People of Botswana

Identification. 

Formerly Bechuanaland Protectorate under the British, Botswana became independent in 1966. Bot swana means "place of Tswana" in the dominant national language, and the citizenry are called Bat swana, or Tswana people. The term Batswana, however, bears a double meaning. In government rhetoric, it refers to all citizens of Botswana. But the word also refers to ethnically "Tswana" people, as distinct from the other ethnic groups present in the country. This double meaning allows for both the expression of strong civic national sentiments and debate about the dominance of Tswana people and ideology over the broader population.

 

Location and Geography.

Botswana is a landlocked and arid country. Bordering on South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Zambia, it is 224,607 square miles (581,730 square kilometers) in area, about the same size as France. Two-thirds of the country is comprised of the Kalahari Desert, which is covered with grasses and scrub but has scarce surface water. Mean annual rainfall ranges from under 10 inches (250 millimeters) per annum in the southwest to over 25 inches (635 millimeters) in the northeast. The entire country is prone to extended droughts, causing significant hardship to agriculturalists, pastoralists, and hunter-gatherers. The Okavango Delta, in the north, is a large inland delta, and people there fish and farm on its flooded banks; tourists are drawn to the large numbers of wildlife that congregate in the area. The eastern third of the country, with more rainfall and fertile soils, is home to most of the population. Prior to independence, the British administered the Protectorate from Mafiking in South Africa. The capital city today, Gaborone, was built on a village site in the southeastern corner of the country at independence, near the borders of several of the Tswana polities that dominated the country.

Linguistic Affiliation. Bantu, Khoisan, and Indo-European languages are spoken in Botswana. English is the official language and Setswana the national language. This means that the language of government and higher education is primarily English, but that Setswana is the dominant language spoken in the country. Ninety percent of the population is said to speak Setswana. The term Setswana refers both to Tswana language, and to Tswana practices/culture, and there has been increasing resistance.

Symbolism. "Pula," the Setswana word for rain, is featured on the coat of arms, and is called out frequently at public gatherings as a salute and cry of approbation. It is also the term for the national currency. The national anthem is "Lefatshe la Rona," ("Our Country"), and its title captures the strong attachment most Batswana feel to the land and its resources, as well as some antiforeign sentiments. Cattle were tremendously important not just to a material economy but also to the symbolic economy of status, family, and social relations in the past, and cattle remain powerfully evocative to most Batswana today.

Botswana's Famous Jack's Camp

A relic of one of the world's largest super-lakes, the Makgadikgadi dried up thousands of years ago as a result of the continued shifting of the earth's crust.

Jack's Camp is sited in this prehistoric setting offering just ten bedouin-style canvas tents with en-suite bathrooms and spacious bedrooms with persian rugs and cool cotton sheets.

Cheetah's in Botswana

Cheetah's are found throughout the wilderness areas of Botswana - even in the arid reaches of the Kalahari.

Best places to see them:
Chitabe in the Okavango Delta, Linyanti (in particular Kwando).

Cheetah have one of the highest success rates when it comes to hunting but of all the predators they are the most likely to have the kill stolen away. They have to eat very quickly once they have killed as other predators are quickly on the scene. Vultures have been known to steal kills from Cheetah.

Personal observations of Cheetah hunts reveal varying methodsof operation. A family group of a mother and her five offspring in the Savute Marsh would often use a flanking manoeuvre during a hunt.

Two individuals would flank a herd of Antelope before revealing themselves in a half hearted chase. The prey would scatter in all directions with at least one heading in the direction where the other three were waiting in ambush.

Although Cheetah rely on speed during a chase a great deal of patience and stalking goes into a hunt. During a chase prey is knocked to the ground in mid stride after which the cheetah suffocates the prey by clamping its jaws on the victim's air pipe.
Cheetah are susceptible to competition from other predators and are the first to move away from an area when competition gets too much. The previously mentioned group of Cheetah in the Savute eventually moved out of the area when Hyenas continually stole their kills.

The Hyenas developed the habit of following the group on a hunt and when a kill was made would move in immediately and steal the food.

