Botswana Safari Tours & Holidays

As packed as Botswana is with incredible wildlife, the local food is just as impressive. The country is full of busy, thriving food markets that are bursting with fresh, local produce of the likes you’ve never seen, with a vibrant variety of colours and flavours just ready for you to enjoy. And, on your safari, you’ll not only be treated to these brilliant grains, fruits, and vegetables – all lovingly prepared – but also locally caught game and fish, grilled or fried simply to maintain its natural flavours. And don’t forget the beer – both alcoholic, and of the ginger variety, which is one of Botswana’s most popular soft drinks.

Sorghum, a kind of millet, and maize form the basis of many local dishes, usually accompanied by local legumes and vegetables. Goat, mutton, and chicken are widely eaten, although the locals do adore their beef too. Freshwater fish are another vital staple you’ll find in dishes. Many believe watermelons first grew here too, and the refreshing fruit is often prepared with ginger and sugar to create tasty homemade drinks. 

Seswaa, or chotlho, is usually considered Botswana’s national dish. The ingredients include beef slow-cooked and tenderised in salt water, served with maize, rice or beans, or even in a sandwich. If you want a truly local experience, then you need to try serobe: a favourite across the country, it’s prepared with cow, goat, or sheep lungs and intestines (sometimes all three), cooked until soft, and is often served with bogobe jwa lerotse – another porridge like dish that gets its flavour from the local favourite, lerotse melons. Plant-based visitors will adore dikgobe - a hearty dish made from beans, peas and maize. 

Botswana’s local beer is brewed from sorghum, giving it a unique taste. Fermented milk, or madila, is also a local favourite, as are watermelon based drinks and ginger beer – all perfect for quenching your thirst under the baking Botswana sun.