Overview: The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country constituted by
a vast plateau that provides a natural habitat for a huge variety
of African wildlife. This scenic wonderland draws thousands of
tourists from around the world throughout the year. Most visitors
arrive under the auspices of expensive safari-package
operators. At the time that it gained Independence in 1966, Botswana was
counted among the ten poorest nations on earth. A dramatic
turnaround came just a few years later when a treasure-trove of
diamonds was discovered. Now the country is the third largest
producer of diamonds in the world and Botswana is enjoying a growth
rate and economic buoyancy unparalleled in Africa. The country is bordered by South Africa in the south and
southeast; Zambia and Zimbabwe in the northeast; and Namibia in the
north and west. It is the northwest corner of the country that is
the most sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts because it is here
that the Okavango River drains inland from Angola to form the
Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world - which
provides sustenance to a rich profusion of wildlife. The delta is
extremely beautiful, big sky country with spectacular scenery
across grassy plains and limpid lagoons. The Moremi Wildlife
Reserve, covering 700 square miles (1,812 sq km) in the northeast
corner of the Okavango Delta, is the ultimate African safari
destination.
|