Under the vast expanse of the Kalahari sky, a new cultural dining experience has been introduced just outside Jwaneng.
Cresta Grande Jwaneng’s bush dinner seeks to offer guests an opportunity to connect with Botswana’s landscape and traditions away from the town’s usual industrial backdrop. The event, launched last week, features outdoor seating around bonfires and lantern-lit tables.
Guests are served grilled meat and traditional dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, accompanied by live cultural performances such as Setswana dance, acoustic music and spoken word.
The setting creates an atmosphere where nature and culture intertwine, offering a chance to experience the quiet rhythms of the Kalahari under the stars.
General Manager of Cresta Jwaneng, Julius Keepilwe, explained that the idea behind the dinner is to reveal another side of the town.
“Jwaneng is often associated with mining, but there is a quiet beauty above ground, the sunsets, the open spaces, the stillness that many do not experience. This experience is about drawing attention to that side and inviting people to appreciate the environment that surrounds the town,” he said.
"We wanted to create a space where guests can pause and reflect, away from the usual noise and busyness. It’s about reconnecting with nature and culture in a simple but meaningful way.”
The launch event brought together the media and local stakeholders who were able to sample the menu and enjoy the cultural performances. Keepilwe noted that the dinner was designed to be flexible to accommodate a variety of groups, including corporate functions, family gatherings and community events.
“This setting is ideal for groups seeking a unique experience that blends food, culture, and conversation,” he added.
Head of Marketing and Communications at Cresta Hotels, Lorato Tebogo, noted that travellers are increasingly seeking meaningful experiences that go beyond accommodation.
“People want more than just a place to sleep, they want to engage with the local culture and environment in a way that is authentic and memorable.
“The bush dinner offers a setting where culture, cuisine, and nature come together to create a fuller experience,” she said.
Tebogo emphasised the importance of cultural heritage in tourism development.
“Botswana’s traditions and landscapes are rich resources. This initiative helps visitors to understand and appreciate those elements in a personal way.”
Speaking about the location, Tebogo said, “Choosing a site away from the town’s industrial areas was deliberate. We wanted an environment where guests can enjoy the quiet and natural beauty that defines much of Botswana’s interior.”
The dinnery was set away from the town’s mining activities, offering a peaceful and natural environment under the stars. Guests can expect a relaxed atmosphere where conversation, music, and dance provide a cultural backdrop to the evening.
The use of local ingredients and traditional cooking methods reflects a growing interest in Botswana’s culinary heritage.
This initiative forms part of Cresta’s See Botswana Differently campaign, which aims to promote local culture and heritage through immersive experiences across its properties.
Tebogo confirmed that similar offerings are planned for other locations, including Maun, where the natural environment and cultural traditions also provide a rich setting for such events.
“As travel patterns change, we see growing interest in experiences that offer more than sightseeing. Visitors want to live the culture and connect with place,” she said.
Tebogo said Keepilwe noted, “The hospitality sector is evolving. We must look beyond traditional services and think about how to showcase what makes each destination special. This dinner is one way we are exploring that.”
The introduction of the bush dinner adds a cultural and environmental dimension to Jwaneng, a town primarily known for its diamond mining industry.
By focusing on the natural surroundings and local cultural expressions, the experience invites visitors to see the town through a different lens.
“This is a step towards expanding cultural offerings in the area. We hope it encourages both residents and visitors to engage more deeply with Botswana’s rich heritage,” Tebogo said.
The bush dinner is currently offered to groups by arrangement and marks a new approach in combining culture, cuisine, and nature to deepen visitor experience in the region.
