Ever heard of a country with elephants for neighbour’s and salt pans like moonscapes? Welcome to Botswana, a treasure trove of fascinating facts just waiting to be discovered! While we can speak about this incredible destination for hours, we thought detailing the fascinating facts about Botswana would give you a pretty clear idea of just how unique it is.

Our favourite facts about Botswana 

Visit the magical landscapes of Botswana with African Overland Tours.

Fact #1: The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan is one of the largest salt pans in the world.

The pan is stretched over 12.000 km2. With nothing in sight for kilometres, visitors say it feels as if they’re ‘walking on the moon’. There are no landmarks, hardly much sound and very little life in the area, due to the harsh weather conditions.

Other massive salt pans

• Salar de Uyuni – Bolivia
• Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah – United States
• Atacama Salt Flat – Chile
• Lake Eyre – Australia

Fact #2: Botswana is home to the world’s biggest concentration of African elephants.

Chobe National Park in Botswana is home to the greatest population of African elephants. Travellers typically visit Chobe for this reason, however, the area is also densely populated in various species of wildlife, including: predators, mammals, antelope and various bird species.

See our Chobe tours, here.

Fact #3: Botswana’s government is committed to offering visitors exclusive safari experiences.

The country have settled on a ‘high quality, low impact’ policy when it comes to visitors entering into the concessions. They’ve enforced regulations which prohibit high volumes; making the experience much more exclusive for visitors, as one will never find themselves amongst hoards of other tourists. It is also better for the environment as it protects the ecosystems from being disrupted. This policy, however, comes with a price.Tourists may find Botswana to be the most expensive destination in Africa for wildlife safaris, but venturing through the secluded open plains makes it all worth it.

Fact #4: The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world.

The Okavango Delta; a wet marsh/swamp-like area in Botswana is the largest inland delta in the world, and we wouldn’t be surprised if it wasn’t also home to the most life. Because Botswana experiences little rainfall, sometimes for long periods of time, the wildlife find it safer to live closer to the delta as it’s filled with water year-round. For this reason, travellers almost always fit the Okavango Delta into their Botswana travel itinerary because it means guaranteed wildlife sightings! The waters of the Okavango flow from the highlands of Angola; making its way to Botswana. During Botswana’s wet season, the water ‘overflows’, carving out spillways that extend from the delta. The Okavango Delta also became the 1000th inscribed site on Unesco’s World Heritage List of 2014.

Be surrounded by pure beauty and tranquility in the Okavango Delta.

Fact #5: Around 38% of the country’s surface is protected.

Around 38% of Botswana’s land is dedicated to national parks, concessions and wildlife management reserves. Not many countries, even in Africa, have this kind of ranking; giving you a pretty clear indication of Botswana’s effort to conserve and protect Africa’s wildlife.

Botswana is the place to go if you’re looking for authentic wildlife experiences! Join us on our Botswana tour!

Fact #6: Botswana is approximately the size of France, but has only 2 million people.

France has around 66.9 million people living in the country. A huge jump from Botswana’s 2 million. This proves that Botswana is not busy, bustling or built up; it’s the place to go to relax in nature, away from the busy city life. I wouldn’t be surprised if there was more wildlife than people!

Fact #7: The border between Botswana and Zambia is the shortest in the world.

The border between the two countries is only 150 metres. Travellers can cross between Botswana and Zambia via the Kazungula Ferry on the Zambezi river. Remember, Zambia is home to the Victoria Falls, so you may want to consider paying a visit!

Fact #8: Botswana is the world’s biggest diamond producing country in terms of value.

The Jwaneng Diamond Mine situated in the south of Botswana is the richest diamond mine in terms of value, in the world. Botswana is the world’s biggest diamond producing country in terms of value, and the second biggest in terms of production.

Fact #9: The oldest inhabitants in the world called Botswana home.

The world’s oldest tribe, and the oldest inhabitants of the world; the San, called Botswana home, dating back 22,000 years. Descendents of the San can still be found living in the country today. In some areas of Botswana travellers are able to meet with them, which is said to be an incredibly fascinating encounter. They live similar lives to how they did back then, although they’re no longer allowed to hunt. However, they still speak the ‘click’ language; engage in tribal dances and rituals, and sometimes wear their traditional outfits.

Fun fact # 10: Taylor Swift’s music video ‘Wildest Dreams’ was shot in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

The Makgadikgadi Salt Pan may look familiar to some. It was the chosen location for multi-Grammy Award winner Taylor Swift’s ‘Wildest Dreams’ music video. Yet another indication of Botswana’s unique and unusual landscapes.

Don’t miss the life-altering opportunity to visit breathtaking Botswana.

Go to Botswana on a Botswana Tour