Nestled in Southern Africa and bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, there are plenty of reasons why Botswana is worth a visit. Wildlife, stunning natural landscapes and a welcoming climate are just a few to name. Formerly known as Bechuanaland under British colonial rule, Botswana gained independence in 1966 and adopted its current name – a term meaning “place of the Tswana people.” Today, approximately 85% of the population is made up of Tswana, reflecting the nation’s deep cultural roots.
Equally, Botswana remains one of the least densely populated countries in Africa. It is a big country with a small population of two million people, comparable in size to France, which has a population of 68 million. Its population density reached a peak in 2022 at 4.31 inhabitants per square kilometre. For comparison, Nigeria is one of the continent’s most densely populated countries, with about 245 inhabitants per square kilometre.
In May, the weather in Botswana is comfortably warm but not too hot, ranging from 10C in the morning to 28C in the afternoon. The magic of the Okavango Delta comes alive during this time. Covering an area of 15,000 km², it is the largest inland delta in the world. Often referred to as a “Garden of Eden”, the delta turns into a lush paradise where hippos, giraffes, and cheetahs roam freely.
One of the most memorable parts is seeing its elephants up close. Botswana is home to about 130,000 elephants, about half of the region’s numbers. For every 15 people in Botswana, there is one elephant.
Nourished by the waters of the Okavango Delta, elephant herds can roam across the desert, swim in rivers, and sometimes even cross busy roads, offering unforgettable sights of nature at its best.
Botswana also has one of the world’s shortest borders in the world with Zambia, which is only 150 meters long. It’s located at the confluence of the Zambezi and Chobe rivers, where the borders of Zambia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia meet, creating a unique quadripoint area.
