Botswana / Lefatshe la Botswana – Let’s explore here
What’s it like in Botswana?
Botswana is a beautiful, very flat, landlocked country in southern Africa. The Kalahari Desert covers most of the country, making it one of the least densely populated countries on earth. It’s about the size of France.
It has a very long and rich history, having been occupied for hundreds of thousands of years. Its neighbours include South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. The border with Zambia is the world’s shortest, at around 500 feet in length!
The population of Botswana is around 2½ million poeple (2023), about one in five of whom live in the metropolitan area of the capital, Gaborone. It relies heavily on tourism and mining. It is the world’s biggest diamond-producing country.
A bit about the history of Botswana
Early History and Indigenous Groups
Botswana, located in southern Africa, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was initially inhabited by various indigenous groups, including the San (Bushmen), Khoi and Bantu-speaking peoples. These groups had established various forms of social organisation and were skilled hunters, gatherers and herders. By the 15th century, the area saw the rise of more complex societies, including the Tswana kingdoms.
The Tswana Kingdoms
The Tswana-speaking people formed several powerful kingdoms or chiefdoms in the region, such as the Kingdom of BaNgwato, BaKalanga, and BaKwena. These kingdoms had well established political and social structures, and they played a significant role in the trade networks of southern Africa, exchanging goods such as cattle, copper and ivory.
European Contact and the British Protectorate
In the 19th century, European explorers and missionaries began to make contact with the region. The British and the Boers (Dutch-descended settlers) sought to extend their influence over the area. Fearing possible annexation by the Boers, the local chiefs of Botswana asked the British to intervene. In 1885, the British established the Bechuanaland Protectorate, placing the region under British control.
Path to Independence
In the early 20th century, Bechuanaland remained a British protectorate, though the local chiefs maintained some autonomy. The growing movement for African independence led to calls for self rule. The Botswana Democratic Party was formed in the 1960s, with key leader Seretse Khama playing a central role. In 1966, following peaceful negotiations, Bechuanaland gained full independence and was renamed Botswana, with Seretse Khama becoming the first president.
Post-Independence and Development
Since gaining independence, Botswana has been regarded as one of Africa’s most stable and prosperous countries. The nation has made significant strides in economic development, largely due to the discovery of diamonds in the 1970s. The government has maintained a policy of democracy, good governance, and prudent economic management, which has helped the country maintain steady growth.
Modern Botswana
Botswana continues to be a stable democracy, with regular elections and peaceful transitions of power. The country has faced challenges such as HIV/AIDS, but it has made efforts in combating the epidemic through public health campaigns. Botswana’s political stability and sound economic policies have positioned it as one of Africa’s most successful and respected nations.
Botswana road trip
Our Botswanan road trip is part of a much larger African road trip.
Map of our road trip through Botswana
Our current planned route takes us from South Africa through the east of Botswana towards Zambia.
It’s likely that we’ll actually explore the country quite extensively, so we expect that this planned cross-continental route will change a lot.
Hopefully our journey will improve our knowledge of this intriguing and beautiful country, and enable us to meet some interesting people. We’ll be updating this page at that time – don’t forget to check back 🙂
What’s it like to drive in Botswana?
They drive on the left hand side of the road in Botswana. The main roads are quite good, however minor roads are very poor, with many being unsurfaced dirt tracks. Driving standards are also poor.
Do you require an international driving permit in Botswana?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Can you use your UK driving license when driving through Botswana?
We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
Do I need a carnet de passages to drive in Botswana?
A Carnet de Passages is required to overland in Botswana. We’ve created a dedicated page to driving abroad, which answers this question, and more, which you might find helpful.
What is the weather like in Botswana?
The rainy season in Botswana is from mid April to October. The dry season is from November to March. The best time to visit is between May and August. The worst months are December to April.
What currency do they use in Botswana?
In Botswana they use the Botswana Pula. Cash is widely used. The use of credit / debit cards is widely accepted. Travellers cheques are also readily accepted in cities. There are many ATMs in cities and towns throughout the country.
You should make yourself aware of the amount that your bank charges you for using credit and debit cards abroad. Often credit cards are cheaper for purchasing items directly, and for withdrawing cash from ATMs.
What language do they speak in Botswana?
They speak English in Botswana, although far more people speak Setswana or Kalanga.
What time zone is Botswana in?
Remember, when you’re planning your next trip to take a look at what time zone it’s in.
Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?
We’ve created a dedicated, more comprehensive page on visas, which you should find helpful. Check it out!
Is wild camping legal in Botswana?
Yes, wild camping is fine in Botswana.
What plug / socket type do they use in Botswana?
In Botswana they use plug / socket types D, G and M.
Health issues in Botswana
Is it safe to drink water in Botswana?
No, it is not safe to drink tap water in Botswana. Bottled water is readily available throughout the country.
What vaccinations are required for Botswana?
This NHS website is kept up to date with all relevant information on vaccinations in Botswana.
Phones in Botswana
What is the country calling code for Botswana?
The country calling code for Botswana is +267
What are the emergency phone numbers in Botswana?
- The emergency number for police in Botswana is: 999
- In Botswana, the emergency number for ambulance is: 997
- The emergency number for fire in Botswana is: 998
If you’ve got some useful info that you’d like to share, let us know!
And don’t forget to check out all the other pictures!