BOTSWANA

Botswana, a landlocked country in Southern Africa, is primarily known for its pristine wilderness and abundant wildlife, especially within the vast Kalahari Desert and the unique Okavango Delta. It boasts a stable democratic government and a commitment to high-value, low-impact tourism.

Region: Southern Africa

Capital: Gaborone

Official Language: English (Setswana is the national language)

Level of Travel Safety: Generally safe, but exercise caution in urban areas due to petty crime. Wildlife encounters require vigilance, and road travel outside major towns can be hazardous due to wildlife and road conditions.

A map of Africa with Botswana highlighted in green.

Why Visit Botswana?

World-Class Wildlife Safaris: Spot the Big Five and more in Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and Central Kalahari.

Okavango Delta Magic: Glide through reed-filled channels by mokoro canoe, surrounded by elephants and birds.

Responsible Tourism: Low-impact, high-value safaris support conservation and local communities.

Two hippos are partially submerged in water, one with its mouth open.

Desert Mystique: Explore the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and encounter meerkats, baobabs, and ancient San culture.

No Crowds, Just Nature: Botswana limits tourist numbers—expect solitude and serenity, not safari traffic.

Stargazing and Sunsets: Crystal-clear skies and fiery horizons turn every evening into a celestial event.

A lion cub is drinking water from a pool, with its reflection visible.

Essential Trip Information

Most visitors do not require a visa for stays under 90 days, including citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.

Onward travel documents and proof of accommodation or sufficient funds may be requested.

Children under 18 entering or transiting through Botswana must present a certified birth certificate and, if traveling without both parents, a notarized letter of consent.

Check your country-specific visa requirements here.

  • Botswana’s currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), but US$ is widely accepted in tourism sectors.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Bring US$ (clean, newer notes preferred) for smooth exchange.

  • During Your Trip: ATMs are available in major towns. Use credit cards (Visa/Mastercard) in lodges and high-end establishments.

  • What to Avoid: Currency exchange at remote safari camps; bring cash in advance if heading to wilderness areas.

English is the official language and widely spoken.

Setswana is the national language; learning greetings like “Dumela” (Hello) is appreciated.

Botswana is one of Africa’s safest countries for travelers.

Exercise caution in urban areas at night (e.g., Gaborone), but wildlife areas are secure.

Take malaria precautions in northern regions (Okavango, Chobe).

Emergency number: 999 (police), 997 (ambulance)

Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country.

Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus.

Malaria prophylaxis is advised in northern regions.

Tap water is generally safe in cities but bottled water is recommended in rural areas.

Medical care is adequate in cities; travel insurance is strongly advised.

Flights: Maun and Kasane are safari gateways; Gaborone is the capital hub.

4×4 rentals available for self-drive safaris but require experience.

Scenic charter flights offer access to remote lodges in the Delta.

Local taxis are affordable in towns; agree on fare before riding.

Buses connect major cities but are slow and basic.

Botswana is a high-value, low-impact destination—expect premium prices, especially for safari lodges.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses/campsites (US$40–80/night)

  • Mid-range: Lodges & hotels (US$100–250/night)

  • Luxury: All-inclusive safari camps (US$500–1,500+/night)

Food

  • Local eateries: US$5–10

  • Mid-range restaurants: US$20–40/person

  • Luxury lodge dining: Included in rates or US$60+/meal

Drinks

  • Beer: US$2–4 (local brands)

  • Cocktails: US$8–15

  • Bottled water: US$1–2 (often complimentary in lodges)

Transportation

  • Shared taxis (combis): US$0.50–2

  • Private transfers: US$30–100 (depending on distance)

  • Domestic flights (to lodges): US$200–600 one-way

Money-Saving Tips

  • Visit during the shoulder season (April–May, Nov) for better prices.

  • Choose community-run campsites for affordable safari access.

  • Opt for Maun-based day trips if full luxury lodges exceed your budget.

Explore Botswana

A sprawling inland delta located in north-western Botswana, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a unique wetland system where the Okavango River disappears into the Kalahari sands. It’s a paradise for wildlife, offering exceptional mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursions, boat safaris, and game drives.

Situated in northern Botswana, Chobe is famous for its enormous elephant herds, which are particularly visible along the Chobe Riverfront during the dry season. The park offers diverse ecosystems, from floodplains to the Savuti Marsh, providing fantastic opportunities for game drives and river cruises.

Found on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta, Moremi is often considered one of Africa’s most beautiful reserves. It encompasses both wetlands and dry land, offering incredible biodiversity and excellent sightings of the Big Five, as well as wild dogs and a plethora of bird species.

