What to See on Your Holidays in Botswana

With an economy closely tied to South Africa’s mining, tourism and cattle, the Republic of Botswana is predominantly flat. It is home to vast number of national parks and game reserves and has an abundance of wildlife and wetlands. Formerly a protectorate of Britain, it is bordered by South Africa in the south and south east, Namibia to the west, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the north east.

Tourism plays a major role in the country’s economy. One of the main safari destinations in Africa, Botswana is the location of the 1980 movie The Gods Must be Crazy. The most popular sport in Botswana is football and it is an associate member of International Cricket council.

Botswana is known to have one of the lowest population densities in the world. With strict tourism policies, the wilderness has always been an attraction to many foreigners. The Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park are home to various wildlife including lions, brown hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, and antelope. These herds of wildlife are found roaming around the country, mostly in the northern tourist areas. The country is also known to have the largest population of elephants in the world.

Remember the Kalahari? Well the Kalahari Desert covers most of Botswana in a stretch of wind-blown sand and is the home of many adaptive creatures. Yes, the word desert is a misnomer as the Kalahari is covered with vegetation and grassland. In the middle of the desert is the world’s largest inland delta, the Okavango is a labyrinth of lagoons and lakes and is a magnet for different animals needing water. An ancient super lake, the Makgadikgadi covers an area almost as large as Portugal. During the rainy season, this lake is filled with water to the brim and becomes a temporary home for different kinds of birds and wildlife. The area around the Kalahari has a number of safari lodges and camps so visitors can experience that authentic South African adventure. The lush forests and delta house more than 400 species of birds and is considered a bird lovers paradise, during the rainy season, migratory birds add to the colourful spectacle.

Botswana also has a rich culture and history, the centre of literature and the visual arts. Found in the west of the Okavango delta is the richest rock art site in the whole of South Africa, also known as the Tsodilo Hills. This is a sacred site from the Stone Age and is filled with numerous myths and legends.

Unlike its neighbouring countries, Botswana is relatively more peaceful and secure. It is now the top destination for holidays, vacations and outdoor adventures. The people are hospitable, passive and content, and as more communities prosper, tourism is becoming more widespread. Tourism brings the largest revenue to the country.

If you are looking for a South African adventure, Botswana is the best place for you. It is the gateway to the worlds most magnificent creatures and a storehouse of wondrous landscape