Botswana has long been recognised as one of Africa’s outstanding development success stories. Decades ago the country identified tourism as a vehicle for broad-based, sustainable growth, creating jobs while protecting natural resources. That strategy underpins a strong conservation ethic and an international reputation for authentic, high-quality wildlife experiences. Operators must meet rigorous Tourism Quality and Eco-Grading standards administered in partnership with the Botswana Tourism Organisation.

Bordered by South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia, Botswana offers an extraordinary range of landscapes—from the red dunes of the Kalahari Desert, traditional homeland of the San (Bushmen), to the emerald waterways of the Okavango Delta, the world’s largest inland delta. Seasonal fluctuations continually reshape these environments, ensuring that every safari is distinctive.

The country supports one of the continent’s most impressive wildlife populations, including large herds of elephant as well as antelope species, giraffe, cheetah, ostrich, leopard, African wild dog and lion.

COUNTRY PROFILE

Botswana is a land-locked nation covering approximately 600,370 km² with an estimated population of 2.4 million and an annual growth rate of about 1.5 per cent. The capital, Gaborone, lies in the southeast and enjoys good road and air links to South Africa and to domestic centres such as Francistown, Lobatse, Selebi-Phikwe, Ghanzi, Mahalapye, Jwaneng and Kasane. Major villages include Serowe, Palapye, Kanye, Maun, Molepolole and Ramotswa.

Road traffic keeps left. Typical speed limits are 120 km/h on major rural roads, 100 km/h on secondary routes and 60 km/h in built-up areas. Night driving is discouraged because wildlife and livestock often wander onto the carriageway.

English is the official language and Setswana the national language; both are widely spoken. Other languages include Afrikaans in the south and southwest, Kalanga in the northeast, Shekgalagari in the southwest, and Siyeyi in parts of the Okavango Delta.

The national currency is the pula, subdivided into 100 thebe. Coins circulate in 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5 denominations; banknotes are issued in P10, P20, P50, P100 and P200.

ECONOMY

Mineral exports—particularly diamonds—remain the backbone of the economy, supplemented by copper, nickel, salt, soda ash and potash. Beef production is vital to rural livelihoods, and tourism is an increasingly significant contributor to GDP.

FLAG

The flag features a light-blue field crossed by a horizontal black stripe edged in white. Blue symbolises water, while the black-white-black motif represents racial harmony and evokes the zebra, Botswana’s national animal.

GENERAL INFORMATION

• Time zone: GMT + 2
• Electricity: 220 V AC
• Measurement system: metric

CLIMATE

Botswana has a semi-arid climate characterised by hot, dry conditions for much of the year and a distinct rainy season during the austral summer. The country spans nine degrees of latitude, is landlocked and sits on an elevated plateau of roughly 1,000 metres, all factors that suppress average rainfall. The Setswana word pula means both “rain” and the national currency—underlining the resource’s importance.

Summer (wet season):

October–March
Temperatures frequently exceed 38 °C before the first rains bring relief in late November or early December. Afternoon thunderstorms are common until late February or early March. Northern regions may receive up to 700 mm of rainfall annually, while parts of the Kalahari record as little as 225 mm. Humidity ranges from 60–80 per cent in the morning, falling to around 30–40 per cent by late afternoon.

Winter (dry season):

April–September
Days are sunny and mild (around 20 °C); nights can drop below freezing in some areas, particularly in the southwest. Virtually no rain falls, and relative humidity averages 40–70 per cent in the morning, 20–30 per cent later in the day. From April to October game viewing is excellent because wildlife concentrates at permanent water sources.

SAFARI CALENDAR

Botswana is a year-round destination, but conditions vary by month:

January

Peak breeding season for migrant birds; abundant wildflowers and lush vegetation. Afternoon thunderstorms, high humidity and temperatures above 30 °C. Predator activity remains strong as young prey animals develop.

February

Water lilies bloom across the Delta; reed frogs are both colourful and vocal. Daytime temperatures still exceed 30 °C. Intermittent heavy rains continue; birding remains outstanding.

March

Elephants migrate between marula trees in search of fruit. Impala rutting begins. Rainfall diminishes and nights become marginally cooler.

April

Early-morning mists form over water as night temperatures start dipping below 20 °C. The impala rut reaches its peak; reptiles are active ahead of the dry season.

May

Floodwaters from Angola enter the Okavango Delta panhandle. Nights cool to about 15 °C; days remain warm. Large buffalo and elephant herds concentrate near permanent water. Most migrant birds depart.

June

African wild dogs establish dens, making sightings more predictable. Nights may fall to 5 °C; days hover around 25 °C. Vegetation thins and the inner Delta begins to flood.

July

Delta floods peak despite the driest conditions of the year. Visibility is excellent as grasses recede. Boat and mokoro excursions expand with new waterways.

August

Floodwaters reach Maun. Day temperatures approach 30 °C; nights warm to around 10 °C. Visitor numbers peak. Elephant herds grow larger and tensions rise at water sources.

September

Dry, sunny weather dominates; nights warm rapidly. Predator sightings are frequent as prey species gather at shrinking waterholes. Carmine bee-eaters return and some migrant birds arrive.

October

The hottest month, often exceeding 40 °C. Herbivores are at their weakest, giving predators an advantage. Catfish breeding migrations (“runs”) occur as water levels drop; bird colonies at Gadikwe are in full activity.

November

First rains usually arrive mid-month, spurring a burst of new vegetation. Tsessebe and then impala and lechwe begin calving, attracting predators. Dramatic cloud formations and fresh colours create photographic opportunities.

December

Regular thunderstorms replenish pans and sustain protein-rich grasses. Impala lambing concludes; wildebeest calving begins. All migrant birds are present, and the landscape is vividly green.

GEOGRAPHY

Botswana lies between 20° and 30° E and 18° and 27° S. The maximum north–south distance is roughly 1,110 km; east–west spans about 960 km. With an area of approximately 581,730 km²—comparable to France or Texas—the country is about 500 km from the nearest coastline.

Much of Botswana forms a sand-filled basin averaging 1,000 metres in elevation. The highest point is Otse Mountain (1,491 m) near Lobatse; the lowest is at the Limpopo–Shashe confluence (513 m).

The Okavango River is the principal watercourse, entering from Namibia and spreading into the Okavango Delta. In high-flow years it continues east along the Boteti River toward Lake Xau and the Makgadikgadi Pans. The south lacks permanent rivers. In the east, the Limpopo, Ngotwane and Marico rivers mark the border with South Africa; the Molopo forms part of the southern boundary. The Chobe River delineates the northern frontier with Namibia.

Central and southwestern Botswana are dominated by the Kalahari Desert, a mosaic of sand dunes, grasslands and acacia scrub. To the north and east the Kalahari merges into bushveld, while the more densely populated east features rolling plains and wooded hills.

Botswana’s commitment to low-impact, high-value tourism, combined with its remarkable natural assets, continues to position the country as a premier safari destination.