Venue: Maun, Botswana
Proposed Dates: 16 - 17 March 2026
Registration Dates: 1 December 2025 - 31 January 2026
Participants: Limited to 50
Apply here: https://events.saao.ac.za/event/13/surveys/6
Capacity Building Workshop
We are delighted to invite you to the Astro-tourism Capacity Building Workshop, a special two-day pre-conference event taking place ahead of the 2026 African Astronomical Society (AfAS) conference in Kasane, Botswana.
This workshop is designed for tour guides, tour operators, safari operators, tourism stuff operators, and local tourism businesses who wish to expand their skills and offerings by integrating astronomy into Botswana's tourism sector.
About the Workshop
Astro-tourism is an emerging high-value niche that blends scientific discovery, cultural heritage and eco-tourism. Botswana's exceptionally dark skies offer a unique opportunity to create unforgettable night-sky experiences for visitors.
This workshop will equip participants with the scientific knowledge, interpretive skills, and practical tools required to deliver professional astronomy-based tourism experiences. It will also highlight Botswana’s rich indigenous sky knowledge and its relevance to cultural tourism.
What you Will Learn
Over two days, participants will explore the following;
- The foundations of astronomy and how to interpret the night sky
- Indigenous Tswana Sky Knowledge, cultural stories, and seasonal interpretations
- Use of telescopes and night sky equipment
- Astro-tourism market potential and international case studies
- Storytelling, sky narration techniques, and visitor engagement
- Astro-photography using cameras and smartphones
- How to design astronomy-themed experiences and tourism products
- How to plan to plan night sky events, experiences and calendars
The workshop includes interactive sessions, hands-on telescope training, night stargazing, and an astro-photography practice session, culminating in a certificate of participation.
Workshop Facilitators
- International astro-tourism experts
- Local elder
- Astronomy development team from BIUST
Expected Outcomes
Participants will leave with:
- Skills in night sky interpretation and astronomy communication
- New tourism product ideas and experience packages
- Re-inforced cultural storytelling rooted in indigeneous knowledge
- Practical astro-photography and sky narration capabilities
- A connected network of trained astro-tourism practitioners
- Strengthened positioning of Botswana as a leader in sustainable astro-tourism
Registration & Fees
- Registration fee:
- P2 500.00 per company, admitting up to 3 participants
- P 500.00 per student guide
- Includes: Workshop materials, meals, field activities, and a certificate
- Excludes: Travel and accommodation. These are are at each participant's own costs.
Payment Details
Account Name: BIUST DF Current Account
Account Number: 9060003441496
Branch Code and Name: 064967 Fairgrounds
Swift Code: SBICBWGX
Payment Reference: WS0007
After payment, please send proof of payment to:
mabushak@biust.ac.bw
Apply here: https://events.saao.ac.za/event/13/surveys/6