12 Aug 2019

For Sedilame Marumo, adventure is not as a waste of money but something that could change one’s perspective and understanding of the world.

The Serowe-born lady told BOPA in an interview that ‘unlike the short-lived pleasure you get from buying a new television, traveling provides lasting happiness through stories and memories as one meets new faces.”

She explained that travelling opens doors to awesome experiences, citing her first visit to Tsodilo Hills, where she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the paintings on the hills.

Although, she did not manage climb the hills because she arrived late in the evening, she was impressed by the magnificent hills that towered over her.

Tsodilo is a sacred, mystical place where ancestral spirits are said to dwell and there is an undeniable spiritualism about the hills that immediately strikes the visitor. Tsodilio hills have been home to people for around 100 000 years and still hold humanity in awe today.

Ms Marumo underscored the need for the locals to start including travelling in their budget and do it at least once in a year, adding that people have to change their mindset and view travelling as something that could bring joy and happiness.

She also described travelling as therapy which provides an opportunity to experience other people’s lifestyles.

Ms Babatshanyi Mathapa of Mmashoro in the Central District shared the same sentiments that locals still see adventure as a waste of money with many believing that it is expensive.

She said it was high time Batswana viewed travelling as beneficial because one comes back rejuvenated and with a fresh perspective.

Traveling, she said puts one in direct contact with people of a different faith, race, social standing and lifestyle.

Ms Mathapa, who is also the manager at the local community trust named Gaing-O Community Trust said it was advisable for people to leave the confines of their homes, towns and villages or country to see how other people live.

“When you leave home and explore the world, you will see amazing things, eat crazy food and meet interesting people. In short, it will be life-changing,” she said.

However, she noted that some locals had started to appreciate the importance of travelling, citing that they had started receiving bookings at the trust camp site situated at Lekhubu Island.

Lekhubu Island is a unique, untouched tourism attraction  site and the trust has implemented a viable eco-tourism venture for the benefit and appreciation of its members and the nation.

Ms Mathapa explained that the area was unique and urged Batswana to come in large numbers to appreciate its beauty, learn the history of the area.

The trust, she said offered affordable prices ranging from P60 to P150 depending on the activities and number of days booked.

She appealed to Batswana to make travelling part of their lives and support local tourism.

Currently, she said their pillar of survival was international tourists and ‘once they stop visiting our country that means the tourism industry would collapse.’ Ms Mathapa also said government departments, private organisations and individuals could book Lekhubu Island for team building exercises and Christmas parties. Ends