Independance Day Celebrations at Camp Okavango

Independence Day Celebrations at Camp Okavango
30th of September

The Camp Okavango team was very proud to celebrate 42 years of Independence with all the guests! This is a very special occasion for every Motswana as they have a reason to be proud of a wonderful country, a peaceful history and a loving people.

The celebration took place before brunch. Every guest was invited to join us at the dinning area. The celebration began with a vibrant entrance song by the staff. This was followed by another song, welcoming the guests to our celebration.

{Camp Okavango choir – the beginning of our Independence Day celebrations}

We then explained to the guests the meaning of the songs that had been sung, before asking everyone to stand for the national anthem which was sung in both the official and national languages of Botswana – English and Setswana.

We then followed the sing with a brief presentation on the history of Botswana. The presentation was done by Mc, a proud local manager. This gave everyone insight into the development and growth of such an outstanding country. From it’s begins when the 3 chiefs of Botswana back in the 1800’s sort protection from the British Empire to the discovery of diamonds, one of the country’s biggest economic earners to date.

After learning what makes Botswana such an extraordinary nation, the staff entertained our guest with a few more celebration songs and Kutlwano, a member of the team performed a traditional dance.

{Kutlwano performing a traditional dance}

The festivities continued with more celebrations songs followed by a delicious brunch. A camp tradition took place with the chefs each making an Independence Day cake. The cakes were decorated in the colours of the Botswana flag. The blue of the flag represents the blue skies of Botswana that brings the ever needed water to the lands and the black and white symbolize racial harmony within the country. The cakes were enjoyed by both guests and staff.


{The chefs with their Independence Day cakes}
From left to right: Lovely, Michelle, Phetsi, Refilwe and Phodiso

Written by: Michelle Fowler – Camp Okavango Manager!