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Oodi Weavers

3.6
·43 reviews·Gaborone, Botswana

Experience the vibrant artistry of Botswana's Oodi Weavers, a community project empowering women through traditional textile crafts.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

See the weavers in action

CrowdLow
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Oodi Weavers - Image 1

Oodi Weavers

Best Time

Weekday mornings

See the weavers in action

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Experience the vibrant artistry of Botswana's Oodi Weavers, a community project empowering women through traditional textile crafts.

3.6
(43 reviews)

"An excellent visit to Oodi Weavers! The ladies showed us around the factory floor and the whole process."

Vertical photo
TIP

Allow ample time

The weavers love to share their stories and process. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully immerse yourself.

Support the artisans

Purchasing a handwoven piece directly supports the community and preserves this beautiful craft.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

3.6 · 43 reviews

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Weaving Process

The Weaving Process

Factory Floor

Witness the magic from raw wool to finished tapestry. See spinning, dyeing, and intricate loom work firsthand.

Unique Handwoven Art

Unique Handwoven Art

Showroom/Shop

Explore a stunning collection of handwoven blankets and tapestries, each with its own story and character.

Meet the Artisans

Meet the Artisans

Throughout the facility

Engage with the talented weavers, learn about their craft, and feel their pride in their incredible work.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Oodi Weavers

Discover the rich history and vibrant artistry of Oodi Weavers. Learn about the traditional weaving process and support local artisans. Plan your trip to experience this unique cultural gem.

Supporting Local Artisans

Oodi Weavers is more than just a tourist spot; it's a community project empowering local women. Your visit and purchases directly support their livelihoods and the preservation of traditional weaving techniques.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
See the weavers in action
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoon
Why
More items available for sale
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

OODI WEAVERS IN 1973 2024 marks 51 years since Oodi Weavers came into operation. Established in 1973, the Oodi Weavers Project, initially known as Lentswe la Oodi Weavers, was founded by Swedes Ulla and Peder Gowenius. They imparted invaluable knowledge to the local community, teaching them the art of spinning, dyeing, and weaving. Early in 1973 the construction of the building started in a vil...
oraloapi_
47 likes • 789 views

Allow ample time

The weavers love to share their stories and process. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully immerse yourself. Reddit

Support the artisans

Purchasing a handwoven piece directly supports the community and preserves this beautiful craft. InstagramReddit

#OodiWeavers #botswana #africa #weaving #weavers #artist #botswanasartist
sarah.m.kash
53 likes • 333 views
SOLD An incredibly beautiful handwoven by Lentswe la oodi weavers, Botswana Wool blanket 90x56 inches SOLD
oldasnewvintagefinds
16 likes • 355 views

Ask questions!

The weavers are proud of their work and happy to explain every step of the intricate process. Reddit

Photography friendly

Capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the weaving process and finished products. Instagram

Tips

from all over the internet

Allow ample time

The weavers love to share their stories and process. Give yourself at least 1-2 hours to fully immerse yourself. Reddit

Support the artisans

Purchasing a handwoven piece directly supports the community and preserves this beautiful craft. InstagramReddit

Ask questions!

The weavers are proud of their work and happy to explain every step of the intricate process. Reddit

Photography friendly

Capture the vibrant colors and intricate details of the weaving process and finished products. Instagram

What Travellers Say

3.6
(43 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Oodi Weavers for its authentic cultural experience and the incredible craftsmanship of the artisans. The opportunity to see the weaving process firsthand and interact with the weavers is a major highlight, with many appreciating the chance to support a valuable community project. Some visitors noted that while prices are fair, carrying cash is advisable.

"Excellent visit to Oodi Weavers! The ladies showed us around the factory floor and the whole process from the raw wool, spinning yarn tapestry and weaving with the loom. Each piece comes with it's own story! Worth the trip which is a short distance into Oodi from downtown Gabarone. The weavers even let my daughter work on a piece with the loom!"

vincent iannace

"A beautiful and historical journey into the world of weaving. It's a must-go when visiting Botswana."

Christel Young (TechualChocolate)

"Absolutely lovely seeing and experiencing some culture. Great people."

Juliana van der Nest

What People Like

Incredible craftsmanship
Authentic cultural experience
Supporting local artisans

What People Dislike

Cash preferred for purchases

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Oodi Weavers is a short drive from downtown Gaborone, making it an easy day trip. Taxis or private car hire are readily available. The journey offers a glimpse into the local landscape. Reddit

While not directly served by major public transport routes, local combis might get you close to Oodi village. It's often easier to arrange a taxi or join a guided tour for direct access. Reddit

Oodi Weavers is located in the village of Oodi, which is a short distance, typically around 30-40 kilometers, northeast of Gaborone. Reddit

Many local tour operators in Gaborone offer guided excursions to Oodi Weavers, which can include transportation and a guided experience of the facility. Reddit

The drive from Gaborone to Oodi Weavers usually takes between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and your exact starting point. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

There is typically no admission fee to visit Oodi Weavers. The project is supported by the sale of their beautiful woven products. Reddit

Oodi Weavers generally operates during standard business hours, usually from Monday to Friday, and often on Saturdays. It's best to confirm current hours before your visit. Reddit

Absolutely! Oodi Weavers has a wide selection of handwoven blankets, tapestries, and other textile art available for purchase. InstagramReddit

The weavers are usually active during their operational hours. Visiting on a weekday morning offers the best chance to see the full process in action. Reddit

No, Oodi Weavers is a family-friendly destination. Children are welcome and can even participate in some activities, like trying the loom. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed and encouraged to capture the vibrant artistry. Be respectful of the weavers' space and ask permission if you're focusing on an individual. Instagram

Capture the intricate details of the looms, the colorful yarns, the artisans at work, and the stunning finished products. The entire facility offers visually rich scenes. Instagram

It's always polite to ask the weavers if you can take their photo, especially if you're focusing on them. Many are happy to be photographed as they are proud of their work. Reddit

There are no specific mentions of drone photography restrictions, but it's always advisable to be mindful of local regulations and privacy. Instagram

Focus on close-ups of the weaving techniques, wide shots of the factory floor, and portraits of the artisans. The vibrant colors are a photographer's dream. Instagram

🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Support

You can find a beautiful array of handwoven wool blankets, tapestries, wall hangings, and other textile art pieces, each unique and crafted with care. InstagramReddit

Every purchase directly benefits the women weavers, providing them with income, economic independence, and supporting the continuation of their traditional craft. Reddit

Prices are generally set, reflecting the skill and labor involved in creating each unique piece. They represent fair value for handmade art. Reddit

It's advisable to carry cash, as card facilities may be limited. Confirm payment methods upon arrival or when making inquiries. Reddit

While not always guaranteed, it might be possible to discuss custom orders depending on the weavers' current workload and material availability. Inquire directly. Reddit

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