The Batswana is a term also used to denote all citizens of Botswana, refers to the countries major ethnic group, which came into the area from South Africa during the Zulu wars of the early 1880s.

Prior to European contact, the Batswana lived as herders and farmers under tribal rule.

In the late 19th century, hostilities broke out between the Batswana and Boer settlers from the Transvaal. After appeals by the Batswana for assistance, the British Government in 1885 put Bechuanaland under its protection.

The northern territory remained under direct administration and is todays Botswana, while the southern territory became part of the Cape Colony and is now part of the northwest province of South Africa.

The majority of Setswana speaking people today live in South Africa. Despite South African pressure, inhabitants of the Bechuanaland Protectorate, Basuotoland and Swaziland in 1909 asked for and received British assurances that they would not be included in the proposed Union of South Africa.

An expansion of British central authority and the evolution of tribal government resulted in the 1920 establishment of two advisory councils representing Africans and Europeans.

Proclamations in 1934 regularized tribal rule and powers. A European African advisory council was formed in 1951, and the 1961 constitution established a consultative legislative council.

Since independence, Botswana has had one of the fastest growth rates in per capita income in the world. It has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries in the world to a middle income country.

Summer, between October and April, is very hot and combined with the rainy season. Dry and cooler weather exists between May and September with an average temperature of 25 degrees. Early mornings and evenings may be cold and frosty in winter. Annual rainfall decreases westwards and southwards.

In Botswana there is a Chobe National Park Game Drive, Okavango Delta Mokoro excursion to take part in or a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta.

It has remained almost completely unspoiled and its an ideal destination for nature lovers. Experience Africa at its most natural in the Okavango Deltas maze of lagoons, secret waterways and palm dotted islands. Chobe National Park with its floodplains and acacia woodlands is the best place to see elephant drink their fill from the Chobe River.