The Kalahari Desert, one of the least hospitable places on earth, historical home of the indigenous San.

A paradise for intrepid travellers
In Botswana tourists can watch lions and antelopes while becoming acquainted with a unique people and a rich culture

If a diamond’s flawless beauty lasts forever, it is only matched by the purity tourism can bring to a country’s economy. Botswana embraces a large variety of indigenous tribes encompassing a substantial area of the country. Each tribe celebrates their diversity through unique dances and songs which are presented every year during the festivals that sweep the country in the spring. Some of the most beautiful, according to Tlhabologo Ndzinge, Director of the Department of Tourism, are those from the San. More commonly known as the Bushmen, they are only a part of the large cultural umbrella that is developing within the ministry’s plan of diversification.

Mrs Ndzinge states, “With regard to the Department of Tourism, our specific mandate is to promote, develop and diversify the tourism sector. That is our broad objective.”

Indeed, as the second largest contributor to GDP the office claims to employ more people than the mining sector, and with that comes a plethora of new enterprises. As an example, the director cites the village of Kasane, whose evolution is largely due to tourism. This in turn stimulates growth in agriculture, banking, trading and within the local small business community. Expansion is paramount and new marketing efforts being targeted through foreign offices are creating interest in conference tourism, culture, gastronomy and the traditional artisanship produced by local tribes.

	Tlhabologo Ndzinge Director of the Department of Tourism
	‘Our broad objective is to promote, develop and diversify the tourism sector’

Among this network of new interests is the staple of natural reserves that make up over 38 per cent of the country’s land. Rains from the Angolan highlands flood the northeast and create the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Within its borders lie fantastic lodgings for any tourist seeking to experience its vast array of fauna and flora. Safaris with lions, fishing in crystal clear waters and bird watching are among the many popular activities on offer in places such as Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, the Moremi Game Reserve and the lush Chobe Notional Park.