Botswana and the Okavango Delta

Botswana is the 'Switzerland of southern Africa': a stable, democratic country that has avoided the tragedies and upheavals of its neighbours. In this talk David shares insights gained from living for three months in the bush as a leader on a youth expedition. Close encounters with elephants (dangerously close in fact), lions, cheetahs, giraffes, wildebeest, praying mantis, and chameleons are woven into the story of this endearing country. The struggle for survival in the harsh Kalahari is contrasted with the lushness of the Okavango Delta. But paradise is threatened and David will explain the challenges Botswana faces and the lessons to be learnt.

David will also tell the story of Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana when it gained independence in 1966. He was a true statesman, and much of Botswana's stability and welcoming character is due to him. But he was nearly prevented from leading his country by the British government who exiled him for marrying a white woman, Ruth Williams, who he met while studying law at Oxford. She became the first white first lady of an independent African state and was the patron of the expedition.
David returned to Botswana in 2009 to meet more of its people and see how much it had changed since his first visit.

Botswana photo gallery

Below is a selection of images from the talk. Click on a picture to enlarge it and see its caption. Then click anywhere on the image to close it.