Welcome to Botswana

Blessed with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth, Botswana is one of the great safari destinations in Africa. There are more elephants in Botswana than any other country, the big cats roam free and there’s everything from endangered African wild dogs to aquatic antelopes, from rhinos making a comeback to abundant birdlife at every turn.


This is also the land of the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, at once iconic African landscapes and vast stretches of wilderness. Put these landscapes together with the wildlife that inhabits them, and it’s difficult to escape the conclusion that this is wild Africa at its best.


Botswana may rank among Africa’s most exclusive destinations – accommodation prices at most lodges are once-in-a-lifetime propositions – but self-drive expeditions are also possible. And whichever way you visit, Botswana is a truly extraordinary place.
 



Top responsible travel tips for Botswana

1. Be considerate of Botswana’s customs, traditions, religion and culture.

2. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water instead.

3. Always dispose of litter thoughtfully, including cigarette butts.

4. When bargaining at markets, stay calm, be reasonable and keep a smile on your face. It's meant to be fun!

5. Learn some local language and don't be afraid to use it - simple greetings will help break the ice.

6. Shop for locally made products. Supporting local artisans helps keep traditional crafts alive.

7. Refrain from supporting businesses that exploit or abuse endangered animals.

8. Please ask and receive permission before taking photos of people, including children.


9. When on community visits or homestays, refrain from giving gifts or money to locals.

10. Refrain from buying ivory or other products harvested from endangered animals.

Seven Wonders of Botswana

What are the Wonders of Botswana?  

 Botswana is home to one of Africa's Seven Wonders of Nature, but that is only a start to the wonders this country offers. Botswana is truly an African gem for encounters with nature, but the country is also rich in culture and heritage.

Okovango Delta 

Okovango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world formed from the Okavango River’s tectonic drain. The delta has almost 11 cubic kilometers of water spreading over its area of almost 15,000 square kilometers. Okavango Delta is rich in wildlife and provides an opportunity to see the Big 5. 

 

Kubu Island

 

 Kubu Island is made up of dry granite rocks situated in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pan. Kubu Island is a national monument and a consecrated place for the indigenous people. Kubu actually means large rock, but can also mean hippopotamus in Tswana.

 Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s national parks. The park’s name was taken from the BaTawana tribe’s chief, Chief Moremi. It is one of Botswana's wildlife viewing gems.

Tuli Block

This narrow border of Botswana lies in between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Tuli Block is known because of its geographical features such as the Solomon’s Wall and Lepokoe Hills. This piece of land features beautiful rock formations, abundant wildlife, strange vegetation and of course, a rich archaeological heritage.

Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has exceptional spiritual and religious connection to locals. Tsodilo Hills traces human settlement over hundreds of decades. The hills features rock paintings of more than 4,500 within its 10 square kilometer area.

Incredible Must See Destinations in Southern Africa

On a planet filled with so many interesting and exotic places to visit, you might ask, "Why southern Africa? What draws people to this part of the world?" The truth is, many travelers don't really know that much about southern Africa at all. This region encompasses a number of countries including South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland, Mozambique, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and more. Many travelers who visit this area are amazed at the diversity and beauty that is to be found here.

Some of the  top destinations in Southern Africa in no particular order....

The Garden Route 

Lies on the southern coast just east of Cape Town and extends from Mossel Bay to the Storms River mouth.  Here you will find Tsitsikamma National Park, the Knysna and Wilderness wetlands, relaxing beaches, hiking trails, and activities such as whale watching, sailing, and golf. This scenic coastal route is interspersed with a series of quaint and charming towns along the way. The climate is mild and the views are spectacular. The Cango Caves, are located just north of the Garden Route close to Oudtshoorn, which is also the center of the South Africa ostrich farming industry. Many of the farms are open to visitors where you can tour the facilities, meet the birds up close, and even ride one! The Garden Route is a serene and beautiful part of South Africa, filled with astounding sights and plenty to do for both young and old.