These vast salt pans, located in the north-eastern Kalahari Desert, are remnants of a super lake. During the dry season, they create a surreal, desolate landscape, while the wet season brings migrating zebras, wildebeest, and flamingos, transforming the pans into a vibrant ecosystem.

One of the largest game reserves in the world, the CKGR lies in the heart of Botswana. It offers a truly wild and remote safari experience, especially during the green season when vast herds of herbivores and their predators roam the revitalized grasslands.

This bustling town on the northern tip of Botswana serves as a vital gateway to Chobe National Park and is close to the borders of Zambia, Namibia, and Zimbabwe. It’s a convenient base for safaris and a departure point for day trips to Victoria Falls.

Located in the north-western Kalahari, these four prominent hills are a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for their thousands of ancient rock paintings. Known as the “Louvre of the Desert,” they hold immense spiritual significance for the local San people and offer a unique cultural experience.

Situated near Serowe in central Botswana, this community-based wildlife project is dedicated to protecting critically endangered black and white rhinos. Visitors can enjoy guided rhino tracking, game drives, and learn about conservation efforts in a safe and accessible environment.

These exclusive private concessions are found to the north of the Okavango Delta and west of Chobe. Known for their high concentration of predators and large elephant herds, they offer exceptional, low-density safari experiences with off-road driving and night drives.

Botswana’s capital city, located in the south-east, is the economic and administrative hub. While not a traditional safari destination, it offers a glimpse into modern Botswana with its national museum, botanical gardens, and the Gaborone Dam, a popular spot for relaxation and birdwatching.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Excellent Birdwatching
  • Newborn Wildlife Sightings

Main Drawbacks:

  • High Humidity
  • Frequent Afternoon Thunderstorms
  • Hot Temperatures (can reach 95ºF / 35ºC)
  • Roads can be muddy and impassable
  • Wildlife more dispersed

Key Regions:

  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve: Transformed into a grazing paradise with migrating zebras and antelopes.
  • Nxai Pan National Park: Known for zebra migration and excellent birding after the rains.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans: Flamingos gather to breed, and the landscape is uniquely dramatic.
  • Chobe National Park (Savuti region): Good for predator sightings with high concentrations of buffalo and zebra.

Key Advantages:

  • Pleasant Temperatures
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Good Game Viewing (animals move to permanent water sources)
  • Still Green (April/May), Migratory Birds (November)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Humidity increases towards November
  • Possible late-season rains (April) or early rains (November)
  • Water levels in Okavango Delta may be lower in November
  • Less dramatic landscapes than peak season

Key Regions:

  • Okavango Delta: Water levels begin to rise in April, excellent for mokoro and boat trips in May.
  • Moremi Game Reserve: Excellent game viewing as animals start to concentrate around water.
  • Chobe National Park: Elephants and buffalo start to gather along the Chobe River as other water sources dry up.
  • Linyanti/Kwando/Selinda Private Reserves: Good for predator sightings as animals converge around water.
  • Dry Winter (June – October)
  • Christmas and New Year Holiday Period
  • August (peak school holidays)

Planning Your Trip

Tipping: 10–15% in restaurants; US$5–10/day for guides and safari staff is customary.

Dress Code: Lightweight, neutral-colored clothing for safaris; avoid dark colors in the bush.

Photography: Always ask before taking photos of locals, especially in rural villages.

Safety: Botswana is generally very safe, but exercise standard caution in urban areas.

Language: English is official; Setswana is widely spoken—learning “Dumela” (hello) is appreciated!

Accommodation:

  • Budget camping: US$20–60/night
  • Mid-range guesthouses/lodges: US$100–300
  • Luxury camps: US$600–1,500+

Food:

  • Local meals (e.g., pap, grilled meat): US$5–15
  • Restaurant dining: US$20–50
  • Safari camps include meals

Transport:

  • Charter flights: US$150–400/leg
  • Car rentals (4WD): US$80–150/day

Activities:

  • Park fees: US$10–30/day
  • Game drives (included in most lodges)
  • Scenic flights: ~US$120–200 for 45 mins

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$100–150 (camping, local food, minimal transport)
  • Mid-range: US$300–500 (tented lodges, game drives, domestic flights)
  • Luxury: US$800+ (exclusive safari camps, private charters, fine dining)

Free Wi-Fi: Available in hotels/lodges in towns; rare in the bush.

SIM Cards: Mascom and Orange offer tourist SIMs (~US$5–10); data packages start at ~US$10 for 2–5GB.

eSIMs: Airalo supports Botswana in urban areas, but not in remote parks.

Highly recommended – especially for evacuation and medical emergencies in remote areas.

Check that your policy covers:

  • Helicopter evacuations (often needed in the Delta).
  • Wildlife safaris and adventure travel (4WD, bushwalking).
  • Trip delays due to weather or charter issues.

