The wide blue skies over the Okavango Delta, the red dust of the Kalahari wind and the low, steady call of a chacma baboon — Botswana is a place of tactile landscapes and strong traditions. From reed-lined channels where mokoro glide past hippos to the bustling craft stalls of Gaborone and Maun, the country offers earthy, hand-made keepsakes that feel like they were lifted right out of the land.

Whether you want a piece of Delta handiwork, polished Botswana agate, or the taste of locally cured biltong, these Botswana souvenirs capture the colors, textures and stories of the nation. Here’s what to buy in Botswana to bring a little of that wide country home.

1. Okavango Woven Baskets

Why pick this up: Lightweight, durable and sculptural, these coiled baskets are woven by Delta communities and echo the curving channels and reed beds of the Okavango. They’re practical, beautiful and instantly recognizable.
What to look for: Tight, even coiling and natural dyes — cinnamon, ochre and indigo are common. Larger baskets make dramatic planters; flat trays are good for wall art.
Price bracket (2025): P50–P800 depending on size and complexity.
Where to find it: Markets and craft stalls in Maun and Maun airport boutiques; community cooperatives in the Okavango villages and Gaborone craft markets.

2. Setswana Beadwork

Why pick this up: Beadwork is a vibrant part of Setswana culture — bracelets, necklaces and intricate ceremonial pieces made with tiny seed beads tell stories through color and pattern.
What to look for: Even bead tension, traditional color combinations (black, white, red, blue) and pieces signed or attributed to the artisan or cooperative.
Price bracket (2025): P30–P400 for everyday items; museum-quality or ceremonial pieces can be higher.
Where to find it: Craft markets in Gaborone’s Main Mall, the Trees for Life market, and small cooperatives in Serowe and Francistown.

3. Ostrich Egg Art

Why pick this up: Hollowed ostrich eggs make striking canvases — engraved, painted or burned with scenes of wildlife, village life, or geometric Setswana motifs.
What to look for: Clean, sealed interiors (so they’ll travel) and fine, detailed engraving; local artists often sign their work.
Price bracket (2025): P150–P1,200 depending on decoration and size.
Where to find it: Artisan stalls in Maun and Kasane, shops near Chobe National Park, and contemporary craft galleries in Gaborone.

4. Mopane and Ebony Carvings

Why pick this up: Hand-carved animal figures — elephants, giraffes, impala — are carved from dense local woods like mopane and ebony and carry the textured grain of Botswana’s trees.
What to look for: Smooth finishes, natural wood polish (rather than heavy varnish), and carvings that reflect local species and scenes.
Price bracket (2025): P80–P1,500 depending on size and wood type.
Where to find it: Souvenir shops in Kasane and Maun, carvers’ co-ops, and galleries in Gaborone.

5. Botswana Agate Jewelry

Why pick this up: Botswana agate is famed for its banding and soft earth tones — a unique, locally named semiprecious stone often set into rings, pendants and beads.
What to look for: Clear banding, professional setting and a provenance note if possible (Botswana-sourced).
Price bracket (2025): P20–P2,500 (raw stones to finely set pieces).
Where to find it: Gem and bead shops in Gaborone and Maun, specialist gemstone dealers in Francistown.

6. Mokoro Miniatures and Paddles

Why pick this up: Tiny replicas of the traditional dugout canoe used in the Okavango make charming reminders of Delta trips — often carved from local wood and painted with scenes.
What to look for: Solid carving, proportionate paddles and painted details that reference real mokoro patterns.
Price bracket (2025): P50–P600.
Where to find it: Maun craft markets, lodges’ gift shops and Delta village artisans.

7. San Rock Art Prints and Hand-Painted Goods

Why pick this up: The San (Bushmen) rock art tradition is one of the country’s oldest visual languages; prints, paintings and small reproductions make beautiful wall pieces with deep cultural roots.
What to look for: Works that credit the community or artist, use natural pigments or archival prints, and respect traditional motifs.
Price bracket (2025): P50–P1,200 depending on size and whether it’s an original.
Where to find it: Galleries in Gaborone, craft centers near the Tsodilo Hills, and San cooperatives.

8. Biltong and Local Cured Meats

Why pick this up: Botswana biltong — air-dried, spiced strips of beef or game — is intensely flavorful and a great, portable taste of Southern African cuisine.
What to look for: Freshly packaged, vacuum-sealed packs and clear labeling (type of meat and spice level). Check airline rules for meat when flying home.
Price bracket (2025): P40–P150 per pack.
Where to find it: Butcheries and specialty food stalls in Gaborone, roadside vendors on long routes, and market stalls in Maun.

9. Marula Oil and Marula-Based Products

Why pick this up: Marula trees dot Botswana; the fruit yields a fragrant oil used in skincare and locally made creams and soaps, plus marula-based liqueurs and preserves.
What to look for: Cold-pressed oil, fair-trade or women’s cooperative labeling, and sealed, travel-friendly bottles.
Price bracket (2025): P40–P350.
Where to find it: Gaborone perfumeries and health stores, Maun boutiques, lodge shops and community cooperatives.

10. Traditional Textiles and Wraps

Why pick this up: Colorful wraps, shawls and traditional fabrics carry local patterns and make versatile keepsakes — perfect as picnic cloths, scarves or wall hangings.
What to look for: Natural fibers, traditional dyes or contemporary prints inspired by Setswana motifs, and sturdy stitching.
Price bracket (2025): P60–P900.
Where to find it: Markets in Gaborone and Francistown, craft markets in Maun, and textile stalls at cultural festivals.

Pack a few of these Botswana souvenirs and you’ll leave with more than objects — you’ll take home textures of the Delta, the grain of local wood, the scent of marula, and the quiet geometry of traditional beadwork. Safe travels and enjoy curating your pieces of Botswana — and don’t forget to check customs rules for food, bones or large gems before you fly ✈️.

Let me know in the comments if you have any other top ‘what to buy’ ideas!

About the Author 

Colin is the founder of SouvenirsIdeas.com and a passionate traveller with a soft spot for ceramics, markets, and food tours. He writes practical, first-hand guides to help you bring home souvenirs that actually mean something — not just more clutter!