Tucked away between the reddish golden dunes of the Kalahari Desert and the lush banks of the Okavango Delta, Botswana offers a wondrous display of wildlife, color and diversity. Flora and fauna abound, sunsets give the landscape a dazzling glow, while rivers meander between desert and greenery. With much of its territory uninhabited, the country remains one of the rarest gems of safari tourism in Africa. Whether exploring secluded trails, floating downstream on a mokoro or spending the night on the town, Botswana promises to thrill even the most seasoned travelers.

Formerly known as Bechuanaland, Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966. Since then, it has boasted the longest running democracy on the African continent while at the same time showing impressive economic growth. Currently led by President Festus Mogae, and fully supported by principles of good governance, the country has harnessed its mineral wealth to drive development. Although it faces significant health challenges from its high rate of HIV infection, Botswana has been hailed as an African success story.

Bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the landlocked country covers a large area in southern Africa but has a population of just 1.8 million. The Tswana are by far the largest ethnic group comprising about 79 percent of the population. Largely due to their political influence, Setswana is an official language in addition to English. Other groups include the Kalanga and the Basarwa, who are more commonly known as the San or Bushmen. With a small percentage of Christians, people retain close ties to their indigenous beliefs.

Visiting Botswana can be exhilarating at any time of the year. However, the months of May through August are the best bet for weather with temperatures ranging from 13 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Botswana offers abundant natural parks, including the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Chobe National Park, the Makgadikgadi Pans, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and many more. The Kalahari reserve alone is bigger that Switzerland, spanning 52,800 sq km ? the second largest game reserve in the world. Wildlife is abundant, including giraffe, hyena, springbok, warthog, cheetah, leopard and lion.

Much smaller at 4,871 sq km, the Moremi reserve is considered as one of the most beautiful wildlife reserves in Afirca. It has a wide diversity of plant and animal life, stretching across part of the remarkable Okavango Delta that springs into greenery in the heart of the desert. Elephants are abundant. Specializing in exclusive and luxurious travel, Botswana brings comfort and adventure together in a delicate balance.