The Republic of Botswana (Lefatshe la Botswana) is a landlocked nation of southern Africa. Formerly the British protectorate of Bechuanaland, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Botswana is dominated by the Kalahari desert, which covers up to 70% of the land surface of the country.

Botswana with its vast expanses of pristine, untamed bushveld, overflowing with wildlife, must surely rank as one of Africa's ultimate safari destinations. The Okavango Delta (& Moremi Wildlife Reserve) and Chobe National Park are the two not to be missed destinations.

Also worth visiting are the desert enviroments of the Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pans and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve where at every turn a photographic oppurtunity raises its head.

Travelling in Botswana is not about large volumes of tourists (like South Africa & Kenya), but more about fewer upmarket offerings. Yes, a safari here is more expensive than what would get in Namibia, South Africa or Namibia but that feeling of isolation and the pristine wildlife is what you pay for.

Top attractions:

- Okavango Delta
- Moremi Wildlife Reserve
- Chobe National Park
- Savuti Marsh
- Makgadikgadi Pans
- Central Kalahari Game Reserve
- Mashatu Game Reserve

Country information:

Capital - Gaborone
Largest city - Gaborone
Official language(s) - English (Official), Setswana
Government - Parliamentary Republic
President - Festus Gontebanye Mogae
Independence - September 30, 1966
Area - 600,370 km²
Population 2003 - 1,573,267
Currency - Pula (BWP)
Time zone - (GMT +2)
Internet TLD - .bw
Health risks - malaria (in the north), HIV/AIDS (at 40%)
Electricity - 220V
Weights & measure - Metric