BOTSWANA
WALKING WITH ZU/’HOASI BUSHMEN
RUSSEL WASSERFALL
The exceptional comfort and colonial splendour of Jack’s Camp on the Makgadikgadi Pans can often overshadow the vital conservation work happening there. Since the original ‘bush camp’ was started in the 1960s by Jack Bousfield, Jack’s has been dedicated to preserving the habitats and wildlife of the region. When his son Ralph inherited the camp in 1992, he not only continued his father’s work, he turned it into one of the premier eco-tourism destinations on the continent.
Beyond the wildlife and habitats, this luxury conservation destination also leverages its status and reputation to provide livelihoods for a human culture that has existed on these Pans for centuries. Jack’s offers guided walks led by Zu/'hoasi Bushmen, providing guests with the opportunity to learn about their traditional customs, survival skills, and deep connection to the land. These walks often include demonstrations of hunting techniques, medicinal plant use. Storytelling under a canopy of stars provides a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries.
Jack’s Camp has worked closely with the local Zu/’hoasi Bushmen since the early 1960, ensuring that their way of life is preserved and protected.
On walks with the Zu/’hoasi visitors learn about the edible roots and plants to be found in this wilderness.
While interactions with indigenous communities are not unique to the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, the experience at Jack's Camp is particularly special due to the camp's long-standing relationship with the Zu/'hoasi Bushmen. The camp has worked closely with the Bushmen for many years, ensuring that their involvement is respectful, sustainable, and beneficial to the community.
Making fire is a survival skill that has allowed humans to flourish, learning to build one with sticks and grass is an option for Jack’s Camp visitors.
In addition to the interactions at Jack's Camp, there are other projects in the area that aim to benefit the Zu/'hoasi Bushmen and other indigenous communities through tourism. These projects include cultural exchanges, craft workshops, and community-led tourism initiatives that allow visitors to learn about and support local traditions and economies.
While modern gadgets are entertaining, the people here live a simple life. Sensitive infrastructure development allows people access to clinics and schools without disturbing their way of life.
Visitors to Botswana can make a difference in the lives of local people by choosing to support responsible and sustainable tourism practices. This includes staying at lodges and camps that prioritise environmental conservation and community development, purchasing locally made crafts and products, and engaging in cultural exchanges that respect and honour local traditions. A starting point for researching experiences that truly empower local people and economies is browsing brochures or accommodation options on the official site of Boundless Southern Africa, the marketing arm of the region’s Tranfrontier Conservation Areas.
The symphony of the heavens visible in the night sky over the Makgadikgadi Pans is simply made for storytelling around a crackling fire.
Les de andre artiklene fra Botswana her:https://www.matogdrikke.no/botswanaintro