Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, celebrated for its political stability, robust democracy, and commitment to conservation. It’s renowned for its pristine wilderness areas, particularly the Okavango Delta, and its “low volume, high value” approach to tourism.

Botswana: The Country

• Geography and Location: Botswana is located in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa to the south and southeast, Namibia to the west and north, Zambia to the north, and Zimbabwe to the northeast. Roughly 70% of its territory is covered by the Kalahari Desert, a vast sand-filled basin. Its most iconic feature is the Okavango Delta, a massive inland delta formed by the Okavango River, which flows into the Kalahari Desert, creating a unique wetland ecosystem.
• Capital City: Gaborone.
• Population: Approximately 2.4 million (2024 estimate). Botswana is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world.
• Language: English is the official language, while Setswana is the national language. Many other indigenous languages are also spoken.
• Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP).
• Climate: Semi-arid, with hot and dry conditions for much of the year.
  • Summer (November to March): Hot, with temperatures sometimes reaching 44°C, and the main rainy season.
  • Winter (May to August): Dry, with sunny, warm days and cool to sometimes freezing nights, especially in the southwest. This is the dry season with virtually no rainfall.
  • Shoulder Seasons (April/early May and September/October): Dry, with cooler days than summer and warmer nights than winter.
• Economy: Botswana’s economy has been one of the fastest-growing in the world since independence. It’s largely dominated by diamond mining, which has significantly increased the country’s wealth. Tourism is the second-largest sector, generating substantial revenue. The country is known for its strong governance, low corruption, and stable democratic institutions.
• Culture: The majority of the population are ethnic Tswana. Botswana has a rich cultural heritage, with strong community ties and traditional practices. Its multi-party democracy has been consistent since independence in 1966.

Wildlife in Botswana

Botswana is one of Africa’s premier wildlife destinations, offering vast wilderness areas and incredible biodiversity. Over 40% of the country’s land surface is dedicated to national parks and game reserves, emphasizing “in situ” conservation.

• The “Big Five” and Beyond: Botswana is an exceptional place to see all of the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros).
  • Elephant: Botswana boasts the largest elephant population in Africa, with an estimated over 130,000 individuals, concentrated heavily in the northern regions like Chobe.
  • Lion: Healthy populations, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe.
  • Leopard: Common and often seen, especially on night drives in prime areas.
  • African Buffalo (Cape Buffalo): Large herds are common.
  • Rhinoceros: Both black and white rhinos have been reintroduced and are under strict protection in designated areas, including the Okavango Delta.
• Other Prominent Wildlife:
  • Wild Dog (African Painted Dog): Botswana is a stronghold for this endangered species, with good sightings in areas like Moremi Game Reserve.
  • Cheetah: Found in various parts, particularly the more open areas of the Kalahari.
  • Giraffe: Including Southern Giraffe.
  • Zebra: Large herds are common, especially in Makgadikgadi Pans during their migration.
  • Hippopotamus and Crocodiles: Abundant in the Okavango Delta and Chobe River.
  • Antelopes: A huge variety, including impala, kudu, tsessebe, sable, roan, red lechwe (adapted to wetlands), gemsbok (oryx), springbok (Kalahari), wildebeest, and waterbuck.
  • Predators: Spotted hyena, brown hyena (Kalahari), caracal, serval, and various smaller predators.
• Unique Wildlife Experiences:
  • Okavango Delta: Offers unique water-based safaris (mokoro rides, boat safaris) allowing close encounters with aquatic and semi-aquatic wildlife, as well as classic game drives.
  • Chobe National Park: Famous for its massive elephant herds, which can be seen congregating along the Chobe River, particularly in the dry season.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans: During the wet season, these vast salt pans transform into a temporary wetland, attracting large numbers of zebras and wildebeest for a lesser-known migration.
  • Kalahari: Offers a different safari experience with desert-adapted species, including the elusive brown hyena and meerkats.
• Conservation Philosophy: Botswana is known for its “high value, low volume” tourism strategy, aiming to reduce environmental impact while maximizing economic benefit from conservation. This approach helps maintain the pristine nature of its wilderness areas. Challenges include human-wildlife conflict (especially with elephants), poaching (particularly for rhinos), and habitat fragmentation due to development and fences.

