The Republic of Botswana, is a landlocked nation in Southern Africa. At 231,788 mi² (600,370 km²), it is bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Botswana is predominantly flat, tending toward gently rolling tableland.
Climate and Weather
Botswana's climate is semi-arid. Though it is hot and dry for much of the year, there is a rainy season, which runs through the summer which begins in November and ends in March. Rainfall tends to be erratic, unpredictable and highly regional. Often a heavy downpour may occur in one area while 10 or 15 kilometres away there is no rain at all. There is little distinction between average summer and winter temperatures, although in winter months it can be chilly at night.
Population
The population of Botswana in 2003 was estimated by the United Nations at 1,785,000, which placed it as number 144 in population among the 193 nations of the world. Botswana's main ethnic groups are (in order) Tswana, Kalanga, Bushmen or AbaThwa, Others. Other groups of ethnicities in Botswana include whites and Indians both groups being equally small in number.
Transportation
An "inner circle" highway connecting all major towns and district capitals is completely paved, and the all-weather Trans-Kalahari Highway connects the country (and, through it, South Africa's commercially dominant Gauteng Province) to Walvis Bay in Namibia.
Top Attractions
Beauty of Botswana lies in its wilderness, wildlife and cultural diversity. Unique San rock art, geological wonders, and traditional art are additional attractions located in various parts of the country. A number of national parks and game reserves, with their abundant wildlife and wetlands, are major tourist attractions.
1. Mark and Delia Owens.
2. Chobe National Park.
3. Okavango Delta.
Best Travel Time
Botswana is a year round wildlife destination, but there are certain seasons that are more suitable for special interests than others are.
1. October to March for Bird viewing.
2. December to May for Plants, Vegetation and Botany.
3. November to February for Mammals and Wildlife.
Food and Drink
National specialties:
• Morama (an underground tuber).
• The Kalahari truffle.
• The Mopane worm (boiled, cooked
or deep-fried).
• Beans such as cow peas, ditloo and letlhodi, dried bean leaves, plus nuts like peanuts and groundnuts.
• Wild spinach, morogo is very tasty.
National drinks:
• Palm wine (which is extremely strong) and Kgadi (made from distilled sugar or fungus).
• Traditional beer such as khadi or bojalwa, which tastes a bit like apple cider.
• Homemade ginger beer is popular.
• Bush tea (or Rooibos) is a reddish caffeine-free tea that is soothing and delicious, although something of an acquired taste.
Local Products/Shopping
Woodcarvings, handcrafted jewelry, woven goods and attractive basketry (particularly at Etsha, Shakawe and Shorobe) are recommended. Modern Bushman art can be seen, and perhaps purchased, at D'Kar, 40km (25 miles) north of Ghanzi. There also occasional exhibitions at the National Museum in Gaborone.
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Beauty of Botswana lies in its wilderness, wildlife and cultural diversity. Unique San rock art, geological wonders, and traditional art are additional attractions located in various parts of the country. A number of national parks and game reserves, with their abundant wildlife and wetlands, are major tourist attractions.
Botswana is a year round wildlife destination, but there are certain seasons that are more suitable for special interests than others are.