26 Aug 2026

New attractions are coming to the Parakarungu cultural heritage monument to elevate the historic site into a vibrant and attractive tourism hotspot.

The monument, which was unveiled last year, stands as a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the Basubiya people and celebrates their identity by featuring artistic work showing basketry, arts and crafts, crops, the diverse wildlife species and the towering palm trees.

In an interview, monument project committee member, Richard Mushanana said plans were underway to grow trees at the monument to turn the landscape green and alive and enhance visitors experience. 

In order to foster community integration, Mushanana said the residents intended to fence the football grounds adjacent to the historic site to create a vibrant stopping point for tourists to interact with locals before heading to Linyanti.

He said as part of the second phase, a fish pond would be constructed to diversify the site’s attraction and it would double as a commercial venture, with harvested fish sold to generate revenue for village development coffers.

Mushanana pointed out that educational components would also be integrated into the already existing structure, adding that the historical information detailing the heritage of Parakarungu and the wider Chobe region would be inscribed onto the already existing walls and would serve as a learning resource for children and visitors.

“The intention is that when visitors come here, they should read about our history and study the arts and crafts so that as they traverse Parakarungu they can expand their knowledge and probe residents about what they already saw at the monument,” he said.

He stated that funds were available for the pipeline developments, noting that they only awaited completion of concepts of the new elements.

Mushanana said it was too early to start charging people for visiting the site, hence the gate remained unlocked for any passerby to enter, explore and take pictures.

He stated that solar panels would be installed at the site to illuminate it at night.

Mushanana stressed that all the developments were intended to attract more people to Parakarungu.

He said most people preferred to use the Kachikau route to access Linyanti because though much shorter, the Parakarungu route featured a gravel road that was unpleasant to drive in.

The monument was funded by Chobe Enclave Conservation Trust at a tune of P178,000 for design and construction. ends