Discovery of new and pristine cave system in Botswana

This month The Origins Centre in conjunction with the Geological Society of South Africa (GSSA) will present an informal and entertaining talk on two large scale surveys for buried caverns in the remote Drotsky’s (Gcwihaba) and Koanaka cave areas of North-West Botswana.  The speakers are Roger Ellis and Gavin Selfe.

The project, at the behest of the Botswana government, is to develop a new national park in the remote north of the country in which the caves will play a major role. Currently known as the Gcwihaba Caves Project, the park has been cited for World Heritage status and is intended to add to Botswana’s diverse list of tourist attractions. 

The method by which the new caves have been located, accessed and explored is what makes the project so unique. By applying scientific, engineering and caving skills, the mystery of Botswana’s underground heritage is now being revealed, and the presenters take you on an journey of adventure and discovery deep within the Kalahari.

Gavin Selfe is a consulting geophysicist for various mineral exploration companies. Roger Ellis, a retired engineer, has been involved in the discovery and exploration of many of Southern Africa’s premier wild caves.

Please e-mail your request for seats to ask@origins.org.za. If you are a Wits student, Wits staff member or GSSA member, please include your student/staff/membership number. We will then e-mail an invoice to you, which can be paid by EFT or at the Origins Shop.