Foraging in Tswapong Forest near Palapye
The Tswapong Hills of Botswana have been a cultural melting pot for nearly 2000 years. San, Venda, Pedi, Ndebele, Birwa and Ngwato peoples have all left their mark in the local cuisine and culture.
The virgin forest of the Hills has long been a source of wild vegetables, fruits and edible insects for the local people. With the help of your local hosts you will learn how to collect and prepare some of the forest produce and get to taste the best of the traditional cuisine.
Our multimedia presentation over dinner covers the geology, prehistory, history, agriculture and wildlife of the Tswapong Hills. We hope it will encourage you to extend your stay and explore the hidden facets of this fascinating area.
The farm is also home to a good selection of the local nocturnal wildlife. Many animals are quite tame. The farm walking tracks are yours to explore after dinner if you wish. A favorite with children: the seemingly dull African bush really comes alive after sundown.
Options
Foraging in Tswapong Forest near Palapye
What's included in Foraging in Tswapong Forest near Palapye
(Subject to Option Inclusions)A foraging expedition on foot on the farm and into the Tswapong Hills, a proposed UNESCO World Heritage Area. Then come back to the farm to participate in the preparation of some authentic local dishes, including several to tempt truly adventurous palates. Tastings of a range of local beverages and the honey from the local stingless wild bees. A three-course buffet dinner, served under the stars. Enjoy an interactive multimedia presentation on the natural and human history of the Tswapong area as you eat. If you wish, explore the farm by night after dinner. There is a frog listening post by the dam; and sightings of porcupines, ducklings, African hedgehogs and rock monitors are common. Torches provided.
Food Menu
STARTER - Exotic Foods from the Forest
Will vary with the seasons. Tasting plates of melons, mophane worms, mosata fruits, serowa tubers, kalahari truffles and other forest produce.
MAIN - Tshidzimba with delele and thepe
A traditional Venda dish of beans, ground nuts (ditlhoo), peanuts and samp, served with traditional African vegetables grown on the farm.
DESSERT - Wild fruits of the forest
Wild fruits indigenous to the area, served with icecream or yoghurt
Inclusions
- An interactive multimedia presentation over dinner
- Torches if you wish to explore the farm by night
- A buffet dinner of 100% authentic Batswapong dishes
- A guided foraging experience in the Tswapong forests
- Traditional ginger beer, mageu and other soft drinks
- Motopi coffee and Motshudiri tea prepared from the trees on the farm
- Tastings of the traditional drinks of the hills
- Service animals allowed
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Signage to segaigai Farm begins on the North South Connector Pipeline Road at 22.5793 S, 027.1398 E. After our big sign the route is marked with white "S" markers all the way to the farm. The meeting point is the reception office just inside the farm gate.