The popular Makgadikgadi Epic is back this weekend at its traditional host place, the Sowa Pan area. The weekend long fun-filled activities are tipped to promote adventure tourism in the area.
The event is coordinated by Botswana Tourism Organisation (BTO) in collaboration with Parachute Association of Botswana (PAB), and it is hosted by BOTASH in partnership with Sowa Township Council and Tutume District Council in the Sowa Salt Pans. The event is scheduled to run for three days.
This year's event is themed: 'A Safari Chic Experience.'
Even though the weather is not that favourable today, it has not stopped fun-lovers from exploring ongoing activities such as the famous helicopter hop and pop jump. The event has attracted 90 international skydivers from countries such as Namibia, United States of America (USA), China, Belgium, UK, South Africa, Zambia ,Zimbabwe and Russia. Locally only five skydivers will take part in the popular event.
In an interview with one of the adventurous individuals who said it was her first ever sky diving experience, Boitumelo Sephutho, she said she was proud to have finally taken such a brave move by jumping off the helicopter to the ground. She explained that the experience was overwhelming adding that the thrill and adrenaline was unexplainable.
"I cannot believe that I successfully jumped. At first when I was still up there I was scared, but after jumping I enjoyed it. Am an adventurous person so I would definitely do this again. I doubt people with heights phobia would manage to sky dive, because once you are there the more you realise how high you are above the ground," she proudly said.
BTO public relations officer, Samuel Lephalo, said the event is in its eighth year. The event like many other had a long break after the country was hit by COVID 19 epidemic in 2020/2021. He however, said activities remain the same.
Makgadikgadi Epic events are as follows: Today there is skydiving demonstrations, tomorrow's events include; tandem skydiving for the public, skydiving display by professionals, fun quad rides, Puma flying lions display and horse riding. On Sunday skydiving demonstrations will continue.
"For our contemporary arts festival we will be having various local artists who will be performing such as Maxy, Thabang Gaborogwe and others. We will also have local DJs such as DJ Sly and many others," he said.
