Introduction

The perfect african destination

Botswana is one of Africa’s remarkable success stories – a beacon of hope and a shining example for others to follow.

It is also one of the most politically stable and best governed countries in Africa and a textbook case of a nation that has developed and used its natural resources wisely. 

Propelled

In a comparatively short space of time, Botswana has propelled itself from one of the world’s poorest countries to one with an extraordinarily high standard of living. This has all been achieved while adhering to the highest democratic principles, in a place where good standards of education and public services are the norm and where the average Motswana has been able to share in the nation’s prosperity.

Outstripping

Botswana has ranked among the world’s fastest growing economies ever since the mid 1960s, outstripping the oil-rich Gulf States over this same period. It is one of only three countries worldwide – along with the Maldives and Cabo Verde (Cape Verde) – to have moved upwards from Least Developed Country since the category was devised by the United Nations over 40 years ago.

Infrastructure

Botswana has invested in its infrastructure, building new roads and airports, and has sought a more active role in the downstream production and distribution of its biggest natural asset, diamonds. Gaborone aims to be a world centre for the processing, sorting and marketing of diamonds.

The nation’s diamond wealth has been channelled sustainably, and this is particularly apparent in the tourism sector.  Botswana’s national parks and reserves are considered to be among the best-run in Africa and, with almost half the country set aside for protection, this is a huge area of land to manage. 

The nation has taken far-reaching measures to ensure that its wildlife is protected. There are many species and the numbers continue to grow. It could be argued that Botswana has been too successful in some areas and its elephant population is a case in point. Herds have grown significantly and Botswana and its near neighbours now need to find a solution to what has become a problem. 

Beauty

Botswana has a stark natural beauty in its landscapes, ranging from the compelling desert scenery of the Kalahari to the unique wonders of the Okavango Delta, and from Chobe National Park – one of the best in Africa in terms of animal densities – to the ancient rock paintings at Tsodilo – a Unesco World Heritage Site – and the fascinating ancient culture of the San.  

Little wonder, then, that Botswana is such an attractive destination. But the government has been careful not to overdo visitor numbers in a quest to rake in tourist dollars. On the contrary, Botswana prides itself on a policy of quality not quantity. This is true when it comes to camp and lodge construction, which is strictly limited, with tight controls on environmental impact.

Open spaces

Botswana is more than just endless open spaces and great game viewing, however. There is another side to the country that is often overlooked by tourists flying into Maun and Kasane in the north. This is a modern and thriving nation. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the capital, Gaborone, a fast-growing city at the centre of the world’s diamond industry, with broad highways, gleaming high-rise buildings and glitzy shopping malls.

In short, Botswana is a delightful mix of the new, the conserved and the protected. In fact, it’s just about the perfect African destination.