Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Combi
Packed white combis (minibuses), recognisable by their blue number plates, circulate ac-
cording to set routes and cost P5. They pick up and drop off only at designated lay-bys
marked 'bus/taxi stop'. The main city loop passes all the main shopping centres except the
Riverwalk Mall and the Kgale View Shoping Mall, which are on the Tlokweng and Kgale
routes respectively. Combis can be hailed either along major roads or from the combi
stand.
Taxi
Taxis, which can be easily identified by their blue number plates, are surprisingly difficult
to come by in Gabs. Very few cruise the streets looking for fares, and most seem to be
parked around Botswana Rd. You're better off arranging one through your hotel. If you
manage to get hold of one, fares (negotiable) are generally P40 to P75 per trip around the
city.
Final Bravo Cabs
( 312 1785)
Speedy Cabs
( 390 0070)
THE WEAVERS OF OODI
The village of Oodi is best known for the internationally acclaimed
Lentswe-la-Oodi Weavers
( 310 2268;
8am-4.30pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4.30pm Sat & Sun)
, a cooperative established in 1973 by Ulla and Peder
Gowenius, two Swedes who hoped to provide an economic base for women from the villages of Oodi,
Matebeleng and Modipane. At the workshop, wool is hand spun, then dyed using chemicals over an open fire
(which creates over 600 colours) and finally woven into spontaneous patterns invented by individual artists. Most
of the patterns depict African wildlife and aspects of rural life in Botswana. The women can also weave custom-
ised pieces based on individual pictures, drawings or stories if requested. By car, get on the highway from Gabor-
one towards Francistown, and take the turn-off for Oodi village. Follow signs for another 7.5km to the workshop.
Any northbound bus from Gaborone can drop you off at the turn-off for Oodi, though you will have to walk or
hitch the rest of the way.
