Kasane, Botswana – Against the breathtaking backdrop of one of Africa’s premier tourism destinations, Echoes of the Wild marked an important milestone by hosting its inaugural Kasane Weekender from 18–19 July 2026.
The destination event brought together music, visual arts, culture, tourism, sport and entrepreneurship in a unique celebration of Botswana’s growing creative economy.
Founded on the belief that travel should be accessible to everyone, Echoes of the Wild is a destination events platform that uses music, arts and creativity to encourage young people and low-income earners to explore Botswana and the wider African continent.
By combining memorable travel experiences with creative expression, the initiative aims to make domestic and regional tourism more appealing, affordable and meaningful.
Investing in the Creative Economy
Before the music began, Echoes of the Wild placed the spotlight on empowering local creatives.
The Weekender opened with a free Creative Business Workshop for artists, students and entrepreneurs from the Chobe District. The workshop was delivered in partnership with The Art Lab, the Ministry of Sport and Arts, and the Ministry of Youth and Gender Affairs.
It equipped participants with practical knowledge and tools for building sustainable careers and businesses within the creative sector.
Creative industry professionals Loretta Mekgwe and Ona Ranyere, who collectively bring more than 15 years of industry experience, shared valuable insights on branding, marketing, business registration, monetising creative skills, identifying opportunities within Botswana’s tourism economy and developing innovative income streams.
Participants were encouraged to diversify their products and services while building brands capable of competing locally, regionally and internationally.
Students from Chobe also participated in the workshop, with Echoes of the Wild providing refreshments and encouraging young creatives to pursue their ambitions with confidence.
More Than a Festival
Echoes of the Wild was designed to showcase more than Botswana’s music. It also introduced patrons to the country’s extraordinary landscapes, wildlife and tourism experiences.
Festival visitors enjoyed early-morning game drives through the iconic Chobe landscape, relaxing sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River and visits to the magnificent Kazungula Bridge, which connects Botswana and Zambia.
The carefully curated programme allowed visitors to experience Botswana’s natural beauty alongside its vibrant music, culture and creative talent.
Visitors could also relax and interact through traditional and recreational games, including Scrabble, chess and mhele, creating an inclusive environment for families, friends and festival patrons of different ages.
Electronic Music Under the African Sky
The main festival programme unfolded at the picturesque Zanga Phee Garden, whose outdoor setting provided the perfect safari-inspired atmosphere.
The stage featured an exciting lineup of Afro House and Afro Tech artists, including Romeo De Medley, Son of Simeon, Bengwas, King Desto, Qin Diaz, Fizzy the DJ, DJ Ms J, Stucha and Khonga Roots.
Adding an international flavour was Ace Jules from Eswatini, who participated through a SADC cultural exchange initiative. His participation demonstrated the festival’s commitment to strengthening regional creative collaboration and building meaningful connections among Southern African artists.
Throughout the venue, patrons also explored captivating artworks by visual artist Thabiso Ernest, demonstrating how music and visual art can work together to create memorable visitor experiences.
The Art Lounge Experience
The festival featured an interactive Art Lounge presented by The Art Lab, where attendees of all ages could participate in art exercises, interact with artists and explore their own creativity in a relaxed outdoor environment.
The Art Lounge became a favourite attraction for patrons looking to unwind between performances while painting, drawing and participating in creative activities.
Following its success, The Art Lounge will become a permanent feature of future Echoes of the Wild events.
Throughout the two festival days, football enthusiasts also gathered around the large outdoor screen to enjoy FIFA World Cup action. This added another dimension to the programme and created a welcoming environment for families, music lovers, art enthusiasts and sports fans.
A Fusion of Sound and Culture
Sunday opened with a relaxed selection of contemporary music, jazz and timeless classics before the Afri Melodic Ensemble captivated audiences with an energetic marimba performance.
One of the defining moments of the weekend came when Romeo De Medley surprised the audience by joining the Afri Melodic Ensemble for a unique collaborative performance.
The live fusion of Afro electronic music and traditional marimba created an unforgettable musical experience. It beautifully demonstrated Botswana’s ability to preserve its cultural heritage while embracing innovation and contemporary creative expression.
Building a Regional Tourism Platform
The inaugural Kasane Weekender welcomed visitors from Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia, reinforcing Kasane’s position as an important gateway to regional tourism.
Kasane was intentionally selected because of its strategic location at the crossroads of Southern Africa and its reputation as one of Botswana’s leading tourism destinations.
“Our vision is for visitors to experience more than Botswana’s incredible wildlife. We want travellers to connect with our people, our music, our culture, our creativity and our stories,” says the Echoes of the Wild organising team.
Although attendance at the first edition was lower than anticipated, the event provided valuable lessons and established a strong foundation for future growth.
The organisers remain committed to expanding the festival’s reach across Botswana, the SADC region and the international tourism market.
Looking Ahead to Echoes Week 2027
Following the successful delivery of the inaugural Weekender, Echoes of the Wild will become an annual event held during the Botswana President’s Holidays.
The next edition will take place from 12–20 July 2027 and will expand into a full Echoes Week.
The programme will celebrate creativity from Botswana and the wider SADC region through music, film, theatre, comedy, poetry, fashion, visual arts, cultural showcases and signature safari experiences.
Future editions will also introduce more interactive experiences for visitors. In addition to the Art Lounge, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in cultural dance lessons led by local performers.
Hands-on cultural activities will allow tourists to engage directly with Botswana’s traditions and heritage rather than simply observing them.
The organisers believe tourism should be immersive, giving visitors an opportunity to connect with local communities, traditions, stories and creative talent while exploring the country’s spectacular landscapes.
Making Travel Accessible to Young People
Echoes of the Wild plans to introduce dedicated travel packages for teenagers and young people aged 16 years and above.
The initiative will encourage Botswana’s youth to explore their own country through safe, organised and affordable travel experiences offered during school holidays.
“Many young people dream of travelling but never get the opportunity because of the cost. We want to inspire a generation that values domestic tourism while creating lifelong memories through music, culture, adventure and friendship. Parents can also be assured that the youth experiences will be carefully organised with safety as a priority.”
Through these packages, Echoes of the Wild hopes to introduce more young people to Botswana’s tourism destinations while supporting local accommodation providers, tour operators, artists and other creative businesses.
Celebrating Our Partners
The inaugural Echoes of the Wild Kasane Weekender was made possible through the commitment and support of its partners.
Echoes of the Wild extends its appreciation to:
Gloo, Oneline, Okavango Gear, Chobe Sanctuary Tours and Safaris, Wild View Resort and Zanga Phee Garden.
Their support helped bring the vision to life and established a foundation upon which the event can continue to grow.
Partner With Echoes of the Wild
As Echoes of the Wild continues to expand, the organisers are seeking strategic partners, sponsors, tourism operators, cultural institutions, creative organisations and media platforms to help elevate future editions to international standards.
The long-term vision is to position Botswana as a leading African destination where tourism, music, arts, culture and entrepreneurship come together to create unforgettable experiences.
Organisations and individuals interested in partnering with Echoes of the Wild can contact the team at events@echoesofthewild.co.bw.
With an ambitious vision and a commitment to nurturing local talent, Echoes of the Wild is demonstrating that tourism is about more than wildlife. It is also about people, creativity, heritage, culture and the unforgettable experiences that bring them together.