The Okavango Delta 

For the more adventurous at heart the Okavango Delta, located in northern Botswana, is a veritable oasis of wildlife and natural wonder. This area is the world's largest inland delta, formed by the Okavango River. With numerous lodges in this region, there is plenty to do. While in the Okavango a mokoro boat trip is a must. On a mokoro trip experienced guides lead you through the Delta as you silently glide down the channels and backwaters to places that are totally unreachable by any other mode of transport. Coming face to face with elephants crossing the waterways or herds of buffalos drinking from the Delta is nothing unusual. For those who enjoy bird life, the Delta has an incredible diversity of bird species. If you would prefer not to brave the water, there are a number of different safari options, either on foot or in four-wheel drive vehicles. With the game being so plentiful visitors to the area are often surprised at how close you can actually get to the animals. The Okavango Delta is a magnificent wonder of nature, perhaps one of our planet's greatest, and is still largely unspoiled making it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Caprivi Strip

In the northeast corner of Namibia, stretching out between Angola and Botswana and on to Victoria Falls, is the Caprivi Strip, a tropical region where remote, exquisite game parks are interspersed by three major rivers: the Kwando, the Okavango, and the Zambezi. These parks, located just north of Botswana, are adjacent to the famous Okavango Delta and share its beauty and abundance of wildlife. One such park is the Mamili Game Park, one of Namibia's most remote and beautiful wildlife reserves. This wetland area with its water channels, reed beds and wide assortment of flora and fauna is simply breathtaking.

The Victoria Falls 

A visit to Africa would not be complete if you did not see Victoria Falls. Known to the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which means "the smoke that thunders"), classified as one of the 7  natural wonders of the world. Located between Livingstone, Zambia and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe on the Zambezi River, the Falls are a breathtaking and spectacular sight that have been known to leave viewers with a bit of moisture in their eyes - whether from the mist of the Falls or tears welling up is yet to be determined. When David Livingstone first discovered the Falls he stated "Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." The number of possible activities here are endless, ranging from short safaris on elephant back to lazy evening sundowners aboard a boat on the Zambezi to bungee jumping in the gorge to helicopter flights over the falls. Victoria Falls is surely one of Africa's must-see wonders.

Bazaruto Archipelago

With a rich and vibrant blend of African, Portuguese and Arab influences, Mozambique offers a distinct contrast to the rest of southern Africa. Lined with tropical beaches, coral reefs and small isolated islands, Mozambique is a coastal paradise. The Bazaruto Archipelago, located just north of Maputo near Vilanculos, is one of Mozambique's most beautiful tropical destinations. The five islands - Bazaruto, Benguerra, Magaruque, Santa Carolina, and Bengue - that make up this archipelago are a haven for scuba and snorkel divers, as well as for sun worshippers, and to this day are a paradise largely undiscovered by the tourism industry. The beaches are unspoiled, the islands are largely undeveloped, and the surrounding tropical waters host an incredible display of marine life. Mozambique is a newcomer to the world of tourism and as such offers some unique opportunities that will not be available forever. It is a country that has not yet experienced its full potential and still has many unexplored and adventure laden opportunities in tropical havens, such as in the Bazaruto islands.

Beautiful Location to Enjoy the Sunset

Surrounded by rolling hills, the Gaborone Dam is an ideal spot in which to relax and admire the wonderful sunsets over this man-made lake, which is also a focus for much of the city’s waterborne fun and activities.

Although it was built to provide the nation’s capital with a reliable water supply, the dam also provides a recreational area for many local water sports clubs. It is also the largest man-made body of water in Botswana. With its fine location on the Notwane River, the area has great potential for tourism and there are plans to make it even more attractive.

Activities at the Dam

Yacht club

 
The club is popular with yachtsmen and guests who can enjoy the open-air bar, swimming pool and a restaurant serving good food.

Driving force

There is a series of races throughout the year including the Gaborone Yacht Club Spring Regatta, which takes place in August – generally the windiest month of the year – and the Botswana National Sailing Championships in October. This has become popular with sailors from South Africa and attracts more than 30 boats each year. The club is also a driving force in promoting youth sailing in Botswana and ensuring that the country is well represented in international sailing events around the world.