Bold Recommendation: Choose a plan that includes evacuation coverage—many safari areas are far from hospitals.

Botswana leans toward low-impact, high-quality tourism, meaning fewer budget options but incredible wilderness lodges.

Luxury:

  • Okavango Delta camps: Mombo Camp, Vumbura Plains – ultra-luxury, all-inclusive (~US$1,000+/night).
  • Chobe lodges: Chobe Game Lodge – riverside opulence with elephants at your doorstep.

Mid-range:

  • Tented camps: Sango Safari Camp (Moremi), Oddballs’ Camp (Okavango Delta) – ~US$300–600/night.
  • Guesthouses: In Maun or Kasane, ~US$100–200/night.

Budget:

  • Basic hostels and camping in Maun, Kasane – ~US$20–60/night.
  • Community campsites (Khama Rhino Sanctuary, Nxai Pan) – affordable, but remote.

Unique Stays:

  • Floating lodges (Okavango) or mobile camping safaris for adventurous travelers.

Tip: Lodges often include full board, activities, and transfers—check what’s covered before booking.

Infrastructure is solid in safari zones, but distances can be vast and public transport is limited.

Domestic Flights (Charter Planes):

  • Best for reaching remote camps in the Okavango, Linyanti, and Kalahari.
  • Prices: From US$150–400 per leg.
  • Small planes, stunning views—book with your lodge or operator.

Guided Safaris (Lodge-based or Overland):

  • Common and convenient—most packages include transport, meals, and game drives.
  • Self-driving is possible, but 4×4 and navigation experience required.

Self-Drive Safaris:

  • Possible in Chobe, Makgadikgadi, Central Kalahari.
  • Rentals: US$80–150/day for 4WDs with camping gear.
  • Fuel stations are sparse—plan carefully.

Buses and Minibuses:

  • Cheap (US$3–10) but not ideal for tourists—mostly used between cities (Gaborone–Maun, etc.).
  • Infrequent and limited to main towns.

Taxis and Transfers:

  • In Gaborone or Maun, use hotel-arranged taxis. Short rides: US$3–8.

Bold Recommendation: Book charter flights or guided tours to access safari regions; self-drive only if you’re experienced with remote travel.

Handy Tips

Botswana uses the Botswana Pula (BWP). Bills come in denominations of P10, P20, P50, P100, and P200; coins include thetibe (thebe), where 100 thebe = 1 Pula.

  • Exchange Rates: Approx. US$1 ≈ BWP 13–14 (check daily rates).

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport counters. Use ATMs or exchange at local banks (Barclays Botswana, Standard Chartered).

  • Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard widely accepted in cities, but carry cash for fuel stations, rural lodges, or local vendors.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Not obligatory but appreciated.

    • Restaurants/Bars: ~10% for good service.

    • Safari Guides/Trackers: US$10–20 per day per person.

    • Camp Staff: US$5–10 per day, often pooled.

    • Hotel Porters: ~US$1–2 per bag.

English is the official language and widely spoken in cities and safari lodges. Setswana (Tswana) is the national language. Locals are friendly and helpful.

  • Useful Phrases:

    • “Dumela” = Hello (formal)

    • “Ke a leboga” = Thank you

    • “A ko o nthuse” = Please help me

Pro Tip: Greet before asking—a cultural norm that goes a long way in Botswana.

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa for travelers, especially in lodges and national parks.

General Safety:

  • Avoid walking alone at night in urban areas (especially in Gaborone and Francistown).
  • Keep valuables secure when in town.

Wildlife Caution: Respect park rules—don’t exit your vehicle or feed animals.

Emergency Numbers:

  • Police: 999 or 997
  • Ambulance: 998
  • Fire: 998
  • Your Embassy: Many are based in Gaborone—save details offline.

Botswana uses 230V/50Hz electricity with Type D, G, and M plugs (UK-style three pins are common).

Bring a universal adapter; converters may be needed for U.S. electronics.

Tap water is safe in major cities and lodges, but bottled water is recommended for visitors, especially in rural areas or bush camps.

Lodges typically provide filtered or bottled water free of charge.

Pro Tip: Refill bottles where possible to reduce plastic waste.

During holidays, government offices and some businesses may close, but safari lodges operate year-round.

  • 1 Jan – New Year’s Day

  • March/April – Good Friday & Easter Monday

  • 1 May – Labour Day

  • 25 May – Africa Day

  • 1 Jul – Sir Seretse Khama Day

  • 30 Sep – Botswana Day (Independence)

  • 25 Dec – Christmas

  • 26 Dec – Boxing Day

Note: Peak travel season coincides with some holidays—book lodges early.

Shops: Mon–Fri 08:00–18:00; Sat 08:00–16:00; some close Sundays.

