01 Jul 2025

The recently unveiled additional  amenities at Khawa  tust campsite, including a state-of-the-art ablution block, a bush kitchen, and a fence are expected to transform  the remote village of Khawa into tourists desirable stop over.

The anticipation is for Khawa to also experience a significant boost in tourism and local employment.

The newly constructed facilities, a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO), were recently toured by the Minister of Environment and Tourism, Wynter Mmolotsi, during the Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival. Mmolotsi expressed appreciation for the structures, which are now managed by the Khawa Kopanelo Development Trust.

The project, which commenced in 2024, included the construction of four female toilets and four showers, along with four male toilets and four showers. This upgrade with expectation to enhance the comfort and convenience for tourists, making Khawa a more desirable stop for extended stays.

Minister Mmolotsi said tourism was not merely an industry, but a pillar of national development, offering a unique opportunity to leverage cultural tourism for inclusive growth, economic diversification, and community empowerment.

He noted that successful tourism initiatives led to entrepreneurship, job creation, and the preservation of customs, arts, and traditions. 

He lauded the synergy between adventure sports, cultural expression, and economic development evident at Khawa festival, noting that the event provided a space for local businesses to thrive and for Botswana to showcase its unique cultural landscape globally.

Chairperson of the Khawa Trust, Elsie Velskaen, could not surpress her delight over the project’s completion. 

“This facility is also going to create employment in an area where most of the community members are unemployed. We are going to hire cleaners, security officers, managers, and more. Indeed, community members have already benefited, with some being employed during the construction phase of the project,” she mentioned.

The enhanced facilities are also to cater to corporate groups seeking unique event and meeting spaces, she said.

This diversification she said would further strengthen Khawa’s position on the tourism map, providing sustainable opportunities for the local community.

 The new ablution block, in particular, is seen as a game-changer, promising a more comfortable and appealing experience for all visitors and setting the stage for Khawa’s continued growth as a vibrant tourist destination.

Kgosi Piet Manyoro of Khawa, who applauded the BTO and UNDP for their contribution, highlighted the immediate impact of the new ablution block. 

He pleaded for road maintenance in his village, stating that the poor condition of the road limited tourist numbers and that improved roads could attract more visitors. 

He appealed to the minister to improve tourism in their area, given its rich natural resources as potential attractions that could create employment and business opportunities.

“The new development is a huge thing as it is going to attract more tourists. We are going to accommodate more people, even corporate events and meetings. We do not want people to only come here for festivals, people should come here for different activities and anytime not only during the festival,” says Kgosi Manyoro. ENDS