Last Wilderness guide to Botswana

About Botswana, Southern Africa

At Last Wilderness we recognise that volunteering in Africa can be a daunting prospect. Therefore, we feel very proud and fortunate to operate our projects in Botswana, which is recognised as the most peaceful, safe and democratic country in Africa. It is often described as the 'success story of modern Africa'.

History

Botswana gained its independence in 1966 from the UK and quickly took advantage by discovering and utilising the three biggest diamond mines in the world. Instead of letting the precious jewels tear the people apart, as in some areas, the people of Botswana (the Batawana) made diamonds the backbone of the economy.

A democratic government has been in place ever since and the enormous wealth generated by the mines, coupled with income from farming and tourism, is evenly distributed to the people through education, healthcare and other public services.

The People and Population

Botswana is fortunate that 80% of its people belong to the same 'Batawana' tribe. This has contributing to stopping the tribal infighting that has plagued much of Africa over the past half century. That said, there are still strong ethnic cultures to be discovered in Botswana and in the north in particular.

Here you will find the almost mythical San or Bushman peoples who are among some of the last hunter gatherer people in the world. Furthermore, in the Okavango Delta there are a host of smaller tribal groups such as the Hambakushu, Bayei and River Bushman along with the Herero people from Namibia further west.

The Languages

Two main languages are prevalent in Botswana. The national language is Setswana which is spoken by the majority of the population day to day. English is the official language spoken in government and in business operations. The majority of people in Botswana speak both languages except in the very rural areas.

The Land and Population

Botswana is roughly the size of France or Kenya but remarkably only has a population of 1.7 million people. As recently as 1920 there were only 120,000 people in the entire country! Population growth is at around 4% per annum. The small population can be attributed to the fact that 85% of the country is covered in semi-arid Kalahari Desert thus making living areas limited.

The majority of the people live on the southern and eastern side or the country (around 80%).

The Towns

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and is the fastest growing city in Africa. Other large towns include Francistown, Serowe and, to a lesser extent, the tourism town of Maun.

The Wilderness

Botswana is best known for is its pristine and wildly beautiful wilderness areas. Over 20% of the countries land mass is dedicated to wildlife management and conservation. From the vast expanses of the Kalahari Desert and the Makgadikgadi Pans to the watery paradise of the Okavango Delta, Botswana is the ongoing guardian of some of Africa greatest numbers of mammals and birds.

Chief among these are 150,000 Elephants who roam the central and northern part of the country and large numbers of the fabled 'big cats' Lions, Leopards and Cheetahs.

The Climate

In summer (October to April) temperatures soar to 40degrees and the rain pelts down regularly in the primary wet season (December to February). Winter is from May to September and consists of dry, cloudless days with warm to hot days. However, night time temperatures can plummet to zero, especially in the early ours before dawn.

Other Interesting Facts and Pointers

Currency - the Pula, which also means rain and 'cheers' consists of 100 thebe (meaning thunder). The currency is stable and is usually worth between 5 and 6 $US. Changing a major currency in banks and bureau de change offices is easy.

Pounds, Euros, Dollars and Rand can be exchanged. ATMS are also widespread and available in the most towns you visit.

Travel - public transport in Botswana is generally regarded as very safe although always travel during the day and preferably with a friend. Departures are usually on time and connect all the major towns aswell as neighbouring countries. Any additional travelling destinations can be recommended by Last Wilderness agents or Project co-ordinators in Botswana.

Clothing and religion - you will find a fairly laid back approach to both subjects in Botswana. Most people practice some kind of Christianity, usually in the form of Anglican, Catholic or Church of Zion African Church faiths.

Be sensible with your clothing especially when moving around within a rural community. Also remember bare in mind the heat and wet in the summer and the hot and cold of the winter.

Things to look out for - AIDS and HIV are very common so take precautions if necessary. Hospitals are fairly common and efficient but please consult a doctor before you travel on illnesses such as malaria. Please feel free to also consult your project co-ordinators on any worries you might have about wild animals in the areas you visit.

Clean drinking water is also arranged for you on Last Wilderness projects.

Local time - GMT plus two hours