Botswana is located in southern Africa, has 2.6 million inhabitants and, with an area of 581,730 km², is about 1.6 times larger than Germany (357,588 km²). The name of the country means “Land of the Tswana”, the official German spelling is actually Republic of Botswana. In the African national language Setswana, the republic refers to itself as Lefatshe la Botswana, in English as the Republic of Botswana. Setswana and English are the two official languages. The country borders South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and has no access to the sea. Between 1885 and 1966, Bechuanaland was a British protectorate, then became independent and is now considered the most democratic country in Africa, with corruption below the level of Italy and most Eastern European countries. However, the per capita income adjusted for purchasing power is only 18,323 US dollars per year (for comparison, Germany: 69,532 US dollars).
Landscape and climate in Botswana
The semi-desert Kalahari occupies large parts of the southwest of Botswana, it consists of savannahs with thorn bushes and grass. Many salt pans and lakes can also be found in the desert. During the rainy season, they grow into large shallow lakes. The Okavango River forms a large inland delta in northwestern Botswana. The entire country is a relatively flat highland between almost 1,000 and 1,494 m altitude. The capital, Gaborone, is less than 1,000 m. The geographical location as well as the savannahs and semi-deserts result in a climate with temperatures between ~20 °C in winter and 35 °C in summer. In winter, nocturnal frosts also occur, and temperature differences of more than 20° between the day and night hours are possible at this time of year. The climate, with a relatively long dry season between April and November, is typical of southern Africa.
Botswana as a travel destination
The country in the heart of Africa has always fascinated as a travel destination, because it offers untouched nature in breathtaking landscapes and impressive wildlife. There are more elephants than inhabitants in Botswana. In addition, there are giraffes, lions, leopards, zebras and hippos. This represents the African Big Five (elephant, rhinoceros, lion, leopard and Cape buffalo), which cavort in the fabulous landscapes of the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, the Kalahari Desert and the salt pans that seem to come out of a science fiction film. Botswana is home to many nature reserves and national parks, so safari enthusiasts love the country. The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland river deltas. The water flowing down during the rainy season is spread over several hundred canals, lagoons and river arms. The flora and fauna is particularly abundant in the delta. Travelers get to see elephants, hippos, antelopes and rare bird species every day. Other major destinations in Botswana include Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve.
Capital Gaborone
The capital Gaberone has ~245,000 inhabitants and is home to the University of Botswana, founded in 1982, as well as the National Museum, whose Art Gallery exhibits archaeological and ethnological exhibits as well as works by contemporary artists. The SADC (Southern Africa Development Community) also has its headquarters in Gaborone. There is some industry in the capital, including car production, and Sir Seretse Khama Airport in the north. From Gaberone, highways and a rail connection lead through the country and to neighboring countries. The cityscape of Gaborone is peculiar: parts of the city are characterized by vast steppe country, but modern skyscrapers rise in between. In addition to colorful backyards, there are also high-ranking star hotels, a government district and a lively pedestrian zone. There is the opportunity to buy jewellery, because one of the world’s largest diamond construction companies is based in Gaborone. The further processing of jewellery is an important branch of the economy. Attractions in the capital of Botswana are:
- National Museum: It can be found on Independence Avenue, and the exhibitions take up a wide variety of topics. African craftsmanship is particularly interesting.
- Reservoir: Gaborone is adjacent to a reservoir with a mighty dam and a marina.
- Shopping: For travellers, a stroll through the centrally located pedestrian zone is most worthwhile, where you can find souvenirs and lots of jewellery as well as typical African fashion.
- Parliament Building: The building can be visited from the outside in the government district. This neighborhood is worth a nice evening stroll.
- Lions Park: Every day, visitors can watch the lions being fed. The park also has a first-class hotel, a roller coaster and a large pool.
- Three Chiefs’ Statues: The three statues in the heart of the capital represent the three tribal chiefs (Dikgosi) Sebele I, Khama III and Bathoen I. In 1895, they negotiated Botswana’s independence with the British Crown and in return placed the country under the British protectorate until 1966. A remarkable, not uncontroversial detail of the Three Chiefs’ Statues is the fact that the monuments were made by the North Korean company Mansudae Overseas Projects.
Result
Botswana is a fascinating and relatively safe country on an African scale. It offers everything travelers hope to find on this continent, except for the lack of access to the sea.
