The Republic of Botswana, often simply called Botswana, is located in southern Africa and covers an area of approximately 582,000 square kilometers.
Botswana's population is made up of various ethnic groups. Many belong to the Sotho-Tswana group. In addition to these, Botswana is also home to the San (Bushmen), Herero, as well as some non-Africans, such as Europeans. The majority of the population, about 55%, adheres to Christianity. Animists and Muslims also live in Botswana. The official languages of Botswana are English and Setswana.
Attractions in Botswana
The lush and diverse flora and fauna of the country make Botswana one of the most popular travel destinations for tourists from all over the world. About 80% of the country's surface consists of semi-desert. In many regions, a particularly species-rich wildlife has developed. The wildlife is protected in many of Botswana’s national parks. These include, for example, the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe National Park, Nxai Pan National Park, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. The latter is considered the second-largest protected area in the world, covering an area of 51,800 square kilometers.
Many of the national parks, which together account for 20% of the country's total area, offer exciting safaris. Many safaris start in the city of Maun. From here, the most beautiful region of Botswana can be easily reached: the Okavango Delta, the world's largest inland delta, with the 15,000-square-kilometer Okavango Basin. This region boasts an exceptionally diverse flora and fauna, home to 200 bird species, 36 mammal species, and 80 fish species.
Location and Climate of Botswana
Botswana is bordered to the northeast by Zimbabwe, to the south and southeast by South Africa, to the northwest by Zambia, and to the north and west by Namibia. As a landlocked country, Botswana lies in the tropical highlands. Most of the country is covered by the Kalahari Desert. In the north of Botswana, along the Okavango, a wetland begins, featuring a moist savanna and a large marshland. In the far northeast of the country, there is a dry forest area.
Botswana has a semi-desert and savanna climate. In winter, temperatures average a pleasant 20°C, but at night it cools down, sometimes leading to frost. During the summer months from October to March, it is humid and hot, with average temperatures between 30°C and 35°C and humidity around 70%. Even at night, temperatures do not drop significantly below 20°C. In the summer, short but intense rain showers and thunderstorms are common.
In spring, from September to October, due to the prevailing dryness, animals can be particularly well observed at waterholes. From November to December, many young animals can also be spotted.
Entry and Travel to Botswana
Botswana has two international airports: Gaborone Airport and Maun Airport. However, these are not served directly by European airlines. Typically, travelers must connect in Windhoek, Johannesburg, or Victoria Falls to reach Botswana by air. In addition to the airports, Botswana also has a boat connection to Zambia, as well as rail links to South Africa and Zimbabwe.
For entry into Botswana, German citizens require a passport valid for at least six months and a visa. This visa can be obtained upon arrival. No fees are charged for its issuance.
