Okavango is calling
The Okavango is Calling cultural festival, which is scheduled for 4th-7th September in Maun, is an annual event targeting the diplomatic community and this year organisers are promising a one of a kind event.
The event is organised by Ghetto Urban Designs and over the past week, they held a meeting to brief diplomats about the progress of the event. The event seeks to celebrate and showcase the Okavango Delta as the 1000 World Heritage Site, and is supported by UNESCO. According to organisers, it seeks to promote intercultural exchange, tourism and cuisine of the 22 countries which have embassies in Botswana, non-governmental organisations, parastatals, companies and other stakeholders. Highlights of the event will include the official opening slated for September 4th as well as exhibitions, and the theme for the day is traditional attire.
On the second day, guests will have the chance to tour the Okavango Delta by boats and mekoro, as well as have scenic flights and go on hiking expeditions. Day three will see guests having a chance to feasts on cuisines from different countries at the Food Festival, Arts and Craft expo. The event will conclude with a music festival on the last day.
Speaking in an interview, Thato Sebati explains that the first event was held last year, and that this year, they were going big with an estimated budget of P3.5 million targeting 3000 guests. He also says that they hoped the embassies will come and showcase their culture through fashion, food and business. He also called on the Embassies to send in big delegations in order to see what Botswana has to offer. “We are calling on the ambassadors to come and also bring the business community from their respective countries,” he says.