09 Jan 2022

Maun polers were back to their glory days this festive season as business was lucrative, following a dry spell since the last Christmas holidays due to COVID-19.

Counted among the blessed were The River lodge beach polers in Matapana, who were all smiles as they cashed in from those who visited Maun for the holidays.

In an interview, Mr Letsogang Joe Sethapelo of Thaoge Safaris said this season Batswana were their main clients as they brought families and friends for cruising and photo shoots.

He said business was boosted by referrals and walk-ins as big lodges and nearby hotels do not offer such services as boat cruising.

However, he noted that boat cruising business required patience as in a day one could have clients in the morning then remain idle until late afternoon when customers throng the beach.

He shared that besides being a business, the beach spot had become their home as they had established good working relations with other drivers to a point that spending Christmas by the beach felt like spending it with family.

Another driver, Mr Osia Boleme reiterated that 2020 was their worst as boat cruising suffered a big blow due to COVID-19.

However, he stated that 2021 was a much better year as both local and international visitors started booking again.

Mr Boleme said he was one of the first people to identify the beach spot back in 2009 when he took people for mokoro rides.

He noted that his company, Nxumu Adventure, had bought bigger boats upon realising that many people enjoyed cruising at the spot.

To provide a safe environment for boat cruisers, they have engaged security to enforce regulations and curb lawlessness. ENDS