Things To Do
in Muhembo
Muhembo is a small rural town in eastern Botswana, set among savanna plains and seasonal wetlands. It offers an authentic Botswana experience away from crowded safari hubs and tourist corridors. Visitors are welcomed by warm local hospitality, colorful markets, and opportunities to learn about community traditions.
The town is best explored by car, with day trips to nearby nature reserves and cultural workshops that showcase everyday life in the region.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Upon arrival at Muhembo you’ll be greeted by the friendly smiles of your local hosts. You can settle into your eco-lodge bungalow shaded by tall palms and sipping a refreshing cup of rooibos tea. A brief orientation walk introduces you to the sandy paths and traditional thatch huts of the village.
After a hearty lunch of vegetable stew and pap, set out to meet local weavers working on vibrant palm-leaf baskets. You’ll learn about their time-honored techniques while trying your hand at weaving a small keepsake. The afternoon concludes with a visit to the village school to share stories with inquisitive children.
As the sun dips below the horizon, join villagers around a crackling fire pit for storytelling under the stars. Savor a communal feast of grilled fish, fresh salads, and sweet melktert. Finally, relax to the melodic rhythms of a live drum circle and lullabies sung by local elders.
Rise early for a dawn breakfast before boarding a traditional mokoro canoe at the water’s edge. Glide silently through narrow delta channels as waterbirds take flight in the gentle morning light. Your poler will share insights into the flood-pulse ecosystem and point out hidden hippo pods.
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch on a secluded island while watching elephants come down to drink. After lunch, explore papyrus-lined waterways on foot, looking for reed frogs and kingfishers. The guide will demonstrate how to fish using traditional baskets woven from local reeds.
Return to camp as the sky turns pastel pink and enjoy a hot shower in your open-air bathroom. Dinner is served al fresco under lantern light, featuring freshly grilled river fish. Cap off the evening with a nightcap around the fire, listening to the croaking chorus of bullfrogs.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🧃Beverage (soft drink or local beer) | $2-4 |
| 🚗Taxi or local transport within town | $3-8 |
| 🏨Budget hotel/guesthouse per night | $25-50 |
| 🛒Groceries for basic meals (daily) | $5-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic cultural experiences and welcoming locals
- Quiet, nature-rich setting with accessible wildlife nearby
- Affordable lodging options and markets with fresh produce
- Limited nightlife and high-end dining options
- Fewer English-speaking services in very rural areas
- "Dumela" - Hello
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Le kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke kopa metsi" - I would like water
- "Dira botlhale" - Please
Places to Visit in Muhembo
Visit one of these nice places.
Golden light, open skies, and reflective waters create serene compositions at dawn.
Colorful stalls, textiles, and people in motion provide vibrant street photography opportunities.
Weathered walls and quiet corners evoke Botswana’s colonial history and storytelling backdrops.
Circular thatched huts set against expansive grasslands offer iconic Botswana silhouettes.
Lush greens and wildlife activity around a bend, ideal for close-up wildlife and landscape shots.
Food in Muhembo
Muhembo Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Slow-cooked shredded beef or goat meat served with pap; rich, savory, and a cornerstone of Botswana’s celebratory meals.
Must-Try!
Coarse maize meal (pap) served with morogo, a sautéed wild spinach or leafy greens dish; a common everyday meal in households.
Green leafy vegetables cooked with onions and sometimes peanut sauce; often enjoyed as a side or mixed with pap and meat.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively local market offering fresh produce, maize products, roasted maize, and small bites from street vendors.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people warmly with a smile and a simple 'Dumela.' Show respect to elders and avoid dismissive gestures in public spaces.
Ask for permission before photographing people, especially in private homes or markets; some settings may have restrictions.
Dress modestly in public spaces, particularly in rural areas and religious sites.
Safety
Tipping in Muhembo
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated for good service in restaurants, lodges, and guided tours. In many establishments, a 5–10% tip is common if no service charge is included.
Cash is widely accepted at markets and smaller eateries, while hotels and larger shops typically take cards. ATMs are available in larger towns; carry some local currency (Pula is for Botswana’s neighbor; Botswana uses the Pula, abbreviated BWP).
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with intermittent afternoon storms. Stay hydrated, wear light clothing, use sunscreen, and carry a light rain layer. Mosquito activity is higher; consider repellent and insect netting if staying near water.
Transition period with easing rains and cooler mornings. Great for birdlife watching and fewer mosquitoes; comfortable daytime temperatures.
Cool to cold mornings with mild daytime heat; nights can be chilly. Clear skies are common—excellent for stargazing and photography after sunset.
Warming temperatures and some showers begin again. Vegetation begins to flush, and wildlife becomes more active; pack layers for temperature swings.
Muhembo at Night
Hiking in Muhembo
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Rugged desert scenery around the Nxai Pan area with seasonal wildlife and expansive horizons.
Easy to moderate hike along a seasonal river near Muhembo, ideal for wildlife viewing and photography.
Moderate loop offering overlooks of open grasslands and distant acacia stands, best during early morning.
Airports
How to reach Muhembo by plane.
Major international gateway located in Botswana's capital; provides national and international connections.
Regional airport serving the Okavango region; frequent flights to domestic hubs.
Airport serving the Chobe region; convenient for wildlife-focused itineraries.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominant ethnic and linguistic group in the region, with deep roots in Botswana's cultural traditions.
Smaller communities, including Kalanga and minority groups, contribute to regional diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Widely played and followed across Botswana; local matches and informal pick-up games are common.
Village-level sports events and school activities that reflect local culture and history.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Muhembo.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many dishes are meat-centric, but vegetarian options include morogo, pap, beans, and vegetable stews; ask for plant-based preparations and request dairy-free alternatives where available.