Top 7 Interesting Facts About Botswana
06
Feb
Written by : Tinaye Lesedi P Monakaladi
Chobe, Botswana
Chobe, Botswana
Latest posts by Tinaye Lesedi P Monakaladi (see all)
- Top 7 Interesting Facts About Botswana - February 6, 2023
What do you think Botswana is famous for? Diamonds? Maybe, but there are more interesting facts about Botswana than diamonds.
In this article, we will discuss the following seven interesting facts about Botswana:
– The Location
– The Weather
– The Cuisine
– The Salt Pans
– Matsieng’s Footprints
– The Okavango Delta
– The Wildlife
Fact 1 : Location – Visit five countries in one trip.
Botswana is a small, landlocked country in the South of Africa. It is bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. If you visit Botswana, you will have an opportunity to visit 5 countries in one trip.
There are many ports of entry throughout the country. You could enter Botswana from the South through South Africa and exit from the North into Zambia or Zimbabwe. If you exit this way, you will be one hour away from the famous Victoria Falls.
An imaginary line known as the Tropic of Capricorn divides Botswana. This leaves most of the country exposed to the sun, leading us to the next interesting fact about Botswana.
Fact 2 :Year around sunshine.
Are you chasing the sun? Stop chasing. The sun lives in Botswana, having only 3 winter months. The rest of the months are warm and hot. October is the hottest month with temperatures reaching up to 45 °C.
The weather is influenced by the location of the country south of the Equator, with the Tropic of Capricorn passing through it. December is usually characterized by long summer days, making for a beautiful holiday season. You can also enjoy the vast Kalahari Desert with it’s interesting creatures.
You can be sure to get a lot of vitamin D from the sunshine. You will also get loads of sunrise and sunset pictures during your honeymoon. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen.
Fact 3: World’s best beef.
American actor, comedian and TV show host Steve Harvey once said that the best beef in the world is found in Botswana. He couldn’t have been more right. Beef, in all its forms, is a staple on Botswana’s tables.
Organ meats like tripe, kidneys, liver, you name it, are very popular. There is scientific evidence that organ meats are nutrient dense. For instance, the ox kidney is thought to be high in protein and iron-rich.
An interesting fact about Botswana’s culture and cuisine is that when an animal is slaughtered, nothing goes to waste. The heels make gelatinous bone broth. The skin makes durable carpets.
Have you heard about the Mophane worms?
Emperor butterflies undergo a metamorphosis-a complete change-into a prickly worm that feeds on Mophane tree leaves.
The worms grow until they are the length and width of an index finger. They are collected, cooked in salty water and dried. The remnant is a crunchy protein-rich snack or a side dish.
Some say Mophane worms taste like chicken, others say that they taste like rabbit. You wouldn’t know what it tastes like until you have tried it.
Another interesting fact about Botswana food culture is that a lot of food is dried. Edible leaves and meat are dried and preserved with lots of salt.
One thing is for sure, the cuisine is nutrient dense, interesting, and mouth-watering.
Facts 4: World’s Largest Salt Pans
Botswana boasts some of the world’s largest salt pans in the world. They’re known as Makgadikgadi. This is a Setswana name derived from a root word meaning “to dry up.”
Here you can spot the rare brown hyena or a flock of pink flamingos dancing during the rainy season (December – March). Quad bikes are popular in this area, the salts make for a beautiful ride.
Most of Botswana’s salt used to be harvested from the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. Your tour guide will be happy to share the rich history behind the Makgadikgadi pans.
Facts 5 : Mysterious Matsieng’s Footprints.
A story lies behind this. Legend has it that many years ago, rocks were soft. A “dimo” (gigantic man) called Matsieng, passed through a village called Rasesa.
As he walked on the soft rocks, his feet indented prints. To this, no one knows what happened to Matsieng. We only have evidence of his humongous footprints.
Some believe that this legend proves that people used to be gigantic. Some use it to scare their kids. You will decide what to believe once you have seen it.
Facts 6 : One of the seven world wonders -The Okavango Delta
Named as one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Okavango Delta is the largest of its kind. Think thick, luscious green bushes and vast amounts of seasonal water.
It is located in the Northwestern part of Botswana near a town called Maun. Driving to the Delta is nearly impossible during the rainy season. It is as if nature did it on purpose for you to experience the foreground views when flying above this wonder.
It is located in the Northwestern part of Botswana near a town called Maun. Driving to the Delta is nearly impossible during the rainy season. It is as if nature did it on purpose for you to experience the foreground views when flying above this wonder.
Expect to be dazzled by copious amounts of flora and fauna in the delta.
Facts 7 : Big 5 Animals
Botswana is widely known as a tourism hub because of its wildlife. A popular phrase, “the big five” is usually on many tourists’ tongues. It refers to:
– Lions
– Leopards
– Buffalo
– Rhino
– Elephants
Yes, you can expect to see all these in Botswana.
At least 14 game reserves, national parks and concessions can be found on in Botswana. Moremi Game Reserve is one of the most popular since it borders the Okavango Delta. Lions and leopards are common here.
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary in the central district aims to prevent the extinction of rhinos.
Elephants are popular in almost all the nature reserves, but they are easy to view and enjoy in the Chobe National Park. In fact, four of the big five can be regularly spotted in Chobe. Rhinos are very hard to spot since they are highly protected.
The animal sightings are not limited to the big five. I tried to write a list of all the animals I have seen in the country, it is too long. Better for you to come and see for yourself.
Summary
In this article, we discussed an overview of seven interesting facts about Botswana, a landlocked country bordered by 4 countries with favorable weather. We discussed the food you will enjoy, some legendary, beautiful places and animals you will see during your visit.
At www.moonguider.com, we are committed to providing you with an unforgettable honeymoon experience in Botswana. We believe that “love is the food, travel is the dessert.”
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