African Safari - Reasons to Visit Botswana

One of the most successfully independent nations in Africa, Botswana is a large, peaceful country that sits just north of South Africa and also borders Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. The western portion of Botswana is covered by a large swath of the Kalahari Desert, making it an ideal destination for wildlife viewing. Here are five reasons that Botswana is a great place to take an African safari.

Largely unpopulated. Most of Botswana's population is concentrated around its capital Gabarone, in the more fertile areas of the country, in the south-east away from the desert. This means that most of Botswana is untouched, and it is covered by a number of nature and wildlife reserves.

Abundant wildlife. Botswana has one of the most abundant wildlife populations in all of Africa, due in large part to its small number of human inhabitants and the fact that the country has seen so little development. On a Botswana safari, you'll see all types of Savannah animals, from elephants and lions to giraffes, hippos and zebras.

Peaceful society. Since it obtained independence from the British Empire in 1966, Botswana has been the most peaceful and successful African nation. With a standard of living comparable to Mexico and a prevalent middle class, Botswana is one of the most stable countries in Africa, translating into a safe destination for tourism.

Arid landscape. Because much of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert, the country's landscape is arid and dry, with only two seasons: wet and dry. This desertscape provides the important ecosystem that supports much of the most famous African safari wildlife, like giraffes and lions.

Affordable luxury. Most of the lodges and resorts located within Botswana's wildlife and safari camps are incredibly luxurious, with designer rooms, candlelit dinner tables and pristine swimming pools. However, a Botswana safari is not so expensive as to be out of reach to most travellers, even those on a stricter budget.