An outdoor safari wonderland with some of the best wildlife viewing in Africa, the peaceful Botswana hosts wide Kalahari deserts as well as Okavango, the largest inland delta in the world. Besides intriguing national parks and game reserves, Botswana is also a great destination for those wanting to experience the ancient traditions and rock carvings of the San people, better known as Bushmen.
Landlocked and sparsely populated Botswana is located in Southern Africa between South Africa, Namibia and Zambia. Thanks to its small population and large natural resources for mining as well as safari tourism, it is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa. While the population of Botswana is concentrated in the eastern part of the country, most of Botswana is wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans teeming with wildlife.
Botswana destinations. Okavango Delta area around Maun in Central Botswana is famous for its great opportunities for wildlife viewing, and Kalahari desert area in Botswana is home to most of the remaining San (Bushman) people in the world. Besides these, ancient rock paintings in Tsodilo and a cheetah sanctuary in Mokolodi Game Reserve near the Botswanan capital Gaborone are also well worth a visit.
Traveling to Botswana is possible either by air or by road. The capital city Gaborone has the main international airport in the country, with direct flights to Botswana from a few African countries. There is also an airport in Maun in the Okavango area that can be reached from South Africa or Namibia. From other continents, it is easiest to fly first to Johannesburg or Windhoek, and catch a flight to Botswana from there.
Landlocked and sparsely populated Botswana is located in Southern Africa between South Africa, Namibia and Zambia. Thanks to its small population and large natural resources for mining as well as safari tourism, it is one of the wealthiest countries in Africa. While the population of Botswana is concentrated in the eastern part of the country, most of Botswana is wilderness of savannas, deserts, wetlands and salt pans teeming with wildlife.
Tourist attractions in Botswana: safaris, wildlife and Bushmen culture
Botswana is famous for its abundant wildlife, and hosts a number of National Parks and Game Reserves that have become important tourist attractions. The popular safari destinations in Botswana include Moremi National Park in the spectacular Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, and Central Kalahari Game Reserve, all of them offering unique wildlife experiences. Wildlife in Botswana include lions, elephants, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, buffaloes, hippos, wild dogs, crocodiles and a variety of antelopes and birdlife.Botswana destinations. Okavango Delta area around Maun in Central Botswana is famous for its great opportunities for wildlife viewing, and Kalahari desert area in Botswana is home to most of the remaining San (Bushman) people in the world. Besides these, ancient rock paintings in Tsodilo and a cheetah sanctuary in Mokolodi Game Reserve near the Botswanan capital Gaborone are also well worth a visit.
Botswana travel information and practical tips
Botswana has a tropical semiarid climate with warm winters from May to September and hot summers from October to April, when extreme temperatures are not rare during the day. On the other hand, nights during the winter can be very chilly. Although weather in Botswana is mostly dry, there is a hot and humid rainy season from November to March. The wildlife in Botswana is best seen on the pleasant autumn and winter months from April to September.Traveling to Botswana is possible either by air or by road. The capital city Gaborone has the main international airport in the country, with direct flights to Botswana from a few African countries. There is also an airport in Maun in the Okavango area that can be reached from South Africa or Namibia. From other continents, it is easiest to fly first to Johannesburg or Windhoek, and catch a flight to Botswana from there.
Photo: FirstBaptistNashville, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
You can also travel to Botswana by bus or minibus from South Africa, Namibia or Zimbabwe, or by private car from all the neighboring countries.
Once in Botswana, you can get around by domestic flights, buses, trains or by car. Public transport in Botswana is scarce outside the main towns and major routes, so renting a car in Botswana or joining one of the organized safaris are much better ways to see the country. Roads in Botswana are mostly paved and in good condition, but distances are long.
High quality services. There are a good number of hotels and lodges in Botswana to cater for safari visitors. Botswana’s tourism is geared for high-end ecotourism, so do not expect it to be a cheap destination. Restaurants and nightlife can be found mainly from hotels and lodges, as well as from Gaborone.
Safety. Most people in Botswana speak English and are very friendly towards visitors. Crime is not a major problem in Botswana, although you should take care of your belongings while visiting towns. The major safety threat in Botswana is the presence of poisonous and predatory wildlife, but using common sense will most likely keep you safe.
