Immerse yourself in the traditional rhythms, dances, and history of the Batswana people at the Bahurutshe Cultural Village. Located in the hills of Mmankgodi, this living museum is dedicated to preserving the ancient customs of the Hurutshe tribe. The experience begins with a traditional greeting from the village elders, followed by guided tours of thatched clay huts, cooking demonstrations, and energetic performances of traditional African drumming and song.
The highlights include tasting traditional organic dishes and sitting around the open evening fire listening to folklore stories told by the village chiefs.
One fun fact people love:
The round huts in the village are constructed using traditional methods, utilizing a mixture of clay, thatch, and cow dung, which keeps the interiors cool in summer and warm in winter.
Where in Gaborone is it?
Located in Mmankgodi Village, approximately 35 kilometers west of Gaborone.
How to reach:
Best reached by self-driving along the Kanye road, or by booking a guided day tour through a Gaborone travel agency.
Best time to visit:
Dry season (May to October) when all cultural performances and cooking activities can be enjoyed outdoors comfortably.
Best time of day:
Late morning around 11:00 AM to enjoy a full daytime tour, which culminates in a traditional home-cooked lunch.
Entry fee:
Full cultural tours, including traditional lunch and dance performances, cost approximately BWP 350 to BWP 500 per person.
Commute difficulty:
Moderate; requires driving out of the city limits onto rural roads, which can have wandering livestock.
Things nobody tells you about this place:
- You can arrange to stay overnight in one of the traditional clay guest huts to experience village life under the quiet, starry rural sky.
- The traditional sorghum beer brewed on-site has a very unique, sour taste that is an acquired preference, but it is considered polite to try a small sip.
- Visitors are often invited to join in the traditional dances, so wear comfortable clothes and flexible shoes.