Also Popular For

The dam is popular, too, with birders, anglers and windsurfers. Swimming is not recommended because of crocodiles and the possibility of contracting schistosomiasis. The shores of the lake are home to many other clubs and recreational areas. The Waterfront, an entertainment venue, is located on the north bank, while the south bank is home to the Kalahari Fishing Club, for members only, as well as a public facility called City Scapes offering picnic sites, a boat jetty and a children’s playground.

For more information please contact us at 

info@botswana-reservatons.com

www.botswana-reservatons.com

The Nata Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is part of the Makgadikgadi Pans Important Bird Area (IBA), and as such is one of Botswana’s premier birding destinations. After good rains, hundreds of thousands of globally threatened Lesser Flamingos, along with Greater Flamingos, Chestnut-banded Plovers, Great White and Pink-backed Pelicans, and a host of other waterbirds converge on the nutrient-rich waters of the pans. As the pan dries out, the Sanctuary hosts the largest congregation of Lesser Flamingos in Southern Africa – a flamboyant spectacle and a must for any bird enthusiast.

How to get to the Sanctuary

The Nata Sanctuary is situated 170km northwest of Francistown, on the northeastern tip of the great Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. The Makgadikgadi was once the site of the largest inland lake in southern Africa, which dried up between 10,000 and 20,000 years ago. Today remnants of this great lake exist in the form of two large salt pans, Ntwetwe Pan in the west and Sua Pan in the east, that flood only temporarily in the wet season.

Facilities and activities for birders

Camping

The Nata Sanctuary provides affordable camping in the Mophane woodland near the entrance of the park. Enjoy a private campsite complete with braai place and table. Ablutions consist of hot showers and flush toilets. Luxury tents are under construction at present.

Birdwatching

 

Nata Sanctuary is a birdwatchers’ paradise but varies greatly throughout the year. In order to see the birds at their best, it is advisable to enquire from staff about conditions within the Sanctuary.

Viewing platform/hide

 
A viewing platform/hide provides panoramic views of the pan and sunsets.

For more information please contact us at 

info@namibiareservations.com

www.namibiareservations.com

Tswapong Hills

The Tswapong hills, located 40km south of Palapye, are about 15km wide and rise 400m above their surroundings. These hills have their own micro-climate with considerably more rainfall than the regional average resulting in rich biodiversity. The water in the hills is its main attraction and it was this that led the to the formation of Phalatswe in the Phothophotho valley. This 30,000 strong settlement moved on as the water source dried up, perhaps due to the high demand. A number of villages still exist at the foot of the hills with the surrounding area being a good source of water and grazing land for livestock.

Wildlife

The flora and fauna of the hills can be spectacular with some plant species found here that are not found anywhere else in Botswana. The hills are home to a number of mammals including leopard, brown hyena, kudu and porcupine though these are seldom seen due to the pressures of hunting in the area. Rock dassies are commonly seen as are Baboons and this is one of the few areas in Botswana where Jameson's Rock Rabbit is found. The streams and pools contain small fish and crabs and the birdlife is abundant with over 330 species being seen. There are two Cape Vulture colonies in the Hills - one at Gootau and the other at Moremi. These birds are a protected species and therefore tourists are required to take care not to disturb these birds especially during the breeding season.

Places of Interest

The Tswapong Hills contain many deep gorges with seasonal and some permanent springs giving rise to streams which form cascading waterfalls in places with deep pools. The most accesible and perhaps most spectacular waterfalls can be found in the Moremi Gorge - now a conservation area due to the protected Cape Vultures which breed here. This area is part of the Moremi Community Trust project and an entrance fee is charged for this area. There are many unexplored gorges due to the prevalant fear of ancestral spirits which are believed to dwell in the hills. As a result the area remains unspoilt and contains many hidden 

treasures for the intrepid explorer.

Old Palapye (Phalatswe)

Malaka Gorge, Phothophotho Gorge, Gootau

For more information please contact us at

 info@botswana-reservations.com

www.botswana-reservations.com

Gateway to the Natural Wonders of Botswana- Mokolodi Backpackers

Mokolodi Backpackers is your gateway to the natural wonders of Botswana. Set in a beautiful leafy garden on the doorstep of the spectacular Mokolodi Wildlife Reserve, we are Gaborone’s best choice for good value, comfort and a warm welcome.

