the main business centres of Gaborone and
Botswana’s tourism model is arguably Africa’s
Francistown. Similarly, local Tswana culture is
most thoughtful, with a strong emphasis on
still celebrated.
conservation, the maintenance and promotion of the nation’s rich cultural heritage and a
Famed for its diamond exports, Botswana has
winning strategy that encourages high-yield,
made wise use of its income from precious
low-density camps and lodges in and around
its wide and mostly traffic-free highways make
stones to build a nation and this industry
its leading game parks – notably the Moremi
driving a pleasure and car rental an easy and
remains the bedrock of the economy.
Game Reserve and Chobe National Park. In
hassle-free option for visitors.
short, Botswana is a top-notch destination that
RULE OF LAW Furthermore, Botswana is an open and demo-
has largely avoided the mistakes of overdevelop-
It is also a city made famous by the writings
ment and short-term planning that has blighted
of novelist Alexander McCall Smith and his
tourism in other parts of sub-Saharan Africa.
delightful amateur sleuth, Precious Ramotswe,
cratic society where the rule of law counts, where parliament busies itself as a legislature and where presidents, elected by parliament,
in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency books and subsequent TV series. Visitors can take a city
IMPRESSIVE
tour that includes popular locations from the
come and go at an appropriate moment and
But Botswana is more than wide-open spaces.
with little fanfare.
Gaborone has successfully promoted itself as
series such as Zebra Drive and Speedy Motors.
a regional business, conference and exhibition
A sparkling new airport terminal, completed
What makes Botswana actually function
centre with a range of accommodation geared
in 2010, adds to Gaborone’s attractive and
as a nation, when so much of Africa does
largely to the visiting executive.
better air links – direct flights to Nairobi and
not always do so, may be of little interest
Lusaka have or are being added – are opening
to tourists. But this economic and political
Modern Gaborone, with its impressive and
up new routes to and from the city. As
stability does create the right environment and
dazzling skyline, is undoubtedly one of Africa’s
Botswana’s popularity as a destination grows,
helps to explain why Botswana’s tourism sector
safest cities. Its shopping malls are on a par
these improved air connections and upgraded
is so admired both in Africa and beyond.
with those in North America and Europe and
airport facilities will be in demand.
5