25 Aug 2025

Tsodilo Heritage Walk Challenge billed for this weekend (August 30)  has been postponed to October 25. Speaking in interview, Tsodilo Community Development Trust chairperson Gloria Phorake said the postponement was necessitated by the need to wrap up some logistics to deliver a successful event.

She said the annual event aimed to promote Tsodilo Hills, which was one the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites, as well as the rich culture of the communities around Tsodilo especially Basarwa who were credited for the unique artworks found on the hills.

Tsodilo Hills was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 for having some of the world’s most prestige rock paintings of about 4 500 images. She said the challenge had two components being a walk of 30 kilometers and 15 kilometers as well as cultural night, which featured traditional groups as well as some well-known contemporary artists. Phorake said the walk also encouraged fitness among participants, while appreciating the landscape of the heritage sites.

She said proceeds from the challenge were anticipated to assist Tsodilo Primary School with some donations especially a printing machine. “We also hope the event would have an economic benefit to the Tsodilo community and small businesses,” she said.

Phorake said the event is organised by Tsodilo Community Development Trust in association with Ministry of Environment and Tourism, the Okavango District Council, Office of the District Commissioner in Okavango and sponsored through the Tourism Fund under environment and tourism ministry. ENDS