Why Visiting Botswana Needs To Be On Your Travel Radar
9|26|2022
Author
Kinisha C.
CATEGORIES
Botswana
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#VisitBostwana2023
For those who want to experience unspoiled nature and authentic, ancient African culture, as well as traditional cuisine, Botswana is definitely among the top African countries to visit in 2023. #VisitBotswana2023 #Botswana2023
Landlocked by Zimbabwe, Namibia, Zambia, Angola, and South Africa, Botswana is the 48th largest, but most sparsely populated country in the world, with a small population of over two million citizens.
Botswana is second to none when it comes to nature’s raw beauty, truly making it the hidden gem of Africa. It boasts wonders such as the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert. Its unique continental position allows an incredible variety of wildlife to flourish year-round. Botswana is home to many indigenous species and even more pass through seasonally. The big five – lions, rhinos, leopards, elephants, and buffalo – can be found here, in addition to giraffes, antelope, zebras, wildebeest, and many other animals that roam Botswana’s abundance of biomes.
Some of the oldest cultures in the world are still active and thriving in present-day Botswana. One of those cultures is the San people. They are a living record of an earlier time, forgoing many modern amenities to maintain ties to their tradition. These hunter-gatherers have opened up their homes and their lifestyles to visitors. While existing mainly in the nude and subsistence farming might read as primitive to many, the San people are far ahead of most of the world when it comes to gender politics, involving women in everything from hunting to deciding policy.
All of this is readily available to experience thanks to a forward-thinking initiative implemented by the government of Botswana that prioritizes “High Quality, Low Impact” tourism. In this way, Botswana is ahead of the rest of the continent. This initiative includes the implementation of anti-poaching task forces, which has revitalized the country’s rhinoceros population, as well as the prioritization of natural resources.
How To Get to Botswana
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
If #Botswana2023 sounds like a trip you’ll be making, you’ll be landing in the country at the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport. Named after the first president of Botswana, this is the main international airport in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana. The easiest way to travel to Botswana is through a connecting flight from either Cape Town or Johannesburg in South Africa.
Where To Stay in Botswana
Here are few of our picks of places to stay when you #VisitBotswana2023.
Avani Gaborone Resort and Casino
Located in the heart of the capital, and only 20 minutes from the Botswana International Airport, the Avani Gaborone is the cream of the crop when it comes to lodgings. It’s a world-class resort complete with state-of-the-art rooms, tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, and an incredible array of restaurants to choose from.
Elephant Valley Lodge
For the visitor who does not want to be away from the action of the safari for a minute, the Elephant Lodge Tent within the Chobe National Park is for you. Fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature in a tent that spares no comfort. With twin set beds, an ensuite bathroom, tea/coffee stations, and packages that include complimentary breakfast and lunch buffets, there’s never a reason to leave the safari.
San Camp Luxury Safari
These seven-bedroom tents located in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans amidst the Kalahari desert, are an oasis from the possible chaos and hecticness of urban life. The promise here is unparalleled contact with nature and the San people who are masters of it. A bonus, the San Camp is far enough from the city that the night sky twinkles as you’ve never seen before.
Where to Visit in Botswana
Botswana is full of amazing activities and places to visit while you’re there. Here are some suggestions for your #Botswana2023 trip.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is a must-go for any visitor with even the most passing interest in wildlife. This expansive marshland is one of Africa’s wonders. It is implausibly wet during the otherwise dry season, beckoning animals towards it as a natural bastion. It’s the premier spot on the continent to take in some of the most endangered species in the world such as cheetahs, white and black rhinoceros, and the African wild dog as, despite the wet seasons, the shrubbery is low enough in the summer for perfect animal gazing.
Gabane
Gabane is a small village close to the capital with a shockingly industrious streak. It’s also well known for its bustling cultural scene. It’s the best spot in Botswana for picking up souvenirs, as many local artisans in metalwork, pottery, and glasswork reside in the village. Gabane also has excellent hiking terrain.
Kasane
Close to Africa’s famous four corners – where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet – the Kasane village is a popular stop for tourists looking to experience multiple countries in southern Africa. While its proximity to Victoria Falls is an obvious selling point, the village has its charms. Kasane village is home to one of the largest Baobab trees on the continent. This tree is so large it was once used as a prison.
Close to Africa’s famous four corners – where Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe meet – the Kasane village is a popular stop for tourists looking to experience multiple countries in southern Africa. While its proximity to Victoria Falls is an obvious selling point, the village has its charms. Kasane village is home to one of the largest Baobab trees on the continent. This tree is so large it was once used as a prison.
Where to Eat in Botswana
Whether you’re in the mood for traditional cuisine or want to stick with the international menu, here are a couple restaurants to check out when you #VisitBotswana2023.
Keg and Zebra
Keg and Zebra is the go-to for a cool dinner and show. This is one of the most popular bars in Gaborone, sporting an international menu and a full schedule of activities including karaoke night, live performances, and Sunday night jam sessions.
The Beef Baron Grill and Rib Room
Located within walking distance of the upscale Grand Palm Hotel and Casino in the capital city, this renowned restaurant serves the classic cuisine of Botswana using ingredients of the highest quality. Here you can have everything from chicken liver and roosterkoek (flour cakes), to classic international dishes such as burgers and pasta.
The facts are clear, #Botswana2023 is an amazing travel destination if you’d like to dive into some of the world’s oldest cultures, experience nature and wildlife like no other, and have your pick between world class accommodations and lodging in the wilderness. Whatever your preference, it’s clear that Botswana is a great next stop on your travel itinerary! #VisitBotswana2023
5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards
Tourism industry stakeholders who are interested in Botswana and other destinations in Africa are invited to attend the 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards, October 24th – 26th in Gaborone, Botswana. This gathering will recognize industry changemakers and help stakeholders devise firm implementable actions to stimulate intra-Africa travel growth and development. For more information on this event, visit www.tourismleadershipforum.africa.