
WORDS BY: TSHIDISO KGOSIEMANG IMAGES BY: PHILLIP MODISE
Slow travel is a form of tourism that draws attention to connections with the local people, cultures, food, and music. It is based on the notion that travel has an educational and emotional impact both in current and future situations while still being sustainable for local communities and the environment. The inception of this concept took place in Italy in 1986, when it emerged as an outgrowth of the slow food movement, which was founded by Carlo Petrini. Over the years, this sentiment advanced into other industries, including tourism, as it questioned the motive behind travel and encouraged tourists to take their time to embrace what the local cultures have to offer. The concept of slow travel has been well received by people over the years as it has become the modern standard of travel.
Botswana has several tourist attractions that are ideal for slow travel, as 38% of its total land area is devoted to national game reserves and wildlife management areas. One of the prime areas for slow travel in Botswana is the Okavango Delta. Often referred to as the ‘Jewel of the Kalahari’, the Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world, with seasonal floodwaters that transform vast expanses of arid land into a paradise brimming with life. Slow travel in this area offers a symphony of experiences as there is a vast array of activities to be done, including gliding through the crystal-clear waterways in a traditional canoe, which is locally referred to as a’mokoro’ with a local expert imparting their knowledge and its inhabitants, birdwatching, and visiting the surrounding villages in order to get a deeper connection with the local cultures. Another tourist attraction that would be ideal for slow travel in Botswana is the Makgadikgadi Pans. The reward of partaking in slow travel in this area is an intimate encounter with the extraordinary flora and fauna that have adapted to this seemingly inhabitable place. Moreover, slow travel in this area allows travellers to engage with the San people, who have honed their survival skills in this stark environment, in order to get insights into their way of life that is deeply intertwined with the land.
There are a lot of benefits that come with opting for slow travel instead of fast travel, which in most cases involves travelling to numerous places within a few days. Slow travel is quite important as it enables you to delve deeper into the local culture and form long-lasting impressions based on your preferences. Unlike the rushed pace of conventional tourism, slow travel encourages a more profound engagement with your surroundings. By allowing yourself the luxury of time, you can unravel the layers of a destination’s heritage, traditions, and way of life. Furthermore, sustainable travel is promoted, which encourages a mindful and eco-conscious approach to exploring destinations, prioritizing local experiences, minimizing carbon footprints, and fostering a deeper connection between travellers and the places they visit. This deliberate pace allows for a reduced impact on the environment, supports local communities, and contributes to a more responsible and fulfilling travel experience overall. Stronger emotional bonds are also built as the unhurried pace fosters meaningful interactions with locals, deeper cultural immersion, and the opportunity to truly appreciate the nuances of a destination, creating lasting memories and connections that go beyond the surface-level tourist experience.
Although slow travel has a lot of values that have been mentioned, it can be disadvantageous as more time is required for it. This extended time commitment can sometimes clash with the constraints of modern life, where schedules are often tight and responsibilities are demanding. For those who are constrained by limited vacation days or other commitments, the leisurely pace of slow travel may not always be feasible, potentially limiting opportunities to fully embrace this enriching approach to exploration.
Slow travel serves as a reminder that the journey itself is as valuable as the destination and that the most profound discoveries often arise from the unhurried unfolding of experiences. Embarking on this deliberate and introspective mode of exploration not only unveils the essence of the places traversed but also unearths a deeper understanding of oneself. The values of slow travel resonate as an enduring testament to the transformative power of travel when approached with mindfulness, curiosity, and an open heart.