Ghanzi

Ghanzi is a district in western Botswana, covering a vast expanse of the Kalahari Basin. It is the traditional homeland of the San (Bushmen) people, who have inhabited this arid region for thousands of years. The district's main town, Ghanzi, lies on the Trans-Kalahari Highway and serves as the primary service centre for the western Kalahari. The landscape is characterised by acacia savanna, fossil river valleys, and the iconic Kalahari red dunes. Ghanzi offers cultural tourism focused on San heritage, as well as access to remote game ranches and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

The best time is the dry winter (May–August), with mild days and cold nights. Summer (October–March) is extremely hot, often exceeding 40°C, with occasional thunderstorms that can make the Kalahari roads impassable.

The Trans-Kalahari Highway (A2) runs east-west through Ghanzi, connecting to Mamuno (border with Namibia) in the west and Kang in the east. Most roads outside the highway are unpaved and require a 4x4, especially in summer. Long-distance buses serve the Ghanzi–Gaborone route.

• Ghanzi — The main town and service hub of the western Kalahari, with lodges and craft markets.
• Charles Hill — A remote San community village with cultural tourism initiatives.
• Dekar — A farming settlement on the edge of the Kalahari.
• Ncojane — A village in the southern Kalahari, known for San culture.
• New Xade — A resettlement village for San communities, with cultural experiences.
• Tsootsha — A village near the Namibian border.
• Kule — A small settlement in the western Kalahari.
• Qabo — A remote village near the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

Kalahari truffles, wild game, and traditional San dishes such as roasted mopane worms are regional specialities. The lodges in Ghanzi town offer game meat dishes.

Ghanzi is the heartland of San culture in Botswana. The Kuru Art Project and D'kar Trust promote San art and crafts. The Ghanzi Agricultural Show is an annual community event.

• San bushman walks — Guided walks with San trackers in the Kalahari, learning about tracking, foraging, and traditional survival skills.
• Kuru Art Project — Visit the art cooperative in Ghanzi showcasing San contemporary art.
• Game viewing at Kalahari ranches — Private game ranches near Ghanzi offer wildlife sightings including giraffe, kudu, and oryx.
• Trans-Kalahari road trip — Drive the highway across the Kalahari from Botswana to Namibia.