8 Fun Facts About Botswana, Your Next Travel Destination

Botswana came onto my radar after I watched Taylor Swift’s music video for Wildest Dreams in 2015. Now, I can’t get the former British protectorate out of my head.

Botswana has the world’s largest population of elephants, estimated at 130,000, and the country is the world’s second largest producer of diamonds, only after Russia. With the chance to see wildlife up close, Botswana is an excellent choice for a teen tour travel program.

In this article, you’ll learn all the interesting facts you ever need to know about Botswana.

1. The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Okavango Delta is the world’s largest inland delta, covering around 16,000 square kilometers. It is formed by the Okavango River, which spreads out into waterways.

The delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to elephants, lions, buffalo and many bird species. Visitors can also enjoy houseboat safaris in the wildlife management area.

Elephants walk in a line along the salt flats.

2. Botswana has the largest population of African Elephants in the world

Botswana has one of the largest African elephant populations in the entire world, with over 130,000 elephants. These elephants roam freely in the country’s vast game reserves, including Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta.

3. The Makgadikgadi Pans are one of the world’s largest salt pans

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are among the largest in Africa, covering more than 11,500 square miles (over 30,000 square kilometers).

The remnants of an ancient lake, the reflective surface of the salt pans creates a mirror-like effect, making them a popular spot for photographers and travelers.

Bonus Fun Fact: The Makgadikgadi pans are so large that you can see the Earth’s curvature on the horizon.

Pro Tip: Travel to Africa during the dry season

Zebras walk across the Makgadikgadi Pans.

4. The Kalahari Desert covers approximately 75% of Botswana

The Kalahari Desert is a vast semi-arid sandy savanna area that covers around 75% of Botswana. While it is called a desert, it is not considered a “true” desert because it occasionally rains there, allowing for the growth of some vegetation. The Kalahari is home to wildlife, including the springbok, oryx, and the famous Kalahari lion.

What is a true desert?

A true desert is a land area that receives no more than ten inches of annual precipitation while also experiencing evaporation that exceeds this amount.

The red sand dunes of the Kalahari Desert stand out against the blue of the sky.

5. Botswana’s flag represents water resources and racial unity

Botswana’s flag features horizontal stripes in blue, black and white. The blue stripes symbolize water, a nod to the country’s lack of water resources. The black and white stripes are used to represent racial harmony among Botswana’s people.

6. Botswana is the site of a double tripoint between four African countries

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, surrounded by Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the northeast, Zimbabwe to the east and South Africa to the south.

Thanks to this position, Botswana has a rare, double tripoint landmark where the borders of Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe meet.

7. Botswana’s national animal is the zebra

Botswana chose the zebra as its national animal due to its heritage and conservation values. The Plains Zebra (Equus quagga), known for its black and white stripes, symbolizes community in the nation. The animal is preserved by Botswana’s low impact tourism model and their anti-poaching measures in place.

Botswana hosts one of Africa’s longest zebra migrations—about 500 kilometers between Makgadikgadi Pans and Chobe-Okavango. Tourism, in particular to see zebras, is the second largest industry after diamond mining.

Key habitats for Botswana’s zebras:

• Chobe National Park is a haven for zebras during the dry season as they gather in the Chobe River’s floodplains.
• Makgadikgadi Pans: These salt pans transform during the wet season into grasslands.
• Okavango Delta: This inland delta is a year-round oasis for zebra populations.
• Nxai Pan National Park: During the rainy season, Nxai Pan is a gathering point for migrating zebras between the Makgadikgadi Pans and the northern regions.

Zebras walk in the long grasses of Botswana.

8. The South African rand is widely accepted alongside the Botswana pula

The Botswana pula (BWP) and South African rand (ZAR) relationship reflects long economic ties between South Africa and Botswana. Until 1976, Botswana used the rand before introducing the pula (Botswana dollar) to establish economic independence. The pula shifted from a US dollar peg to a currency basket dominated by the rand.

The rand is accepted in border towns, tourist areas and major retail chains in Botswana. While rand is accepted in many places, make sure to use pula for your local transactions.

Read More: How to Plan Teen Travel: A Parent’s Guide to Safe Adventures