01 Jul 2025

Off the beaten track, situated on the fringes of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park about 157km southwest of Tsabong, lies a truly spectacular and untouched natural resource rich Khawa village where adventure, thrill and fun seeking travelers can relish an authentic tourism experience.

Recently, the village which is endowed with a signature dune landscape of varying hues, flora and fauna and cultural heritage was overflowing with domestic and international tourists to explore the dunes in varying shapes, cultural heritage, sport and arts in a colourful event rich with vibrant artistic renditions in this year’s instalment of the Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival.

“Khawa is an event like no other, it is a beautiful travel experience that evokes positive emotions and memorable impressions of stunning scenery, engaging sports activities, and unique cultural immersion particularly the Polka Dance. I like the horse racing on the sand dunes and so it gives me so much joy. l always look forward to the next Khawa with so much optimism,” said a Khawa regular Gaboratanelwe Radipitse who has never missed a single edition since its introduction. 

He found the tourism product appealing as it entailed exciting cultural performances line ups. Even the chilling weather could not stop him from enjoying the natural wonders, “it is so unique and relaxing. Ga gona gope ko go tshwanang le Khawa, o tshwana a le nosi,” he said.

The domestic tourist derives pleasure from networking at Khawa where he has built a network of friendships over the years, “I was camped next to some South African guys and we instantly clicked and they are planning to visit again, this gives me so much joy,” he said.

For Tsabong business woman Cynthia Sethibang, Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival always presented great opportunities for them.

“This year I was selling Khawa merchandise which was all sold out especially jackets because it was cold. I did not return with any of it and I made some profit,” she said.

This year’s event was organised by Botswana Tourism Organisation in conjunction with a private company Incepta Communications. It featured motorcycle and quad bike competitions, vehicle challenge, horse racing, and cultural events, sand volley ball, tug of war, camel rides, a 4x4 challenge, camping, a music festival in a rather lively atmosphere on the sand dunes offering scenic experiences.

On the stunning auburn dunes,Minister of Sport  and Arts Jacob Kelebeng who flagged off some of the races reaffirmed government’s commitment to growing the festival as it was an impressive all-encompassing tourism package which had great economic potential for the nation and the people of Khawa.

The Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival, he said was a unifier that has brought together people from all over the country and outside the country to enjoy themselves in the dunes as such the annual event has proven that celebrating cultural heritage, infused with sport tourism was a phenomenal tourism package. 

Kelebeng therefore said it must be developed, adding that the model could be emulated by other communities to benefit and create the much needed employment opportunities.

Tsabong District Council chairman and Khawa councilor Elias Motlhanke appreciated supporters and participants for making the event a success. 

He also appreciated former President Lt. Gen. Dr Seretse Khama Ian Khama also Bangwato Kgosi Khama IV, for supporting the event and giving back to the Khawa community. 

The minister also called for the construction of Khawa-Khuis road to be able to support the increasing tourism activities in the village.

Also found cruising the sand dunes on a quad bike was Kgosi Khama IV who has played a substantial role over the years in shaping Khawa Dune Challenge and Cultural Festival. 

He appreciated the event for yielding visible infrastructure developments in the village which he noted would add value in growing tourism in Khawa and boost the local economy.

Kgosi Khama IV suggested that the private sector should be roped and become more involved at Khawa to hold more tourism activities to support the residents’ livelihoods rather than holding one tourism event once a year. 

He said the area was abound with tourism opportunities that could potentially add more economic value. ENDS