Authentic and rebellious, Botswana is one of the wildest kingdoms on the African continent. Every day, privileged visitors appreciate a little more the spectacle of a fragile nature and an exceptional fauna and flora

Despite its relative platitude, Botswana is also a country of contrasts and surprises. The Tsodilo Hills contain some of the most beautiful rock paintings on the planet. The salt pans in the centre of the country - Sowa, Makgadikgadi, Nxai and Ntwetwe - offer landscapes of a vertiginous emptiness where the gaze meets absolutely nothing on the horizon. The Tuli Block region has a very rugged relief with its chaotic ochre and orange rocks. The gentle landscapes of the semi-desert of the Kalahari invite you to rest, the plains of the Chobe River plunge the traveller into the classic images of wild Africa just a few dozen kilometres from the Victoria Falls of the Zambezi River. Finally, the Okavango Delta unfolds its magnificent and fragile landscapes in the labyrinth of the channels of the mythical river.

Above all, Botswana is undoubtedly a very large safari destination. Wild fauna and flora are king and wildlife shows can only be compared in a few other countries. The vastness of the natural territories, with their very varied landscapes, allows the traveller to immerse himself completely and open his senses wide. The country's very low population density (about 3 inhabitants/km²) and the low volume of tourism policy guarantee a privileged observation of wildlife. Here, it happens that we do not see a single other vehicle of the day in the various reserves of the country. The Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe, Makgadikgadi, Central Kalahari, Tuli Block are monuments of African nature.

38% of the country's surface area is devoted to natural heritage conservation. The 4 national parks, as well as the protected reserves and management areas, offer contrasting landscapes whose vastness makes them the flagship destination for nature lovers. The Okavango Delta, one of the largest in Africa, remains the sanctuary of unspoilt nature. Over an area of more than 18,000 m², it offers a spectacle of a mosaic of colours made of swamps, islets emerging from nowhere and channels lined with reeds and papyrus. This green labyrinth surrounded by crystal clear water traces the traces of the pachyderms that came to cool down during their migration, making it one of the favourite playgrounds of the greatest predators. The Moremi reserve will be able to charm autonomous travellers travelling through the country by self drive. The arid plains frequented by lions and leopards give way to forests of acacias and mopanes. Chobe Park, home to the largest concentration of elephants in the world, is a must. It remains one of the most accessible parks and has an extremely varied fauna. A little further south, a blazing sun floods the endless expanses of the Kalahari with its heat. This desert occupies more than half of the territory and overflows happily into the surrounding countries. Finally, in the far east of the country, the Tuli Block, at the crossroads of borders, reveals the glowing landscapes of an African-style Far West.

A multitude of activities

This incredible fauna, flora and landscapes constantly call out and remind travellers who want to approach them in every way possible. Botswana allows this multitude of approaches, by car (game drive, day and night), on foot, by plane, by helicopter, by motorboat, by mokoro, by horse, by bicycle and even under the protection of a friendly elephant! Every effort is made to enjoy this wilderness as intensely as possible.

If the tourist is looking for adventure, in Botswana he will find it both in nature itself and in meeting the people of Botswana

Encountering cultures

If fauna and flora are the stars of this destination, the curious traveller will be delighted to discover the many facets of Botswana's culture. It is now possible to visit a bayei village in Okavango or basubiya in Chobe, to meet a San group through a multilingual interpreter or to discover Tswana cultures. The diversity of customs and peoples is an asset that is increasingly being exploited by the tourism industry.

Botswanans, of quite diverse ethnic origins, but now well integrated, form a united and proud people. This explains why begging is absent, even in disadvantaged villages. In addition, if the Batswana are not extroverted like some West African peoples, the open traveller will receive warm greetings and smiles at every encounter. Children are always welcoming and willing to respond to the signs of the passing traveller's hand.

A sharp craft

Botswana does not have a considerable artisanal diversity, but its specificities are pushed to the level of excellence. This is the case with the basketry that women practice throughout the country and particularly in Ngamiland. Baskets, round or flat, closed or open, always finely decorated, are superb decorative pieces. The San arts, widely promoted in the Ghanzi region, are also noteworthy. Their leather and ostrich egg shell necklaces and bracelets are of the highest elegance.

A safe and comfortable destination

While Africa sometimes frightens travellers because of political instability or extreme poverty, Botswana is at the opposite end of the spectrum to this image of the continent. The country is economically prosperous and begging is almost non-existent. Democracy is part of the traditional way of life of Botswanans who can be proud to live in the most peaceful and secure country there is. While the country has an extraordinary natural heritage, its history, whether cultural or political, is no less impressive: since its independence in 1966, the country has never experienced war and democratically governs a territory with multiple tribal origins.

And travelling in Botswana is also a comfortable experience, whether camping or staying in hotels. The art of camping is pushed to perfection and the most reluctant are happy to convert. On the catering side, since culinary culture is not very developed in Botswana, the meals are mainly of European influence and quite tasty. It is an ideal destination for a first African experience, a trip to consider in all serenity.

Ecotourism, conservation and development

Travelling to Botswana is above all about having fun, immersing yourself in an absolutely spectacular wilderness and enriching yourself by meeting its people. In doing so, the traveller contributes to the conservation of otherwise threatened fauna and flora and contributes to the proper development of village communities. A comprehensive programme to protect nature while directing the benefits of ecotourism to the most disadvantaged communities is underway in Botswana. By visiting the country's natural reserves, travellers contribute to the dynamism of their third economic sector and increasingly encourage their inhabitants to protect and enhance this natural and cultural heritage.

For today Botswana faces a major challenge, to preserve the Bushmen, who remain the protagonists of this nature in its raw state, making it an extraordinary destination.

Smart info

When? When? There is not really a season to visit Botswana. It all depends on his interests. Each season offers different wild shows. However, not all regions are open all year round. For cultural tourism and in the main tourist centres, all seasons are satisfactory

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