Physical setting
Landlocked
geographic context
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Geography & Environment
Geography & Environment in Botswana
GaboroneLocal time
Geography & Environment
Botswana is a landlocked Southern African country dominated by the Kalahari sand basin and a semi-arid climate. In the northwest, the Okavango Delta creates a major inland wetland system, while the Tsodilo Hills provide a distinctive relief landmark.
Relief anchor
Tsodilo Hills area
named high terrain
Botswana at a Glance
Kalahari basin terrain, semi-arid climate and the Okavango inland delta define Botswana's physical setting.
Physical geography
terrain · drainage · setting
Predominantly flat to gently rolling plateau, with the Kalahari covering much of the south and west. The relief anchor used here is Tsodilo Hills area; it is shown as a named physical reference rather than as a ranking claim.
Regional frameSouthern Africa
SettingLandlocked
Relief focusTsodilo Hills area
Climate pattern
Botswana has a semi-arid climate, with most rainfall falling in summer and generally dry winter conditions.
Water and landform context
The Okavango Delta in north-west Botswana is a major inland delta of permanent marshes and seasonally flooded plains.
Terrain, Climate and Environment
Three connected views of Botswana's physical setting.
Relief and terrain
PhysicalMuch of Botswana lies within the Kalahari sand basin, which averages about 1,100 metres above sea level. The Tsodilo Hills are used here as a named relief landmark.
Climate pattern
ClimateHot, dry conditions dominate much of the year; rainfall is concentrated in summer and winters are generally dry.
Environmental setting
EnvironmentThe Okavango is an inland delta system without an outlet to the sea, with permanent marshes and seasonally flooded plains.
Understand the landscape
What Botswana's geographic profile is telling you
Botswana's broad Kalahari basin gives the country a largely dry continental setting, while the Okavango Delta creates a strong hydrological contrast in the northwest. Seasonal summer rainfall is central to that contrast.
Detailed Geography & Environment Data
| Measure | Reference | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Physical setting | Landlocked | Geographic classification |
| Relief anchor | Tsodilo Hills area | Named physical feature |
| Climate | Semiarid, with hot summers, warm dry winters and rainfall concentrated in the warmer months. | |
| Terrain | Predominantly flat to gently rolling plateau, with the Kalahari covering much of the south and west. | |
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain does Botswana have?
At country scale, the main terrain pattern is: predominantly flat to gently rolling plateau, with the Kalahari covering much of the south and west.
What is Botswana's climate like?
The broad climate profile varies with latitude, elevation and exposure. The source summary describes it as: semiarid, with hot summers, warm dry winters and rainfall concentrated in the warmer months.
What physical feature helps explain the landscape?
A useful way to read the landscape is through the relationship between relief and drainage. The Okavango Delta forms a major inland wetland contrast within an otherwise dry continental setting.
Sources & methodology
Botswana's profile uses Government of Botswana geography and climate material, UNESCO's Okavango Delta record, and a Botswana government reference for Tsodilo Hills. The page keeps claims to physical setting, climate and major landform context supported by those sources.
View sources used for this page
Government of Botswana, About Our Country
Official national geography and climate reference for Botswana's landlocked setting, Kalahari basin, semi-arid climate and seasonal rainfall.
UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Okavango Delta
Authoritative reference for the Okavango Delta as a north-west Botswana inland delta with permanent marshes and seasonally flooded plains.
Botswana Daily News, Tsodilo Hills
Government news reference identifying Tsodilo Hills as a major physical landmark in north-west Botswana.