Botswana Craft Centre

Botswana Craft Centre, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

The Botswana Craft Centre, located in Gaborone, serves as the country's premier showcase for authentic African arts and crafts. This busy cultural hub brings together talented artisans from across Botswana and neighboring countries, offering visitors an immersive experience into traditional and contemporary African creativity. The center features an extensive collection of handmade pottery, intricate basketry, colorful textiles, wooden sculptures, and impressive jewelry crafted using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Beyond shopping, the Botswana Craft Centre provides visitors with the unique opportunity to witness artisans at work, participate in hands-on workshops, and gain deeper insights into the cultural significance behind each craft. The center plays a crucial role in preserving traditional skills while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities. With its welcoming atmosphere and educational focus, it has become an essential stop for anyone seeking to understand and appreciate Botswana's rich cultural heritage while supporting local craftsmanship.

Top Botswana Craft Centre

Traditional Craft Workshops

Participate in hands-on workshops led by master craftspeople, learning traditional techniques like pottery making, basket weaving, or beadwork. These interactive sessions provide authentic cultural experiences while creating your own unique souvenirs. Workshops typically last 2-3 hours and include all materials and expert guidance.

Booking Tip: Book workshops 2-3 days in advance, especially during peak season. Prices range from 150-400 BWP per person depending on the craft. Morning sessions are often cooler and more comfortable.

Artisan Studio Tours

Take guided tours through working studios where you can observe skilled craftspeople creating beautiful pieces using time-honored techniques. Learn about the cultural significance of different crafts and the stories behind traditional patterns and designs. These tours offer intimate glimpses into the artistic process and often include opportunities to purchase directly from makers.

Booking Tip: Tours run throughout the day but are best scheduled between 9 AM-4 PM when most artisans are working. Free with center admission, but consider tipping guides 20-50 BWP for quality service.

Traditional Music and Dance Performances

Experience authentic Botswana culture through regular performances featuring traditional music, storytelling, and dance. These busy shows often incorporate audience participation and provide context for the crafts on display. Performances showcase different tribal traditions and their connection to various art forms.

Booking Tip: Performances typically occur on weekends and during cultural events. Check the center's schedule in advance as shows may vary seasonally. Entrance is usually included with general admission.

Curated Shopping Experience

Browse an extensive collection of authentic African crafts including world-renowned Botswana baskets, hand-carved wooden sculptures, traditional pottery, and contemporary art pieces. Each item comes with information about its origin and cultural significance. The center ensures fair trade practices and direct support to artisan communities.

Booking Tip: Bargaining is not typical here as prices support fair wages for artisans. Bring cash as some vendors may not accept cards. Consider shipping services for larger items, which typically cost 10-15% of item value.

Cultural Education Programs

Attend informative sessions about Botswana's diverse cultural heritage, traditional crafting techniques, and the role of arts in local communities. These programs often feature guest speakers, documentary screenings, and interactive displays. Educational content is suitable for all ages and provides valuable context for understanding local traditions.

Booking Tip: Programs are often free but may require advance registration. Check monthly schedules online or call ahead. Best attended in combination with other center activities for a full cultural immersion.

Getting There

The Botswana Craft Centre is located in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city, easily accessible via Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, which is about 15 kilometers from the city center. International visitors can fly into Gaborone from major African cities like Johannesburg, South Africa, and Nairobi, with South African Airways and Air Botswana providing regular services. From the airport, taxis, rental cars, or hotel shuttles can transport you to the craft center. If driving from neighboring countries, Gaborone is well-connected by good tar roads, with the journey from Johannesburg taking approximately 4-5 hours.

Getting Around

Getting around Gaborone and to the Botswana Craft Centre is relatively straightforward, with several transportation options available. Taxis are readily available and affordable, though it's advisable to agree on fares beforehand or ensure meters are used. Rental cars offer the most flexibility and are recommended for exploring beyond the city center. Public buses (combis) are economical but can be crowded and have irregular schedules. Many visitors opt for organized tours that include transportation, or stay at nearby hotels within walking distance of the craft center.

Where to Stay

Gaborone City Center

Government Enclave

Broadhurst

Phase 4

Airport Junction

Phakalane Golf Estate

Food & Dining

Gaborone offers a diverse dining scene that complements your visit to the Botswana Craft Centre, with options ranging from traditional African cuisine to international fare. Local restaurants serve authentic dishes like seswaa (shredded beef), morogo (wild spinach), and pap (maize porridge), providing cultural dining experiences. The city center features numerous cafes, steakhouses, and ethnic restaurants including Indian, Chinese, and Portuguese cuisine reflecting Botswana's multicultural influences. Many restaurants near the craft center offer outdoor seating and local beer, creating perfect settings to discuss your cultural discoveries while enjoying regional flavors.

When to Visit

The best time to visit the Botswana Craft Centre is during the dry season from April to October, when weather conditions are most comfortable with clear skies and moderate temperatures. The winter months of May through August offer the most pleasant temperatures (15-25°C) for exploring the center and participating in outdoor activities. While the center operates year-round, the wet season (November-March) can be hot and humid with occasional afternoon thunderstorms, though this period also brings lush landscapes and fewer crowds. Weekdays typically offer more opportunities to interact with artisans and participate in workshops.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings when artisans are most active and willing to demonstrate their techniques

Bring cash in small denominations as many individual artisans prefer cash payments and may not have change for large bills

Ask about the stories and cultural significance behind crafts - artisans love sharing their heritage and it enhances your appreciation of their work