Supermarkets: Choppies, Spar, Woolworths—usually open 7 days/week.

Markets: Village or craft markets are best for souvenirs like baskets and textiles.

Seswaa: Botswana’s national dish—slow-cooked shredded beef, usually served with pap (maize porridge).

Pap: A starchy maize porridge similar to polenta; eaten with meat or vegetable stews.

Vetkoek: Deep-fried dough stuffed with minced meat or vegetables.

Bogobe: Fermented sorghum porridge—often served at traditional ceremonies.

Morogo: Wild spinach sautéed with onions and tomatoes.

Dikgobe: A protein-rich mix of samp (crushed corn) and beans.

Chicken Liver Stew: A spicy and rich local favorite, often eaten with rice.

Dried Mopane Worms: A delicacy high in protein—try them fried with chili.

Magwinya: Sweet or savory dough balls—sold on street corners, perfect with tea.

Lerotse Melon Dessert: A local melon turned into a sweet treat or pudding.

Pro Tip: Ask for home-cooked dishes when staying in villages or eco-lodges.

Alcoholic:

  • St. Louis Lager: Botswana’s national beer—light, crisp, and easy to drink.

  • Botswana Craft Beers: Local breweries like Okavango Craft Brewery serve IPAs and pale ales.

  • Marula Wine: Made from the fruit of the Marula tree—fruity and slightly tangy.

  • Traditional Sorghum Beer (Bojalwa): Homemade and slightly sour, often shared during festivals.

  • Grapetiser Spritz: Sparkling grape drink mixed with vodka or gin—refreshing and popular at bars.

  • Imported South African Wines: Widely available—try Pinotage or Chenin Blanc.

  • Kalahari Gin Cocktails: Infused with indigenous botanicals like devil’s claw or wild sage.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • Mageu: A thick, fermented maize drink—cool, tangy, and probiotic-rich.

  • Iced Rooibos Tea: Caffeine-free and antioxidant-rich—served sweetened or plain.

  • Fresh Watermelon Juice: Common at lodges—hydrating and sweet.

  • Baobab Smoothies: Made from the fruit of the iconic Baobab tree—rich in Vitamin C.

  • Tropical Juices: Try blends with mango, papaya, and guava—especially in summer.

San Villages: Visit Ghanzi or D’kar to learn about hunter-gatherer heritage.

Three Chiefs Monument (Gaborone): Key figures in Botswana’s independence.

Okavango Delta: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, revered both ecologically and culturally.

D’Kar Cultural Centre: San artwork, history, and craft demonstrations.

Tsodilo Hills: Ancient rock paintings—called “The Louvre of the Desert.”

Kgosi Sechele I Museum (Molepolole): Local history and culture.

Traditional Music & Dance: Polka-style dances and clapping rhythms at village gatherings.

Lentswe-la-Oodi Weavers: Hand-loomed textiles made by local artisans.

Kgotla Visits: Traditional village meetings (ask for permission beforehand).

Botswana National Museum (Gaborone): Excellent intro to heritage and wildlife.

Game Drives: Explore Chobe, Moremi, and Central Kalahari for Big 5 sightings.

Mokoro Canoe Trips: Glide silently through the Okavango Delta.

Bush Walks: With San trackers—learn ancient survival skills.

Horseback Safaris: Tuli Block offers a unique safari experience.

Scenic Flights: Over the Okavango Delta—unforgettable aerial views.

Photography Safaris: Specialized lodges cater to wildlife photographers.

Craft Shopping: Handwoven baskets in Etsha or Gaborone Craft Market.

Live Music: Afro-jazz and traditional dance at events in Maun or Gaborone.

Dumela Lodge: Cultural evenings with Setswana dance and storytelling.

Kasane Sunset Cruise: Spot hippos and elephants from the Chobe River.

Bull & Bush Pub (Gaborone): A lively expat and local hangout with beer gardens and DJs.

Thapong Visual Arts Centre (Gaborone): Art by day, cultural events and wine by night.

Barclay’s Square (Francistown): Lively bars and karaoke joints.

Old Bridge Backpackers (Maun): Riverfront bar with bonfires, live music, and cold beers.

Choppies Liquorama Lounge: Botswana’s answer to a casual pub night.

Sanitas Tea Garden (Gaborone): More chill than party—perfect for sunset drinks in a garden.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Bar (Maun): A cheeky nod to the book series—locals love it.

Chobe Safari Lodge Bar (Kasane): Sip cocktails with hippos nearby.

Sky Lounge (Gaborone): Rooftop vibes with DJs and panoramic city views.

Clubs in Main Mall (Gaborone): Dance to kwaito, Afro-pop, and house until sunrise.