fleeing. 

Other places around the city include Livingstone Kolobeng memorial in the outskirts of Kumakwane as well as Manyelanong outside Otse in the South East District.

There is also the Mokolodi Nature Reserve along A1 road, south of the city en route to Lobatse. ENDS