Are you planning to visit Botswana and would like to know more about this amazing African country before travelling there? Or would you just love to know some interesting facts about Botswana most people don’t know? You’ve come to the right place, we've got you covered.

Botswana is a country located in the southern part of the African continent. For the most part, Botswana has a flat landscape and is about 80% covered by the Kalahari desert. Mostly unknown to tourists visiting Africa, but nonetheless Botswana has a lot to offer its visitors.

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Over the years I have had the chance to visit Botswana many times and every time I enjoy being there to visit its natural wonders and amazing wildlife. For me it is an intriguing country, filled with old traditions and mysteries, stunning national parks, friendly people and a great diversity of wildlife. 

In order to give an introduction to the country and to give more information about Botswana, I have listed some random and interesting Botswana facts that might be new to you or to give you a better insight into the country itself. So, what is Botswana known for?

Here are 25 fascinating and fun facts about Botswana:

Gaborone is the capital city of Botswana

Gaborone, also locally known as Gabs, has been the capital city of Botswana since independence in 1966. The city was named after Chief Kgosi Gaborone, from the Tlokwa people who once controlled the nearby land. Gaborone is a buzzing city with a population of about 275000.

Situated in the far south of the country, just 15 km from the South African border, Gaborone is a gateway to Botswana.

Duma Boko is the president of Botswana

The current president of Botswana is Duma Boko, elected in 2024 as the sixth president since independence, following Mokgweetsi Masisi. Duma Boko is a member of the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) and made history as the first leader not to come from the long ruling Botswana Democratic Party, which governed for nearly six decades.

Botswana has a small population

The population of Botswana in 2025 is estimated at just over 2,55 million people on a land area of 581.730 km2 (or 224.620 mi). That's a population density of only about 4,5 people per km² (11,5 per sq mi), making Botswana one of the least densely populated countries on Earth.

This low density also means that the country still has vast stretches of unspoiled wilderness, where visitors can explore national parks and reserves without the large crowds common in other safari destinations.

Botswana’s largest cities

The 5 largest cities of Botswana by population are Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Selebi-Phikwe and Maun.

• Gaborone: The vibrant capital, home to the government, business hubs, the largest international airport (Sir Seretse Khama International Airport) and various cultural attractions, like Kgale Hill, Three Dikgosi Monument and the National Museum & Art Gallery.
• Francistown: Botswana's second largest city and known as the 'Capital of the North'. Francistown is a mining town and industrial center with historical sites like Supa Ngwao Museum and the Francistown Railway Station.
  A fun fact: Francistown is twinned with several cities for cultural, economic and development, including Genk in Belgium, (where I, Sabine) grew up and Pinetown in South Africa (where Sean grew up).
• Molepolole: One of the largest traditional villages, located near Gaborone. It's also the cultural capital of the Bakwena tribe.
• Selibe-Phikwe: An important copper and nickel mining town in eastern Botswana, located near Francistown and known for its industrial activities and mining heritage.
• Maun: A major tourist hub with an international airport and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Maun serves as a base for safari and wildlife adventures.

A wildlife paradise with the big five and more

The wildlife of Botswana is very diverse and abundant. The country is home to over 150 different mammal species, including the Big Five animals (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard and black rhino), over 460 species of birds and more than 200 species of reptiles and amphibians.

Botswana has the worlds largest population of elephants

Botswana is home to the world's largest concentration of African elephants, with an estimated around 130000 elephants in 2025. The highest numbers are found in Chobe National Park. Especially during the dry season large herds of Elephants make their way to the river banks of the Chobe river.

Did you know that the African elephant can live up to 80 years and that the gestation period is on average 22 months?

Read more interesting facts about the African elephant.

Over a third of Botswana is protected land

Approximately 38% of the country’s surface is dedicated to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas, which is one of the higher ranks compared to most other countries.

Tsodilo Hills is the highest point

Botswana is a mainly flat country, with its highest point located in the Tsodilo Hills at 1489 metres (4885 feet) above sea level.

The Okavango Delta is the worlds largest inland delta

The Okavango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world. It’s a beautiful oasis in the Kalahari desert, whose waters start flowing from the highlands of Angola all the way over the sands of the Kalahari desert. The Delta gives life to many forms of life which seems to be unexpected in the middle of a desert.

The Okavango Delta became the 1000th inscribed site on the World Heritage List of Unesco in 2014. Are you looking for a stunning travel destination? Here are 9 reasons to visit the Okavango Delta in Botswana.

The Makgadikgadi pan is one of the largest salt pans

The Makgadigadi pan is one of the largest salt pan areas in the world, stretching over an area of 12.000 km2. The climate in the area is harsh, very hot and with little rainfall. However during rainy season, the pan transforms into shallow lakes that attract a variety of animals, including flocks of flamingos.

