Botswana, the middle of the south. Prior to independence in 1966, Botswana was a British colony and was also one of the poorest and least developed countries in the world
If Botswana is calculated in purchasing power parity terms, Botswana's per capita GDP is about 19,000 US dollars, which is at the same level as China, Thailand and other countries, and is the richest country in Africa
national emblem
The climate is subtropical, with dry and hot summers. During the summer, temperatures rise to about 93 degrees Fahrenheit (34 degrees Celsius) from October to March, and during the winter months from April to September, frosts are frequent at night, and temperatures at some high altitudes during the day can drop to near freezing. From about the end of August to the beginning of October, summer is a windy season, with winds carrying dust from the Sahara. Annual rainfall, less than 127 mm. Rainfall is almost entirely limited to the heavy summer rains between December and March, which also mark periodic droughts, usually lasting five or six years every two decades, causing livestock to starve to death.
African elephant on the Okavango grassland of Botswana
Lions rest in Chobe National Park in Botswana.
Epaulettes fruit bats
A boat trip to Botswana's rich river delta is the best way to appreciate the country's extraordinary natural abundance
The cold nights in Botswana's peak season offer great stargazing opportunities
Spectacular wildlife watching, dry weather, and school holidays in the Northern Hemisphere make July and August the busiest months in Botswana. Meanwhile, in June and July, campsites are packed with safari-loving South Africans.
The desolate Kalahari Desert covers much of Botswana, providing an unorthodox stage for African safaris. At first, the desert may seem lifeless and uninhabited, but the dry plains have unusual pleasures that make for magical travel experiences: endless salt pans, ephemeral lakes, baobab islands, friendly mongoose habitats, Neolithic sites that tell about a fascinating past and epic oases in the form of the world's largest inland delta.
The low season (December to March) is best for lush landscapes, birdwatchers, and budget-conscious travelers
From December to March, summer rains (known as the green season) bring high temperatures and heavy showers, and January and February are usually the wettest months. This is the cheapest time to visit, although due to fewer travelers, some hotels and campsites close their shops, campsites become muddy, and many roads and tracks become impassable.
Abundant vegetation and abundant water mean animals can forage everywhere, making them harder to spot. But photographers will love the season's moody skies and lush landscapes. The annual zebra migration is a spectacle not to be missed, with many young herbivores surrounding and a high probability of prey and predator action. Birdwatchers should flock to Botswana in December or March to see the amazing summer migrators.