Botswana is located in the southern region of Africa and is surrounded by the following countries, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. It gained its independence from the British in 1966. Today Botswana tourism is famous for it's wildlife regions of Chobe National Park and Moremi National Park. A high density of wildlife game can be found in the Kalahari Game Reserve and the Okavango Delta. Botswana tourism has one of the finest tourist attractions and facilities in the African continent. Diamond, tourism and mineral extraction also contribute significantly to the economy. Besides smaller incidents, Botswana is relatively a safe place, however, it is advisable to take basic precautions especially in crowded areas. African Safari is the most attractive Botswana Tourism activity.
Gaborone - It is described as Africa's fastest growing city and is located just 15km from the South African border. Gaborone is a bustling modern city with many shopping malls, hotels, sports clubs and various night clubs. National Museum and Art Gallery and a golf course are also located here. Also a must see is St. Claire Lion Park located 14km from Gaborone on the Lobatse road.
SHOPPING:
The Mall of Gaborone is the most famous place for shopping. That area also has many other shops, embassies, banks and offices. Popular shopping items in Gaborone include decorative baskets, hand woven clothes, San jewellery, leather work, traditional dolls and masks.
THINGS TO DO - BOTSWANA TOURISM:
- National Parks and Game Reserves.
- Kalahari Desert.
- Okavango Delta.
- Climb on the back of an elephant and trek.
- Fly over parts of Botswana in a hot-air balloon.
- Fishing in Okavango Delta and Chobe river systems.
- Botswana tourism offers Mountain bike in the Tuli Block.
- Experience Botswana's culture in a historic village called Serowe.
GETTING INTO BOTSWANA:
Air:
The main airport of Botswana is the Gaborone International airport (GBE also known as Sir Seretse Khama), Most of the flights arriving here come from Johannesburg, South Africa. Popular airlines like British Airways and South African Airways also operate besides the Air Botswana on this airport. Other airports include Maun (MUB) , Kasane (BBK), Francistown (FRW), Tsabong (TBY) and Orapa (ORP).
Bus:
Tourists can also use the bus services from Johannesburg to Gaborone, use Caprivi Strip to reach Chobe National Park from Namibia. There are bus services also from Zimbabwe's Victoria Falls.
Car & Transportation:
You can arrive Gaborone from Johannesburg in the south, Francistown in the east, Trans-Kalahari Highway to Lobatse from Namibia and many other roads from the surrounding countries. The main roads and highways are well paved. Majority of tourists who come to Botswana arrive at the capital city of Gaborone from South Africa. The road network connecting the main cities of Gaborone, Fancistown, Kasane, Francistown and Maun are good. If you plan to go in the interior cities you will need good equipment and tough terrain. Botswana tourism is a great experience for the tourists.
Department of Botswana Tourism in the UK
Website: www.botswanatourism.org.uk
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana in the USA
1531-33 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036, USA
Website: www.botswanaembassy.org
Time
GMT + 2.
Language:
Official language - English.
Most popular spoken language - Setswana.
Religion
Mostly Christianity, some Muslim, Quaker, Hindu and Bahai
Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP), 1 BWP = 100 Thebe.