Hunting in Botswana

Botswana has a complex history with hunting. It famously implemented a hunting ban in 2014, but this ban was lifted in 2019 after extensive consultations. Botswana now practices regulated and sustainable hunting, viewing it as a tool for conservation and community benefit.

• The Ban and Its Reversal (2014-2019):
  • In 2014, then-President Ian Khama implemented a nationwide hunting ban on public lands, citing ethical concerns and a desire to promote photographic tourism.
  • However, the ban led to increased human-wildlife conflict (especially with elephants and predators), a loss of income for communities living near wildlife areas, and a perceived increase in illegal poaching as wildlife lost economic value to local populations.
  • After a review committee and consultations with affected communities and stakeholders, President Mokgweetsi Masisi’s government lifted the ban in May 2019. The decision was based on addressing human-wildlife conflict, providing livelihood opportunities for communities, and recognizing that sustainable utilization could contribute to conservation.
• Current Hunting Status (Post-2019):
  • Legal and Regulated: Hunting is now legal and highly regulated in designated Game Management Areas (GMAs) and concessions. It is strictly controlled by the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) under the Ministry of Environment and Tourism.
  • Quota System: Annual hunting quotas are determined based on scientific data and aim to ensure the sustainability of wildlife populations. For elephants, Botswana typically issues around 400 licenses annually.
  • Conservation Tool: The government and hunting proponents argue that regulated hunting provides significant revenue for conservation initiatives (anti-poaching, habitat management) and directly benefits local communities through employment and community levies. This financial incentive is seen as crucial for encouraging communities to tolerate and protect wildlife.
• Regulations and Licensing:
  • Permits: Hunters must obtain government-issued permits for specific species and areas. These are arranged through licensed professional hunting outfitters.
  • Firearms: Strict regulations apply to firearm imports, including limits on the number of weapons and ammunition. Minimum caliber requirements ensure humane kills (e.g., .375 for dangerous game).
  • Ethical Practices: Fair chase principles are enforced. Hunting from vehicles is generally prohibited (except for transport to hunting areas). Wounded game is considered bagged and charged. Hunting of females with young or immature animals is forbidden.
  • Community Engagement: A significant portion of hunting quotas and revenue is often allocated to Community Based Organizations (CBOs) and trusts, empowering local communities in wildlife management and benefiting directly from the resource.
• Hunting Season: The hunting season generally runs from early April to late November. The dry winter months (May to October) are often preferred due to better visibility, cooler temperatures, and animals congregating around water sources.
• Hunting Areas: Botswana offers diverse hunting terrain:
  • Okavango Delta (Fringe Areas): Offers elephant, buffalo, leopard, red lechwe, and other plains game in wetlands and woodlands.
  • Chobe Region (outside the national park): Known for large elephant and buffalo populations, as well as leopard.
  • Kalahari Desert: Offers large, desert-adapted elephants, as well as plains game like gemsbok (oryx), springbok, and eland in a remote, rugged environment.
  • Tuli Block (Southeastern Botswana): Famous for plains game, but also offers elephant and leopard.
• Species Available for Hunting: Botswana is considered a premier destination for big game.
  • Dangerous Game: African Elephant (strictly regulated with specific tusk size minimums), Cape Buffalo, Lion, Leopard, Hippopotamus, Crocodile.
  • Plains Game: A wide variety, including Kudu, Eland, Impala, Red Lechwe, Sable, Roan, Tsessebe, Wildebeest, Zebra, Gemsbok, Springbok, Waterbuck, Bushbuck, Warthog, Bushpig, Duiker, Steenbok, and more.
• Bowhunting: Legal and offered by some outfitters.