Through the Tsodilo Hills Experience Sleep Out Camp, as a deliberate move to develop a cultural heritage tourism product, Desert and Delta Safaris (DDS) has fostered a long-term empowerment of the Tsodilo community, especially the San, through tourism beneficiation.
The Tsodilo hills experience Sleep Out Camp, located at the foot of the male Hill and to the East, is a product of Nxamaseri Island Lodge, a property of DDS which is located on the Okavango Delta’s Panhandle. Nxamaseri Island Lodge offers guests’ the experience of both of Botswana’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Okavango Delta and Tsodilo Hills.
Desert and Delta Safaris is a subsidiary of Chobe Holdings Limited – which is listed on the Botswana Stork Exchange. Among its portfolio, DDS has properties in the Makgadikgadi, Chobe and the Okavango Delta,
In a recent interview at the Camp, Nxamaseri Island Lodge’s back of house manager Kabelo Mister, revealed that the sleep out camp was introduced in September last year, and is offered to guests who would have booked at the 3 nights. It offers a rare and unique experience of Tsodilo’s people and the Hills, a first of its kind – involving a one night sleep out at the eco-friendly camp which has of comfortable accommodation pods whose design depicts the tradition bushmen huts, taking the name “Mogwaafatshe.’ To ensure the guests’ safety and peace of mind, tents are incorporated inside the thatched huts to complete the structure.
Built with sustainability in mind, the sleep out camp seamlessly blends with nature, and gives guests a true feel of the environment and culture of the San – and it’s an adventure!
In developing the product DDS placed the communities found here at the fore front in terms of employments opportunities and economic upliftment through Tsodilo Community Trust. The cultural performances at the Camp, around the fire are done by a cultural group from the village whose performance showcases culture through song and dances, and the sharing of ancient San folklore.
Transported from Nxamaseri Island Lodge in a luxury airconditioned bus for a trip that last just under 90 minutes, arriving late in the afternoon for the start of this unique experience, the sleep out camp becomes first point of call for guests.
Around the fire, guests are treated to the performances by the San traditional group, where they also have the opportunity to interact with the group leader to explain the meaning behind some of the dances, songs and chants.
Following these experience guests are then treated to dinner under the starts, then a night around the fire before they retire to bed, and await the following morning’s excursions to the Tsodilo Hills- commonly known as ‘Mountains of the Gods.”
The excursions to the Hills start very early, and led by the local guides who take the guests on a journey through the different ancient rock art and paintings, and hiking up the male hill. The Tsodilo Hills are know to have over 4500 rock paintings at over 400 sites. The guests then descend to indulge in the Tsodilo Hills Museum, where they learn more on the spiritual and cultural heritage of Basarwa.
Before being whisked back to the tranquil and luxury settings of the Nxamaseri Island Lodge, the guests are then taken to the Village Curio shop, run by the community trust and can purchase products made by the villagers, thereby offering direct economic support.
