05 May 2026

Just a stone’s throw east of Zola stands Cresta Lodge Gaborone, a familiar landmark known for its calm efficiency and understated elegance. On most days, it is business as usual. But on this particular afternoon, something shifted,quietly at first, then beautifully all at once.

What unfolded was not just a welcome. It was a moment. Draped in blue German print and the colours of Botswana, men and women lined a red carpet, their voices rising in a warm Setswana melody. The song was not rehearsed for spectacle; it carried something deeper. Ululations pierced through the rhythm, wrapping the space in a celebration that felt both intimate and grand.

Then came the bus. As it pulled in, the energy swelled. Guests stepped out, first curious, then visibly moved, before joining in the singing. Somewhere between the harmonies, Setswana greetings blended seamlessly with Chinese phrases, an effortless fusion of cultures that spoke louder than any formal reception ever could.

Within hours, the moment had travelled far beyond the lodge. The video went viral. But what resonated was not just the choreography of the welcome, it was the sincerity behind it. Many saw it for what it truly was: Botswana introducing itself to the world, not through scripts or speeches, but through warmth, rhythm and human connection.

A few days later, the BOPA team sat down with Cresta’s Guest Relations Manager, Ms Marang Nthebolan, and Banqueting Coordinator, Ms Merapelo Bosenogile, to understand the thinking behind that unforgettable scene.

“It stopped being about Cresta,” Ms Nthebolan said, reflecting on preparations following the hotel’s selection to host international teams for World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026. 

With athletes arriving from across continents, the team saw an opportunity, not just to host, but to represent. The goal was simple: create an environment that felt less formal and more human; a welcome that built trust before words were even exchanged.

Even amid demanding schedules, staff carved out time to transform into cultural ambassadors, changing into traditional attire, performing, then returning to their duties. It was not just a gesture for guests; it became a moment of pride for the staff themselves.

“It gave us a breather,” Ms Nthebolan explained. “But more than that, it allowed us to learn from our guests, different languages, different ways of greeting and weave them into our own.”

That spirit of exchange extended across the entire experience. Ms Bosenogile noted that engagements with the Botswana Tourism Organisation and Gaborone City Council had helped shape their approach to customer care. What stood out, however, was how the team took that guidance and made it their own.

Hosting 211 athletes from six teams spanning South America, Asia, Europe and Africa, the lodge became a small global village. Yet instead of overwhelming guests with formality, Cresta leaned into something uniquely local.

“This was not just about showcasing attire like leteisi or matlalo. It was about showing how we welcome people here,”she said.

And the guests responded. Between training sessions, athletes explored nearby shopping areas, blending into the rhythm of the city. Inside the lodge, curiosity turned into appreciation especially at the dining table. While initial preparations focused on strict dietary requirements, many athletes soon began requesting local dishes.

Seswaa, Papa and Bogobe. Simple meals, deeply rooted in culture, served not just as food but as stories on a plate.

Behind the scenes, operations remained seamless. Despite being fully booked, the lodge opted not to bring in temporary staff, instead relying on experienced personnel from sister properties. The result was consistency without compromise.

There were also moments of community. One evening, Bokamoso Junior School’s traditional dance group took to the floor, not for payment, but as part of an ongoing partnership with the lodge. Their performance blurred the line between audience and participant, as guests were invited to join in. Laughter and movement replaced the usual distance between host and visitor.

Security, too, played its part quietly but effectively with a visible police presence ensuring athletes could move freely and confidently throughout their stay.

By the time the relays got underway, Cresta Lodge had become more than accommodation. It had become an experience a living expression of Botswana’s identity. ends