The Bushman

The Khwedam-speaking San people (also known as the Bukakhwe Bushman tribe) are found in the northern part of Botswana, especially in the Okavango Delta. During the rainy season, they stay on the mainland, and during the dry season, they move into the Delta. Traditionally, they are hunter-gatherers.

Efforts are being made to create employment opportunities for them. They work as trackers, share their culture with tourists, and earn income by selling their handmade products. They are also being encouraged to take up higher positions in different companies, just like people from other tribes, and to integrate with other communities rather than remain isolated.

Bushmen Plains supports these efforts.

Bushmen Plains Camp Ola is inspired by the Bushman heritage. It was founded, owned, and is operated by a Bushman, with the aim of promoting the Bushman name and culture to the world. The camp helps raise awareness of marginalized communities and encourages their participation in the tourism industry. This also helps reduce fear, negative perceptions, and misunderstanding, similar to how stories like The Gods Must Be Crazy brought attention to Bushman culture.

About 90% of the employees at Bushmen Plains Camp Ola are Bushmen, working alongside people from other tribes. Many skilled roles such as guides, chefs, waiters, and trackers are held by Bushman employees.

Keabatso Tours Safaris, trading as Bushmen Plains, also supports the Bushman community in Gudigwa Village, which is mainly inhabited by Bushman people. The company donates laptops and computers to schools to improve learning, provides school uniforms for students, and contributes money for prize-giving ceremonies to reward both students and teachers. This helps motivate better performance.

In addition, Bushmen Plains supports the community by providing financial assistance and food for cultural celebrations. These celebrations are important for preserving Bushman traditions and ensuring that their culture continues.

Training opportunities are also offered to those who want to further their education in government or private institutions.

Bushmen Plains does not only support the Bushman community. Assistance is also extended to the Bayeyi and Hambukushu people, who live in the northern part of the Okavango Delta.

Through job creation and community support, Bushmen Plains also contributes to national development by reducing poverty and dependence on government programs.