Nestled between Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, Botswana remains one of the most popular African countries for travellers to visit. Its proximity to attractions in nearby nations, including the vast Victoria Falls and South Africa's Kruger National Park, allows visitors to access them from Botswana with relative ease. But for many who decide to holiday in this relaxed sub-Saharan nation there is plenty to see in Botswana alone. Tourism, and more recently eco-tourism, is an important part of the economy and the country is hugely welcoming of foreign visitors. As with many African countries, its major pull is its safari parks and wildlife. With the country playing host to the Okavango Delta and the Kalahari Desert, there is certainly plenty of animal habitat to explore. The main safari destinations for tourism are Moremi Game Reserve in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park and there are a number of projects which try to involve villagers in tourism. These include the village of Khwai and its Khwai Development Trust where a sustainable development program has been set up to conserve the area's unique environment.
Holidays in Botswana would not be complete without a visit to at least one of these game reserves where expert guides are on hand to help holidaymakers make the most of their trip. The Okavango swamps are Botswana's main tourist attraction as they remain home to a vast array of animal, bird and plant life. Navigating the complex maze of waterways can be a difficult task and adventurous travellers are advised to take a guide to show them the best spots. In terms of accommodation there are no luxury hotels but families and couples will have the choice of a number of comfortable lodges and camps to stay in in the area. It is one of vast natural beauty and Botswana's people are working hard to ensure it stays that way.
For those who are less inclined towards exploring the natural landscape, Botswana is also home to plenty of cultural and historical sights. In the northern part of Botswana, women in the villages of Etsha and Gumare are renowned for their skills at basket making. They use local dyes to decorate their pieces which are then often sold to tourists as souvenirs. Botswana has a long history of impressive artistry, with the earliest paintings being made by the Khoisan bushmen over 20,000 years ago. These designs mainly depicted animals and hunting and were discovered on rocks in the region. For those who want to see some of the country's art, a trip to the city of Gaborone is highly recommended. The recently revamped National Museum and Art Gallery located in this urban hub is home to exhibitions on the natural history of Botswana as well as a collection of sub-Saharan African art.

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