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For lovers of untouched wilderness, Botswana offers nothing BUT natural attractions -- ranging from mysterious swamp lands to deltas and desert.

To preserve its beauty, there are few hotels other than in the capital city of Gaborone, although tourist campsites and lodges are available most everywhere else in this tourist-friendly country.

In addition, it's always highly advised that travelers take professional tours to see the best vistas, and find the best fishing spots and wildlife viewing that the area has to offer.

On the list of must-sees are Botswana national parks and game reserves.

Topping the list is the Okavango Delta, best visited between May and September -- for a dream-come-true safari of wildlife, flora and fauna and to experience Africa at its most naturally spectacular.

Also made world famous by countless TV nature specials, the Kalahari Desert covers close to two-thirds of the country. This region offers a fascinating ecological system of arid dune-scapes, vegetation nourished by underground rivers, with glimpses of wildebeests, eland, ostrich, as well as big game.

More awesome landscapes await at the Makgadikgadi Pans, the largest salt flats on the planet, offering bewitching mirages that appear out of nowhere during the heat of the day. Late spring is the time to witness the arrival of the annual rains, which magically result in lush vegetation as flocks of birds and animal herds feast on nature's bounty.

And speaking of animal herds, no trip to Botswana would be complete without a stop at the Mokolodi Nature Reserve, which is home to one of the most diverse variety of wildlife in all of Africa including elephants, zebras, giraffes, baboons, hippos and impala.

DID YOU KNOW? Botswana Travel Fun Facts

Cave painting safari in Tsodilo.

• In the Kalahari Desert, art lovers can flock to Tsodilo for one of the world's richest collections of prehistoric cave paintings.

• As the saying goes, "less people, more life." Botswana has the 7th lowest population density of any country in world - and that leaves more room for the wildlife! The total population of elephants in Botswana is estimated at more than 150,000, more than anywhere in Africa.

• The Kalahari Desert is not a true desert as it receives about 8 inches of rain per year. Temperatures can rise 104 degrees F at the height of summer to below freezing on winter nights. 

More about Botswana travel & tourism around the Web:

Botswana Tourism - Here's the official site, including details on the Okavango Delta, Kalahari game reserves & sand dunes, photos and overviews of native flora and fauna, how to get there and get around, hotel guide, practical travel tips.

Introducing Botswana - Get expert advice from Lonely Planet including what to see and do, average travel costs and other practical tips, photos, maps.

Discover Botswana - Check out the digital version of the print magazine with feature articles & travelogues, photo gallery and information on top attractions.