The long journey

The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country surrounded by Zambia, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Angola and South Africa. The citizens refer to themselves as "Batswana," though many English-language sources use "Botswanan" instead. The country is the size of France with only 2 million citizens.

Compared to its neighbors, Botswana  has its act together. It has a solid economy, mostly based on mining for gold and diamonds, as well as agriculture. Tourism accounts for 12 percent of gross domestic product, and visitors can undertake safaris (Swahili for "long journey") for excellent game and bird viewing in several wildlife parks.

Botswana's currency is stronger than the South African Rand.  It is a parliamentary Republic with a beloved president, Ian Khama. There is freedom of speech, free health care and education, which is mandatory until age 16. There are two universities that provide education with a modest loan. Government workers make about $300 a month, rather high among African countries. 

Medication to combat HIV is readily available free of charge with the aim of eradicating the killer disease. Botswana has the second-highest rate of HIV infection in the world after Swaziland, and the epidemic threatens the strides the country has made in social and economic development.

Despite the high HIV/AIDS rate, life expectancy is 65 years. The government gives land to individuals who are willing to develop it with electricity, roads and sewage facilities. It also encourages environmental and ecological programs.  The capital is Gaborone, English is the official language, but Tswana, made up of four tribal tongues, is also spoken. 

Our driver and guide in Chobe National Park was Bob, who was very knowledgeable and spoke good English. During the safari he kept in touch with the other Jeeps to make sure we saw all that they did. He is 29-years-old and ready to propose to his girlfriend when she finishes college this summer. The government gave Bob two parcels of land  in a remote part of northern Botswana, which he developed so he can sell lots to people to settle there. He is a mechanic as well as a certified guide.

Besides the well-preserved Chobe National Park, points of interests include Okavango Delta,  the only inland river delta in the world, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Tsodilo and Nxai Pan National Park. Botswana has prohibited poaching for nearly three decades, but the problem persists and some reports say the country's wildlife could be wiped out by 2017. See this 2011 article in The Guardian: "Drought and poachers take Botswana's natural wonder to brink of catastrophe."

Left: Botswana is estimated to have more than 125,000 elephants, compared with just 8,000 in 1960. Below: A lone bull elephant at Chobe.