Lentswe la Baratani - Botswana

Ahhhhhh, we have arrived in Botswana. What a pleasure to be here. First stop, Gaborone to spend some time with Professor Dlamini. The Prof and I went off to enjoy the most abundant breakfast known to humankind, while the Bean stayed behind to have a video call with the children in the Sunbirds Class, where she used to teach at Mulberry Tree. Needless to say, when we saw Shereen again an hour or so later, she was overflowing with love, smiles, and appreciation after seeing those she cares for so dearly.

After our hearts and bellies were nourished, we headed to town for some shopping and then decided that Otse Hill would be our next destination visit. And what a choice that was. Also known as Lentswe la Baratani or the ‘Lovers’ Hill” it carries a legend about two young lovers who were refused permission to marry. Despondent and in protest they went up the hill, never to return after their families disapproved of their seeing each other. Legend also has it that the two are now ancestors and do not allow anyone to climb the hill or that if one goes up the hill they will disappear. The hill is considered sacred, and historically Batswana would neither climb the hill nor point to it. From the villagers’ perspective, it will be shocking to doubt the enormous powers the hill possesses; hence climbing it is considered distasteful, disrespectful, and dreadful.

We camped at the foot of the hill by night, and by day visited the waterfall and surrounds botanizing and delighting in the creatures, vegetation, and caves we explored. Before heading out on our adventure, however, we were sure to leave offerings to the ancestors and gifts for those beings that hold this land sacred.

We came across many people who frequented this sacred hill coming to prey, baptize, make offerings, collect medicine, and connect with their ancestors. We happened upon Elliot and Phillip on Friday evening, traveling on rough terrain in a small Mazda, to get to the foot of the hill. Their car went as far as it could, and so we offered them a lift the rest of the way. Elliot sat up front with Shereen and me, while Phillip stood on the back bumper of Skyla, holding onto the roof rack while we navigated the tricky road. After arrival, we greeted them and they were off to prey and spend the night communing with the ancestors. By sunrise, we welcomed them back with delicious hot chocolate, biscuits, grapes, citrus, and yogurt. What a magnificent way to be introduced to Botswana, its people, the land, and this sacred site. Phillip and Elliot shared stories with us and told us about the success of their evening prayers and how their gifts have been well received by the ancestors. These men looked content, tired, and immensely peaceful.

Before departing Lentswe la Baratani, the Bean and I went on a cleaning expedition and were able to fill 3 bags of plastic waste, foil, fabric, beer and milk cartons, glass bottles, burnt tins, and other items left on the hill. This is our way of showing reverence, respect and appreciation for the beautiful land we inhabit and get to enjoy.Read more