Botswana Travel
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa and known for its diverse scenic landscape and abundance of wildlife. A country of impressive contrasts, Botswana’s natural phenomena include the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, defined by granite outcrops and baobabs, the sandy plains of the Kalahari Desert which span 70% of the country’s land, and the famous Okavango Delta. Each of these natural areas teems with wildlife—making Botswana one of the best safari destinations in Africa. Gaborone is the capital of the country and boasts a busy international airport—Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, which is approximately 15 kilometres from downtown Gaborone. The international airport connects flights to various parts of the country and many international destinations.
HIGHLIGHTS
WILDLIFE
ACCOMMODATION
WHEN TO GO
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
SAFARI PARKS
HIGHLIGHTS
The Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve—both found in the Okavango Delta—are major tourist destinations. Both offer an amazing array of activities for the outdoor enthusiast. Among other reserves and national parks are the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, and Nxai Pan National Park. For an unrivalled cultural experience, visitors can step back in time as they learn about the San Bushmen in the Tsodilo Hills and admire ancient rock paintings that remain untouched today. Balloon safaris are also popular and provide a stunning way to view the landscape.
Furthermore, visitors can float between reeded channels in a dugout canoe while admiring the antelope wading through crystal clear water. Botswana also offers excellent land-based game viewing—with fantastic self-drive opportunities and guided game drives. The Chobe National Park is home to the world’s largest herds of elephants and offers regular sightings of predators. Star-gazing offers an extraordinary sight in the Kalahari Desert, with little to no light pollution to deter from the natural beauty of the night sky. Additionally, photographers and birdwatchers can expect a front seat show to Botswana’s natural wonders.
WILDLIFE
Botswana’s biodiversity is incredible. With the delta, desert areas, and lush grassland and savannas, wildlife and birdlife enjoy diverse habitats. Large herds of African elephants play and splash around in the Chobe River, while the Nxai Pan region is famous for its annual zebra migration during the wet season. In addition to these amazing mammals, Northern Botswana has one of the few remaining populations of the endangered African wild dog. Furthermore, there are also specialised reserves that operate as breeding centres and sanctuaries for orphaned mammals. One of these reserves is Mokolodi Game Reserve—they led the re-introduction of the White Rhino in the Okavango Delta.
ACCOMMODATION
Botswana offers an authentic experience in the great outdoors of Africa, a favourable exchange rate, fantastic accommodation options, and modern amenities and facilities to make visitors feel right at home during their safari experience. Accommodation options range from luxury safari camps and lodges to self-catering huts and guest houses, as well as basic camping grounds.
WHEN TO GO
Botswana is a great destination for a family safari, a solo traveller, or a honeymoon in the African wilderness. Visitors should note that some lodges have age restrictions and often only accept children over the age of six, while others are adult-only. Botswana has a subtropical desert climate defined by two seasons throughout the year. The wet season often occurs between November and April, while the dry season is between May and October.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
| Time Zone | GMT +2 (CAT) |
| Dial Code | +267 |
| Currency | Botswana Pula |
| Language | English |
| Water | Bottled Water |
| Power | Plug D and G & 230V/50Hz |
| Dress Code | Neutral for Safaris |
| Wi-Fi | Widely available |
SAFARI PARKS
Click here to discover all our safari parks in Botswana.
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Botswana Safari Parks
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Botswana Accommodation
Botswana Travel
Frequently Asked Questions
Botswana has a subtropical desert climate defined by two seasons throughout the year. The wet season often occurs between November and April, while the dry season is between May and October.
Category: Botswana
Accommodation options range from luxury safari camps and lodges to self-catering huts and guest houses, as well as basic camping grounds.
Category: Botswana
Safari-goers to Africa need to make sure about visa requirements for the specific destination in their country of origin. Passports need to be valid for at least six months from the planned date of departure and there should also be enough blank pages for the necessary visas and stamps to be applied.
Category: Botswana
The World Health Organisation recommends the following vaccinations for Botswana: hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, yellow fever, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza. It is recommended that visitors check with a reputable travel clinic before departure as requirements may change.
Category: Botswana
Avoid drinking tap water in Botswana as in urban areas it is chlorinated and may not be suitable for consumption by foreign visitors. Stick to bottled water where possible.
Category: Botswana
Botswana is the perfect destination when planning a family-friendly safari. Kids can be entertained with tailor-made activities while adults are exploring wilderness areas with local guides.
Category: Botswana
If game viewing from a vehicle is to make up the bulk of the safari outing, then all and any visitors will be able to enjoy. For activities like a walking safari or more adventurous excursions, one should have at least a moderate level of fitness.
Category: Botswana
It is advisable to make getting travel insurance as part of the planning of any safari. That ensures travellers are covered for unforeseen circumstances leading to the cancellation of the trip, as well as medical cover and repatriation should anything happen while on safari. If adventurous activities, such as hiking, mountain climbing, gorilla trekking, hot air ballooning or white water rafting, are part of the safari, comprehensive travel insurance is a must.
Category: Botswana
An International Driving Permit allows foreigners to drive in Botswana and must at all times be carried with the visitor’s national drivers license. Driving is on the left hand side of the road. The speed limit in Botswana is 60 km/h in the city and 120 km/h on the highway.
Category: Botswana
Don’t be afraid to ask questions when traveling in Botswana. It is however better to ask an open-ended question to avoid misunderstandings, for instance “How do I drive to …?”
Category: Botswana