Country
Botswana has a population of 1.2 million and is about the size of France, so there is a low density population spread especially outside the capital Gaborone in the south.
The climate ranges from tropical in the north to sub-tropical in the south. Summers (from November to February) are hot, approximately 35 - 40 C, which is also the rainy season. Winters (from May to August) can be cold with temperatures often falling below zero at night.
It is a politically stable, democratically ruled country which gained independence in 1966. The economy is dominated by mineral exports including diamonds and beef exports. Tourism is becoming increasingly important and is concentrated around the Okavango Delta region in the north.
Botswana is a relatively wealthy African nation. However, this affluence tends to be concentrated in the urban areas and does not reach the villages, where many people still have to walk many kilometres for water. Subsequently, Gaborone is a modern city with all the usual amenities you would associate with a UK city of similar size. The villages have a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, although supplies and amenities are more limited.
Region
Kasane is in the north west of Botswana sharing its borders with Zambia and Zimbabwe and near to Namibia. The district has a population of 17,000 mainly in and around Kasane, commercial hub. National Park containing extensive numbers and varieties of wildlife surrounds the town. It is the starting point for access to the Chobe National Park and a large tourist centre with associated hotels, lodges, restaurants and services. It is also the road access to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls from Botswana, and to Zambia. There is daily road transport between Gaborone and Francistown.