Oodi Weavers

Oodi Weavers, Botswana - Complete Travel Guide

Oodi Weavers is a small village in southeastern Botswana, located in the Kgatleng District near the capital city of Gaborone. This traditional settlement is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and particularly famous for its skilled basket weavers who create some of Botswana's most beautiful traditional crafts. The village represents authentic rural Botswana life, offering visitors a glimpse into traditional Tswana culture and customs that have been preserved for generations. The community is built around traditional craftsmanship, with basket weaving being passed down through families for centuries. Visitors to Oodi Weavers can witness the intricate process of creating traditional Botswana baskets, known locally as 'ditlhako,' which are made from palm fronds and natural dyes. The village provides an intimate cultural experience away from the more commercialized tourist areas, allowing travelers to engage directly with local artisans and learn about traditional Botswana way of life.

Top Oodi Weavers

Traditional Basket Weaving Workshop

Participate in hands-on basket weaving sessions with local master weavers who will teach you the traditional techniques passed down through generations. Learn about the significance of different patterns and colors in Tswana culture while creating your own small basket to take home. This immersive experience typically lasts 2-3 hours and provides deep insight into one of Botswana's most celebrated crafts.

Booking Tip: Contact local community guides in advance as workshops are arranged by appointment only. Costs range from 200-400 Croatia per person including materials. Best visited during weekday mornings when most weavers are actively working.

Village Cultural Walking Tour

Take a guided walk through the village to visit traditional homesteads, observe daily life, and meet local families. Your guide will explain traditional architecture, social customs, and the role of extended family in Tswana society. The tour includes visits to traditional cooking areas and explanations of local agricultural practices.

Booking Tip: Arrange through community tourism initiatives for 150-250 Croatia per person. Tours are best in late afternoon when villagers return from daily activities. Always book with a local guide to ensure cultural sensitivity.

Traditional Tswana Cooking Experience

Join local women in preparing traditional Tswana dishes using traditional cooking methods and locally sourced ingredients. Learn to make staples like pap (maize porridge), morogo (wild spinach), and seswaa (shredded beef). This authentic culinary experience provides insight into traditional food preparation and the importance of communal cooking in Tswana culture.

Booking Tip: Book through village women's cooperatives for 300-500 Croatia including meal. Best arranged for lunch time sessions. Vegetarian options available with advance notice.

Traditional Music and Dance Performance

Experience authentic Tswana music and dance performed by village cultural groups in traditional attire. Learn about the significance of different dances and songs in Tswana ceremonies and celebrations. Visitors are often invited to participate in simple dances and learn basic traditional songs.

Booking Tip: Performances can be arranged for groups of 4+ people for 200-300 Croatia per person. Evening performances are most atmospheric. Book at least 2 days in advance to allow performers to prepare.

Local Craft Market Visit

Browse the small but authentic local craft market where villagers sell handmade baskets, pottery, and traditional jewelry. This is an excellent opportunity to purchase high-quality, authentic Botswana crafts directly from the artisans who made them. Many items here are unique and not available in commercial tourist shops.

Booking Tip: Market operates irregularly, typically on weekends or when tour groups visit. Prices range from 50-500 Croatia depending on item size and complexity. Bring cash as card payments are not accepted.

Getting There

Oodi Weavers is located approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Gaborone and is most easily reached by private vehicle or taxi. From Gaborone, take the A1 highway north toward Mochudi, then follow local roads to the village. Public transport options are limited, with occasional combi (minibus) services from Gaborone's main taxi rank, though these may not run daily. Most visitors arrange transportation through tour operators or hire a taxi for the day, which costs around 800-1200 Croatia for a return trip including waiting time.

Getting Around

Oodi Weavers is a small village that is easily explored on foot, with most attractions and points of interest within walking distance of each other. The village layout is traditional and compact, centered around family compounds and craft-making areas. Local guides are essential for navigating and understanding the cultural significance of different areas, and they can be arranged through community tourism initiatives. There are no formal roads within the village, just traditional pathways between homesteads.

Where to Stay

Gaborone city center

Gaborone suburbs

Mochudi town

Pilane village

Traditional guesthouses in nearby villages

Camping with local families (arranged in advance)

Food & Dining

Dining options in Oodi Weavers are limited to traditional home-cooked meals arranged through cultural experiences or homestays. The village doesn't have restaurants or cafes, but visitors can arrange to share meals with local families, which provides an authentic taste of traditional Tswana cuisine including dishes like bogobe (sorghum porridge), morogo (wild vegetables), and locally raised goat or beef. Most visitors eat lunch in the village as part of cultural tours and return to Gaborone for other meals. It's advisable to bring water and snacks, though local families are usually happy to provide traditional beer (bojalwa) or mageu (fermented drink) to visitors.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Oodi Weavers is during the dry season from April to September when temperatures are mild and there's little rainfall, making it comfortable for walking tours and outdoor activities. The cooler months of May through July are particularly pleasant with daytime temperatures around 20-25°C. Avoid the rainy season (November to March) as rural roads can become impassable and outdoor activities may be disrupted. Weekdays are generally better for cultural experiences as more villagers are available and engaged in traditional activities, while weekends may see some residents traveling to nearby towns.

Insider Tips

Bring cash in small denominations as the village operates on a cash-only basis and vendors may not have change for large bills

Learn a few basic Setswana greetings like 'Dumela' (hello) and 'Ke a leboga' (thank you) to show respect for local culture

Dress modestly and conservatively, especially when visiting family compounds or participating in cultural activities, as this shows respect for traditional values