Tag Archives: Botswana

Ancient Influence on Botswana

It is a well-known fact that history has molded us into what we are today. We often neglect the past, and do not appreciate the influence it has in our modern world. Sometimes, we view ancient history as fables and fail to realize the greatness of our ancestors. Although I am African, I have very little knowledge of my ancient history as many of us do. It is fascinating to learn of the great kingdoms that ruled ancient Africa, and their continued influence on many countries Such as Botswana. The infamous Bantu people were a very prominent tribe in precolonial Africa and had a great influence on central to southern Africa especially Botswana as their expansion thought sub-Saharan Africa grew. However, Botswana was not only settled by the Bantu people but also by the San and Khoi people.

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The Bantu, San and Khoi group all initially migrated from northern Africa to the south looking for uninhibited land. The website KnowBotswana states that, the Bantu were the “first settlers in the Cape area in South Africa in 300A.D.” The Bantu groups were later followed by the San people into the Cape area but were driven out and were the first to settle in Botswana. Eventually, the Khoi and Bantu people followed the San’s into Botswana. As previously stated, ancient history has a huge influence in present civilization or society. Today San people are predominantly found in Botswana after  continuously being pushed out by other tribes from the Cape area.

To understand the influence that these tribes have had on Botswana today, it is important to truly know who they were and what they did. The San groups were also known as the Bushmen or the Khoisan, they were hunter gathers.  The Khoi who are also known as Hottentots or KhoiKhoi were herders. Why is this important? Aside from the fact that these groups are still relevant today their evolved trades play a role in Botswana’s economy. Aside from their mass production or mining of diamonds Botswana is also a seller of beef to European countries. This stems from their roots of herders which is still very prevalent today in Botswana.

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However, the Bushmen (San and Khoi people) were sadly overthrown by a more superior group called the Tswana speakers. The Tswana speakers moved north of the Cape area in the 14th century into Botswana. They were skilled in agriculture, iron working practices, and had various dialects. This intimidated the San and Khoi people who at this time felt inferior to the Tswana people. The superiority of the Tswana people eventually caused the Bushmen to retreat into the Kalahari which is basically desert land.

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There is so much more ancient history about African nations such as Botswana that is accessible to us on websites such as thuto.org, knowbotswana.com, and so on. The most fascinating thing that I learned as I researched the history of Botswana is the fact that it can be traced by inscriptions and paintings of the ancient people. The migration of the San people into Botswana was traced by similar inscription and paintings by the San people in northern Africa found in caves and beautiful stone structures in southern Africa. Sometimes we look at how advanced we have become and belittle the intelligence and greatness of those who came before us but without them where would we be.

Botswana Your Next Destination

Beauty and adventure awaits you in Botswana, your next destination. Home to one of the world’s largest inland deltas, and diverse wildlife, Botswana offers some of the world’s finest geological features. From its prominent flat lands that lead to rolling high plains, to its vast dessert, and exciting savannas; Botswana has the adventure you seek.

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Botswana is a landlocked country located in the center of Southern Africa covering 582,000 sq. km2 . It is about 900 meters above sea level and relatively flat aside from its hills and deep valleys located at the eastern part of Botswana. About 70 % of Botswana is occupied by the magnificent Kalahari Desert. One of the longest rivers the Okavango that runs through South Africa, flows into the north-western part of the country, forming the world renowned Okavango Delta. The Okavango delta is a must see sight that can be taken in by the mokoro a traditional dugout canoe through a thrilling and captivating watery maze. As you drift by in the mokoro canoe you will marvel at the hypnotic view of reed beds, exotic birds, reptiles and amphibians. botswana3For the more adventurous folks, there is the option to travel through the papyrus swamps with a motorboat which is a louder and more interactive alternative. With this option tourist have the option to interact with bigger animals such as elephants, hippos and buffalo. The dryer safaris offer game such as lions, hyenas, leopard’s cheetahs and wilddog. Tourist also have opportunities to play interact with the loveable meerkats and make new friends.

 

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Aside from its beautiful water and land safari’s, Botswana’s Kalahari desert and  Makgadikgadi Pan, a large salt pan that lies in the north a must see sights. The Kalaharia desert is a semi-arid desert that occupies a large part of Botswana spanning about 900,000 sq. kilometers. This desert is part desert and plateau which supports some animal and plant life. The small amounts of rainfall received are what help support these life forms. One site that will truly not disappoint is the  Makgadikgadi salt pan, north of Botswana. It is one of the largest flats in the world. The Makgadikgadi Pan covers 10,000 sq. km of the Kalahari. Enormous and various sized salt cover the land surrounded by grassland and scenic palm-tree islands.

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If you are looking for a beautiful engaging and exciting place for your next destination Botswana is the place for you. You will not be disappointed with the picturesque landscape of Botswana. Enjoy amazing hypnotizing and exciting safaris, savannas and grasslands. Enjoy our diverse fauna and the beauty of Mother Nature at Botswana your next destination. Take the steep and make your way down to the Beautiful Botswana.

http://www.africatravelresource.com/africa/botswana/guide/

http://www.globalgrasshopper.com/travel/10-beautiful-places-visit-botswana/