Food might not be the first thing you think of when you think of Botswana. Personally I think about the fact that Botswana is where Prince Harry took Meghan Markle on a surprise trip right after they first started dating, but I digress. This incredible country in South Africa offers visitors a variety of animal sightings and food to try. Not only are there some amazing dishes to try, but Botswana is also full of culture to immerse yourself in while visiting.
Dishes to Try
Let’s start with the food. Many of the dishes served in Botswana are typical for the region. Lots of meat, veggies, and stews are consumed. There might even be some surprises. Keep reading to learn about common meals to try on your journey.
Seswaa
The national dish of Botswana is called Seswaa. Seswaa is a dish that is made with meat stew and thick polenta or pap. The stew consists of boiling meat with onion and pepper and is then poured over the polenta. Once the meat is cooked, and prepared with the polenta, a leafy green called Morogo is added and the dish is complete.
Mopane Worms
If you’re feeling a bit adventurous and aren’t afraid of trying new things, consider snacking on some Mopane Worms. These are multi-colored caterpillars that are known as a local delicacy. You can find them from a street vendor.
Vetkoek
Another traditional dish, Vetkoek is made by using fried dough bread. It can be paired with honey, syrup, or jam but is most often eaten as a full meal and stuffed with curried mince, aka ground beef.
Ditloo
This is an African legume that is perfect for a meal or a quick snack. The beans are soaked overnight to remove their gas. More often than not, people grind the beans into a powder and add it to porridge.
Matemekwane
Matemekwane isn’t native to Botswana but it has become a staple in their diet. These seasoned dumplings are often stuffed with veggies and meat and offer the perfect combination of a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
Dikgobe
One dish that is a great option for vegetarians is called Dikgobe. Dikgobe pulls together peas, beans, sorghum, and maize meal to make a delicious porridge that can be enjoyed as a main entree or side dish.
Pap
Pap or porridge is extremely common in Botswana. Almost every barbecue or braai meal in Africa is served with pap. There are multiple consistencies so it just depends on what the main dish is paired with. Pap is made from maize meal which is often pretty inexpensive. People regularly eat it with veggies for some nutritional value or as a breakfast food paired with milk, butter, and sugar.
Goat Meat Stew
Also a very common meal in Botswana, Goat Meat Stew tastes similar to lamb. It’s combined with lots of different veggies such as carrots, peas, tomatoes, and potatoes. It’s said to be pretty yummy. Goat meat is one of the more common meats eaten in Southern Africa because it is less saturated in fat, calories, and cholesterol than beef is so it’s a much leaner meat. The best way to cook it is slow and long for the perfect flavor.
Morogo
If you’re looking for something a little bit milder and less adventurous than worms, Morogo is the dish for you. It’s a simple side, often served with Seswaa, of wild spinach with lots of nutrients.
Cultural Guide
Botswana is one of very few countries to experience the level of peacemaking it a wonderful place to visit. When you visit Botswana, the people welcome you with open arms and treat you like family. They want to share their traditions and customs with you, so be open to trying new things and learning about the environment around you.
The Tribes
There are various tribes that make up Botswana and they are steadfast in following their traditions. 26 tribes celebrate their culture every day. About 80 percent of the country’s population claims Tswana heritage. The second largest group is the Bakalanga, making up 11 percent of the population. Other tribes include the Hereo, Basubiya & Wayeyi, Mbukushu, and San.
Authentic Safaris
One activity that you must partake in when on a journey to Botswana is a safari. It is said that the experiences in Botswana are some of the best in the world so if you love nature and are ready to experience something like never before, go on safari. The wildlife is abundant and will leave you speechless.
Poetry
An unexpected art in Botswana is poetry. The ancient oral tradition of passing down stories from generation to generation has continued well into the 21st century in Botswana. In ancient times, praise poetry was recorded and transcribed so that future generations could continue the tradition.
Botswana Culture Day
Every year the entire country comes together to celebrate Botswana Culture Day to honor the history of cultural changes throughout time. In rural places, heavy emphasis on tradition is seen in the clothing, dance, music, food, and rituals. On this day, everyone celebrates the past and looks forward to the future.
The Language
English is the main business language of Botswana but the native tongue is Setswana. This was originally the language of the Tswana but is now the national language. Various Tswana speak different dialects of Setswana and is used in everyday life.
Ready for your Botswana food and cultural adventure? Pack your bags and embark on the journey of a lifetime with unforgettable experiences and adventurous food choices. Who knows, you might surprise yourself and find you love snacking on Mopane worms or you might become fluent in Setswana - stranger things have happened.
Post written by Allison Steinke