Botswana
Untamed Wilderness, Safari Paradise, Cultural Heartbeat
Welcome to Botswana
Botswana is a breathtaking destination renowned for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife. From the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi to the lush Okavango Delta, nature lovers will be in their element. You can experience thrilling safaris to see elephants, lions, and more in their natural habitat, making it an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to immerse yourself in the rich culture of the local tribes, which adds a vibrant layer to your experience.
One of the main highlights is Chobe National Park, famous for its large elephant population, perfect for wildlife enthusiasts. For a unique experience, take a mokoro boat ride in the Okavango Delta, where you can glide through serene waters surrounded by stunning flora and fauna. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, Botswana offers a perfect blend that captivates every traveler’s heart. Get ready for memories that will last a lifetime!
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE): Strategically located in Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, this airport serves as a key entry point for local and neighbouring countries yet the below two smaller airports are mainly used by travellers in order to connect on to safari expereinces.
Kasane International Airport (BBK): Nestled near the border with Namibia and Zimbabwe, Kasane Airport is the gateway for those visiting Chobe National Park and the stunning Victoria Falls nearby, making it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Maun Airport (MUB): Often referred to as the "Gateway to the Okavango Delta," Maun Airport facilitates access to one of the world's most unique ecosystems, offering visitors seamless connections to safari lodges and guided tours in the delta's rich wildlife paradise.
Safari Vehicles (4x4s), Small Aircraft ('Bush Planes') and Overland Trucks
Transport options in Botswana
Official Spoken Languages
Airports in Botswana
The main language spoken in Botswana is Setswana, but English is widely used, particularly in urban areas and for official purposes. English speakers will find it relatively easy to navigate daily life, as many locals speak English, especially in business and tourism settings. Signs, menus, and public information are often available in English, ensuring that visitors feel comfortable communicating without knowing Setswana. Overall, English speakers can enjoy a seamless experience while exploring this vibrant country.
Weather & Climate
Botswana experiences a semi-arid climate with distinctive seasons. The dry season (May to October) offers pleasant temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing, making it the best time to visit. The rainy season (November to April) brings vibrant scenery but can disrupt travel. Enjoy Botswana's beauty in the cooler months!
Must-Do Experiences in Botswana
Delta by Dugout
Glide silently through the serene waters of the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe), where the rhythm of nature unfolds around every bend. This UNESCO World Heritage Site teems with wildlife: elephants wade through channels, hippos surface nearby, and birds fill the air with song. Guided by experienced polers, this low-impact safari offers a peaceful and intimate encounter with Botswana’s wilderness. It's the ultimate slow-travel experience, best enjoyed from a tented camp under the stars. No engines, no crowds—just you and the wild.
Location: Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve
Roaming with Giants
Experience the thrill of tracking some of Africa’s largest elephant herds in Chobe National Park. With over 120,000 elephants, Chobe offers one of the most concentrated populations on the continent. Game drives and river cruises provide incredible photo opportunities of elephants bathing, lions stalking prey, and buffalo gathering at waterholes. A sunset cruise along the Chobe River reveals an unforgettable golden glow over the landscape. Chobe’s wildlife density and stunning scenery promises a powerful and humbling connection to nature.
Location: Chobe National Park, Kasane
Kalahari Desert Dreams
Venture into the vast, otherworldly expanse of the Kalahari Desert, where dramatic salt pans and golden grasslands stretch to the horizon. Encounter unique desert-adapted wildlife like meerkats, oryx, and brown hyenas. Learn ancient survival skills from San Bushmen, whose tracking techniques and stories offer deep cultural insight. At night, the stars dazzle in one of the world’s clearest skies. Despite its arid reputation, the Kalahari is full of life and silence that speaks volumes. It’s a place for reflection, connection, and extraordinary solitude.
Locations: Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi Pans, Nxai Pan
Wild and Waterless
Explore the stark beauty of Savuti, where wildlife thrives despite its harsh, dry environment. Known for dramatic predator-prey encounters, especially between lions and elephants, Savuti offers some of the most raw and intense safari experiences in Africa. The area’s ancient marshes and unpredictable Savuti Channel attract diverse species year-round. Leopard, cheetah, wild dog, and hyena sightings are common, especially during the dry season. A well trained Safari guide is vital. It's untamed, unforgettable, and uniquely Botswana.
Location: Savuti, Chobe National Park (southern sector)
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Most nationalities can enter Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days, including travellers from the EU, UK, US, Canada, and many Commonwealth countries. However, always check your country's status before travelling. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of entry and have at least one blank page. If travelling with children under 18, Botswana requires certified birth certificates and consent letters when both parents aren’t present. There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry, but yellow fever certificates are required if coming from a risk area. f you're planning to visit Victoria Falls via Zimbabwe or Zambia, consider getting the KAZA Univisa, which allows multiple entries between the two countries.
Sort Your Paperwork & Prickles Early
Botswana’s climate ranges from hot days to cool nights—pack layers accordingly. Neutral-colored, lightweight clothing is ideal for game drives, along with a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and a good sunscreen. Insect repellent is essential, especially in malaria-prone areas like the Delta. Don’t forget binoculars, a camera with zoom lens, and a flashlight or headlamp for camps. Most safari camps offer laundry services, so overpacking isn’t necessary. A reusable water bottle, personal meds, and a universal plug adapter will make your trip smoother. Pack soft-sided luggage for small charter flights the maximum you will be allowed to take is 15KG so no need to take lots of clothes!
Smart Packing Essentials
Traveling in Botswana often involves small aircraft flights or 4x4 transfers between lodges, especially in the Okavango Delta and remote parks. Self-driving is possible and rewarding but requires experience with off-road conditions and planning for fuel and supplies hence organised tours essential. Roads in rural areas can be sandy or flooded, and GPS signals may be unreliable. For safaris, many visitors book all-inclusive packages that handle logistics. In towns, taxis or transfers arranged through accommodation are safest. Domestic flights save time and provide stunning aerial views.
Getting Around Botswana
Botswana’s official currency is the Pula (BWP). While credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, lodges, and some restaurants, cash is essential in remote areas, local markets, and for tips. ATMs are available in towns, but not in the bush or national parks. It’s best to exchange a small amount at the airport or banks on arrival. U.S. dollars are accepted by some tour operators but not widely used for everyday expenses. Always carry small denominations, as change may not be readily available in rural areas. Tipping in local currency is customary and appreciated.
Pula Payments
Botswana: The Heart of the Delta & the Desert Adventure
Experience the magic of Botswana, where breathtaking landscapes and vibrant wildlife come together for an unforgettable adventure. Discover the lush Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage site, teeming with diverse species. Don’t miss the chance to explore Chobe National Park, home to Africa's largest elephant population, and witness the stunning sunsets at Tsodilo Hills, adorned with ancient rock art.
Your dream getaway awaits! From thrilling safaris to cultural encounters with the San people, Botswana offers a unique blend of natural beauty and rich heritage. Book your journey today and immerse yourself in the wonders that this remarkable destination has to offer!