Taylor Swift filmed a music video in Botswana

The music video 'Wildest Dreams' of Taylor Swift was partially filmed in Botswana, on the Makgadigadi Salt Pans.

High quality low impact tourism

Botswana is not the cheapest tourist destination to travel to. However, their policy is 'high quality, low impact'. This means you won't find yourself amidst hundreds of other tourists and instead can still enjoy a feeling of exclusivity.

Did you know that Botswana was nominated by Lonely Planet as a top travel destination in 2016? We also think Botswana is a unique travel destination.

Iconic trees of Botswana

Botswana is home to several iconic trees, including the Marula, Mopane, Camelthorn, Wild Date Palm, Acacia, and the legendary Baobab tree. Many of these trees play vital roles in the ecosystem and local cultures. For example, the Marula fruit is used to make a popular traditional drink, Amarula.

The Baobab tree, often called 'Tree of Life' is known for its enormous size and ability to store water making it a vital resource in the dry landscape. It's also a tree surrounded by legends and stories.

Botswana’s national animal is the zebra

The national animal of Botswana is the Burchell's Zebra. It is also featured on the country's Coat of Arms, where two zebras stand proudly as supporters on either side of the shield.

The Kori Bustard is the national bird

The national bird of Botswana is the Kori Bustard. It is the heaviest flying bird native to Africa and mainly found in Botswana and Namibia.

Botswana’s National dish is Seswaa

The national dish of Botswana is called Seswaa, which consists out of a meat stew (normally beef or goat) served with maize meal (thick pap or polenta). If you like to try something different, one of the delicacies of African cuisine are the Mopane worms (or Mopane caterpillars). Did you know that Mopane worms contain a very high source of protein?

English is the official language

English is the official language of Botswana. It is taught in schools and widely spoken in all urban centres. Even in rural areas, many local villagers (especially younger ones who have received schooling) will be able to converse in English.

However, Setswana is the national language and the most widely spoken language throughout the country.

The currency of Botswana - Pula and Thebe

The currency of Botswana is called the Pula, which is divided into Thebe. In Setswana, these words mean 'rain' and 'shield', symbolizing the importance of rain for the country’s agriculture and protection.

The world’s shortest international border

The Border between Botswana and Zambia is just 150 meters long, making it the shortest international border in the world. Until recently, you had to cross between the two countries via the Kazungula ferry. However, in 2021, the Kazungula bridge was completed, connecting Botswana and Zambia over the Zambezi river by road and rail. The bridge has a longest span of 129 metres.

Where four countries meet

In the northwest of Botswana, the country borders with three other countries: Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia. A point where four countries meet is called a quadripoint.

However, since the border between Zambia and Botswana is not met by a land border but is separated by the Zambezi river, it is believed that there are 2 separate trijunctions (point where 3 countries meet) about 150 meters apart. This unique area might also be the only place in the world where you can pick up cellular signals from four different countries at once.

The discovery of diamonds

Before gaining independence in 1966, Botswana was a British protectorate and one of the poorest and least developed countries in Africa. Just one year after gaining independence, a huge diamond mine was discovered in Orapa. Today, Botswana is one of the most prosperous countries in Africa, thanks largely to its diamond industry.

World’s top diamond producer

Botswana is the world's largest diamond producing country in terms of value and the second largest in terms of production. The country produces about 17,7% of the total world production of diamonds. Diamonds count for nearly half of the governments revenue. Importantly, income from diamonds has helped fund free primary education for every child in Botswana, up to about age 13.

World’s Richest diamond mine

Botswana is home to the richest diamond mine by value globally. The Jwaneng Diamond Mine is located in the southern part of Botswana. The meaning of Jwaneng is 'place of small stones'. Despite its name, Jwaneng produces some of the highest quality diamonds in the world.

A presidential family with a unique story

The previous president, Ian Khama, is the son of Botswana’s first president after independence, Sir Seretse Khama and Ruth Williams, who was of British origin. Ian Khama was born in 1953 in England while his parents were living in exile there due to opposition to their interracial marriage.

Member of SACU and SADC

Botswana is a member of SACU (Southern African Customs Union) along with Lesotho, South Africa, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland) and Namibia. This membership allows for the free exchange of goods between these countries. Botswana is also part of SADC (Southern African Development Community), a regional organization focused on economic development and cooperation.

Why visit Botswana?

Botswana is a fascinating landlocked country in the southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.

Before travelling to Botswana myself there for the first time, I gathered information on Botswana which helped me to understand its culture and the people. I hope these Botswana facts might have sparked your curiosity and inspired to add Botswana to your travel bucket list.

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