Overview

Ghanzi, sometimes spelled Gantsi, is a town in western Botswana and serves as the administrative capital of the Ghanzi District. It’s often referred to as the “Capital of the Kalahari” due to its location within the vast Kalahari Desert. The district covers roughly 117,000 square kilometers, making it one of the largest yet least densely populated areas in Botswana. The town itself has a population of just over 20,000 people.

Geography and Climate

Ghanzi lies in the semi-arid Kalahari region, characterized by flat terrain, sandy soils, and thorny scrub vegetation. The landscape is mostly savannah, with scattered acacia trees and open grasslands.

Climate: The area experiences hot summers and cool winters.

Summer temperatures can reach above 40°C.

Winter nights can drop close to freezing.

Rainfall averages around 375 mm annually, falling mostly between November and April.

The rest of the year is typically dry, sunny, and dusty.

History

The origins of Ghanzi date back to the late 19th century when Afrikaner settlers established cattle farms in the area. The name "Ghanzi" is believed to come from a local San (Bushman) term meaning “swollen buttocks,” referring to animals that gathered around waterholes after feeding. Over time, the settlement grew into a small trading and ranching community, later developing into a modern administrative center.

People and Culture

Ghanzi’s population is ethnically diverse, including groups such as the San (Basarwa), Bakgalagadi, Herero, Batawana, and Afrikaners. Multiple languages are spoken in the district, including Setswana, Herero, and several San dialects.

The San people, known for their deep connection to the Kalahari environment, continue to practice aspects of their traditional hunter-gatherer culture. Cultural tourism—especially San craft markets and storytelling tours—plays an important role in the region’s identity.

Economy

The cattle industry is the economic backbone of Ghanzi. The area is one of Botswana’s major beef-producing zones, with extensive private ranches supplying much of the country’s beef exports. Farming is primarily focused on livestock, as the poor soils and low rainfall limit crop production.

There are also ongoing mineral exploration projects in the district, particularly for copper and silver. In the town itself, modern retail outlets, banks, and small businesses serve residents and travelers passing through the Trans-Kalahari Highway.

Infrastructure and Services

Ghanzi is connected to the rest of Botswana and Namibia by the Trans-Kalahari Highway, a key route for trade and tourism. The town has essential amenities such as schools, a hospital, government offices, and several lodges and guesthouses. There’s also a small airport used mainly for charter flights.

Tourism and Attractions

Ghanzi is a popular stopover point for travelers heading toward the Okavango Delta or the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Tourism in the area centers on wildlife, desert experiences, and cultural encounters with the San communities.

Highlights include:

San cultural experiences, including traditional dance, craftwork, and bush walks.

Ghanzi Agricultural Show, held annually in August, featuring livestock exhibitions and local trade displays.

Nearby wilderness areas, such as parts of the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and community conservancies offering safaris and camping.

A growing network of lodges and guest farms, offering visitors a chance to experience life on the Kalahari frontier.