Botswana

An interesting thing about Botswana is that it is a landlocked country, meaning the entire territory is bordered by land areas. Up to 70% of the country is the Kalahari Desert, and Botswana is blessed with great spectacles of wildlife. It is one of the best places that give the most rewarding safari experience.

 

General Information

  • Total area : 224,610 square miles, with 2.6% of it is water surface
  • Capital : Gaborone
  • Largest city : Gaborone
  • Government : Parliamentary republic
  • Climate : sub-tropical, and semi-arid due to short rain season

 

Physical Features

The most dominant physical feature of Botswana is the semi-arid Kalahari Desert. It stretches across the country from Namibia to the west and South Africa to the south. Most areas are flat, but there are also some noticeable highlands such as the Tsodilo Hills, a rock formation dating back more than 100,000 years. For the most parts, Botswana is filled with unique physical features. Kalahari Desert is in the central and southwest; Okavango Delta is in the northwest; Makgadikgadi Pans are in the north-central. All three of them are different from each other, allowing the country to have distinctive landscape and geographical conditions. Diverse ecosystems and habitats are home to numerous wildlife species.

 

Safety Tips

Botswana is great for travelers not only because the country offers some of the greatest safari experiences on the planet, but also because it is modern and well-developed. Public facilities such as tap water and healthcare work well; you can drink tap water in most cities and towns, and there is no need for extra protections from yellow fever or cholera. In crime department, most cases do not extend beyond pick-pocketing or theft from parked cars. Biggest safety hazards in Botswana include driving in the bush and attacked by wildlife. With help from professional guide, however, those two issues should be avoidable easily.

 

Bird Life

With great efforts for conservation of wildlife, Botswana has become good destinations for bird watching. The country is home to more than 590 species of birds. Among those 100 species are still rare and 8 species are globally threatened. Summer months will serve the more casual birdwatchers well enough, but enthusiasts will want to concentrate in the Okavango Delta, as this place functions like a refugee for both common and rare birds during the dry winter. Permanent water sources in the delta provide ideal habitats for many bird species such as flamingos, storks, pelicans, darters, cormorants, ostriches, and spoonbills. Even the common ducks, geese, and swans find home in Botswana, too

 

Wild Beauty

Kalahari Desert is the largest unbroken land of sand on Earth. Your image of a typical desert is an almost empty land where live organisms are scarce, but Kalahari is an anomaly. Not only that it has abundance of wildlife, but it also has diverse ecosystems. It has Makgadikgadi salt pan located in the middle of dry savannah, Kubu Island filled with granite rocks, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park with its wonderful wildlife, ancient baobab trees, Africa’s Big Five, and of course Okavango Delta to name a few. For a country mostly comprised of desert sands, Botswana has managed to come out at the top as far as tourism and safari are concerned.

 

People and Cultures

Botswana government does not recognize any ethnic group living in the country as indigenous. It also means that the government recognizes all citizens as indigenous. The most widespread groups include Tswana, San, and BaKalanga. Most tribes have different ways of greeting each other for example by specific hand-shake gesture or just by using verbal expression. Setswana is the common language in Botswana, but the official language is English.

 

Spiritual Destination

Of course everybody is entitled to opinions about what spiritual experience is. A scientist will consider the view of stars and galaxies million miles away through the Hubble telescope spiritual; an architect will consider building the highest skyscraper a spiritual experience; and if you are wildlife enthusiast, safari in Botswana is as spiritual as you want it to be. Let us not forget that somewhere in the wilderness of Botswana, you are provided with luxurious remote lodges and camps, putting you right in the middle of the scene and allowing you to absorb the surrounding wildlife atmosphere.

 

The Ultimate Camping

If your idea of camping is right at the backyard where you can still call pizza delivery anytime you want, please visit Botswana to experience what real camping actually is. You will not have to climb any mountain and backpack into dense forest; what you must do is to stay quiet. Don’t be surprised at night when you have to listen to roaring sounds of lions, grunts of leopard, thundering sounds of elephants, and feel the ground is shaking by the movements of big herds of buffalos. You can experience all of those in almost any campsite in Botswana. You are also allowed to use your own 4WD vehicle, so you can travel from one campsite to another at any pace you like. Gaze around at night, and you’ll find the right blend of both sound and visual treats from animals’ sounds and view of bright stars in the desert sky.

Most Popular Destinations

Botswana gives one of the representations of what a journey in Africa feels like. Many places in the country look and sound like they are not from the same world we live in. Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Botswana are as follows.

 

Botswana Tourism

Botswana, a country of untamed wilderness, diverse ecosystems, and captivating cultures, is a traveler’s dream come true. From the vastness of the Okavango Delta to the rugged beauty of the Kalahari Desert, Botswana offers visitors an extraordinary adventure in the heart of southern Africa.

 

Untamed Safaris

Botswana’s safaris are legendary, offering the opportunity to witness the breathtaking beauty of African wildlife. The Okavango Delta, one of the planet’s most spectacular wetlands, is a haven for safari enthusiasts. Glide through the crystal-clear waters in a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) and watch for Hippos, Crocodiles, and a myriad of bird species. Explore the Chobe National Park, renowned for its large Elephant herds and diverse wildlife. The Moremi Game Reserve is a predator paradise, where you can spot Lions, Leopards, and Cheetahs on the prowl.

 

Desert Wonders

Venture into the stark landscapes of the Kalahari Desert, a place of raw beauty and surprising vitality. The Makgadikgadi Pans, one of the world’s largest salt pans, provide a surreal experience. Marvel at the vastness of the salt flats, especially during the wet season when they transform into a watery wonderland teeming with flamingos and other birdlife. The Nxai Pan National Park, part of this complex, is a habitat for Africa’s celebrated herbivores, zebras, and wildebeests.

 

Cultural Encounters

Botswana’s cultural richness is as captivating as its natural wonders. Engage with the San people, also known as the Basarwa or Bushmen, in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Learn about their traditional way of life, their hunter-gatherer skills, and their deep connection with the land. In the capital city, Gaborone, visit the National Museum to explore the nation’s history, from prehistoric times to its struggle for independence. The people of Botswana are renowned for their warmth and hospitality, ready to share their stories and traditions.

 

Outdoor Adventures

For the adventurous at heart, Botswana offers a playground like no other. Glide over the Okavango Delta in a hot air balloon, enjoying an aerial view of the pristine wilderness below. Take a horseback safari through the Kalahari, trotting alongside wildlife that is uniquely adapted to the arid environment. Embark on a thrilling walking safari in the company of experienced guides, exploring the African bush at a more intimate level.

 

Stargazing in the Wilderness

Botswana is celebrated for some of the darkest skies on the planet, making it a stargazer’s paradise. The remote areas of the country are a sanctuary for those seeking to connect with the cosmos. Join a guided stargazing tour and witness constellations and celestial wonders that will leave you in awe.

 

Culinary Delights

Botswana’s cuisine reflects its diverse influences, combining traditional dishes with colonial tastes. Savor hearty staples like seswaa (pounded meat) and bogobe (porridge), complemented by fresh vegetables. Taste local dishes with a modern twist in restaurants across the country. Botswana’s culinary scene is an exploration of flavors and traditions.

 

Botswana is a land of wilderness and wonder, a place where every step reveals a new adventure and every glance captures the essence of Africa. It’s a journey into the untamed heart of a country that celebrates nature’s grandeur and human connections. Botswana invites you to explore its vast landscapes, experience its ancient traditions, and be embraced by the genuine warmth of its people. It’s an adventure that promises to stay with you forever. Botswana welcomes you to be a part of its remarkable story.

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