Accommodation:

Choose from a variety of lodgings that include four person dorms, private twin units, twin chalets and luxury rondavels – all serviced daily including towels, bedding and sharing deluxe ablutions blocks or private facilities.

Camping is available in shady spots in the garden.

Activities:

There’s plenty to keep you entertained at the backpackers and in the surrounding area.

If you just want to relax at the backpackers then they have a swimming pool, dart board, pool table, PC with internet and plenty of braai places.

Or you can sit on your veranda in the shady garden, catch up on Facebook and read a good book!

Botswana’s bustling capital city, Gaborone, contains a number of cultural attractions including a fascinating National Museum, a lively street market and a wide range of restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

Mokolodi Game Reserve is a perfect introduction to Botswana’s rich and varied wildlife.

Arrange visits including game drives, rhino tracking, cheetah encounters and sundowners overlooking the beautiful scenery. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from the backpackers.

For more information please contact us via email at info@botswana-reservations.com

The Beautiful Nata Lodge in Botswana

An oasis set among the Mokolwane palms on the edge of the pans. It is ideally situated close to the entrance to the Nata Sanctuary and is just off the main road, 10 km from Nata village. This is the junction to the Okavango, Chobe and Francistown areas.

Accommodation:

All chalets have custom designed ceiling fans and in room safes. Of the 20 chalets, 8 chalets are set on a raised platform that overlooks the old Didibakwe river and are built on the northern boundary of the lodge under the dappled shade of the Ilala Palm trees.

Of these 8 chalets there are 2 Luxury Chalets on offer. These boast majestic outdoor showers and ball and claw feature baths.

12 A-framed stoned thatch chalets are set on the southern boundary of the lodge. These unique chalets have semi open bathrooms and stoned verandas.

10 luxury safari tents are built on raised wooden platforms which are nestled under the lodges many Marula trees. These unique tents feature en suite bathrooms and all amenities offered in any of the the lodge’s chalets.

Fun Activities to do:

Game drive

Bird viewing

Trips to the Makgidikgadi Salt Pans

Quad bike adventures

For more information and for your booking request please contact us via email at info@botswana-reservations.com
Visit our web page at www.botswana-reservations.com

Beautiful Motswiri Lodge - Botswana

Motswiri Private Safari Lodge lies hidden in the bush, an exclusive lodge offering guests a bush experience which is impossible to replicate in larger concerns. The lodge offers some of the best views in Madikwe as well as the feeling of tranquility given by the mature trees (mostly leadwoods) under which the main building and 5 luxury bush villas nestle. An intimate homely setting offering complete privacy.

This lodge only accommodates 10 people in 5 luxury bush villas set around a swimming pool.

The exquisitely appointed main lodge offers separate lounge, dining and lounge bar facilities – each with its own roaring fireplace in winter.

Dining also takes place in the outside boma on balmy summer nights.

The interiors have been skilfully designed so that there is a blend between open space and the bush by utilising the retractable doors and windows.

Motswiri offers the option of individual bookings or exclusive use of the whole lodge, making it ideal for corporates, celebrations and family groups.
For more information and for your booking request please contact us at:

info@botswana-reservations.com 

The Stunning Pom Pom Camp in Botswana

In the heart of the Okavango Delta within the MATSEBE concession area, Pom Pom camp is another jewel in Botswana’s crown! Here hippo grunt and frolic in front of camp’s permanent lagoon that is surrounded by miles of reeds. In a clear water oasis “mokoro” offer you a wonderful means of viewing wildlife as you glide between palm fringed islands.

An 18 – bedded safari camp, built and designed in the style of safari camps

9 large walk-in tents, all with en suite showers, flush toilets and although roofless, the bathrooms are
enclosed for privacy, security and importantly offer you a truly unique bush adventure

The main building is attractively designed and constructed of thatch and canvas and comprises lounge, dining, bar and pool areas, as well as a gift shop and the boma area. The swimming pool is situated close to the main lodge and the bar, making a perfect location to enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the heat of the day.