Botswana

It's where the sky never ends and the horizon seems to linger on to infinity. It's also where animals roam fairly free and they outnumber humans, of whom there are just over 2 million (as of 2020).

The government has tried to preserve the beautiful and sparsely populated country by keeping tourist prices - particularly in regard to safari options - at the high and luxury end. It's resulted in relatively high prices across the board. However, budget travel and safari opportunities do exist and more are popping up across the country.

If you have time and are willing to rough it a little, then Botswana will present some blissful nature immersion opportunities. I hope this overview of Botswana has got you thinking about planning a visit.

Things to Know Before Travelling to Botswana

Facts

Capital: Gabarone

Population: 2,485,527 (2023)

Language: The official language is English, but Setswana is the national language and widely spoken by the majority of the population. There are also several other minority languages including Kalanga, Kgalagadi, and Herero.

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)

Visas

Citizens of certain countries do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. These include the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and many European countries. However, it is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements before traveling.

Visitors from some countries can obtain a visa on arrival at the airport or land border, usually for a fee. This applies to citizens of most African countries, as well as some Asian and South American countries.

Those who require a visa in advance can apply at the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate. Visa applications usually require a valid passport, a completed application form, a recent passport-size photo, proof of travel arrangements, and proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay.

It is always advisable to check the latest visa requirements and regulations before traveling to Botswana. The Botswana Immigration website is a good source of up-to-date information on visa requirements and regulations.

Best time to visit

Botswana has a semi-arid climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Botswana depends on your interests, budget, and preferred activities.

Dry Season (May to October):

May to September is considered the high season for tourism in Botswana, as it is the coolest and driest time of the year, with clear skies and excellent game viewing opportunities.

Wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot animals in the national parks.

Temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C during the day and can drop below freezing at night, especially in the desert areas.

June to August is the peak season for wildlife viewing in the Okavango Delta, as the floodwaters from Angola reach the delta and attract large numbers of animals.

Green/Wet Season (November to April):

November to April is the rainy season in Botswana, with high temperatures and occasional thunderstorms.

The landscapes turn green, and the birdlife is at its most prolific.

The vegetation is thicker, making it harder to spot animals, but the newborn animals are a highlight.

This is the low season for tourism in Botswana, and accommodation prices are lower, making it an excellent option for budget travellers.

The rainy season peaks from December to February, and some of the dirt roads can become impassable.

Top Things to Do in Botswana

Safari in the Okavango Delta

It's one of the world's largest inland deltas, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a traditional mokoro canoe ride or a motorboat safari to explore the delta's channels, lagoons, and islands.

Visit Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is Botswana's first national park and is home to the largest elephant population in Africa. Take a game drive or a boat safari along the Chobe River to see elephants, lions, buffalos, giraffes, and many other animals.

Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a series of salt pans that cover an area of over 12,000 square kilometers in northeastern Botswana. Explore the pans on a guided quad bike tour, visit the remote Kubu Island, or experience a traditional Bushman cultural tour.

Learn about the San people

Also known as Bushmen, the San people are the oldest inhabitants of southern Africa and have a unique culture and way of life. Learn about the San people's traditional hunting and gathering techniques, their beliefs, and their customs at the San villages in the Kalahari Desert.

Visit the Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred places for the San people. The hills are home to over 4,000 rock paintings, some of which are estimated to be over 20,000 years old.

Go by boat along Chobe River

Located on the northern boundary of Chobe National Park, it's home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, crocodiles, and various bird species. Taking a boat ride provides an opportunity to see these animals up close.

Prices in Botswana

Accommodation

200-300 Botswana Pula (BWP) per night (approximately US$20-$30)(budget guesthouse or campsite)

600-800 BWP per night (approximately US$60-$80)(midrange hotel)

Find your stay here

Food & Drink

30-50 BWP (approximately US$3-$5) per person (basic meal in restaurant or street food)

150-200 BWP (approximately 15-20 USD) per person (midrange restaurant meal)

Transportation

30-50 BWP (approximately US$3-$5)(short taxi ride)

10-20 BWP (approximately $1-$2)(short bus ride)

Activities

1,000-1,500 BWP (approximately US$100-$150) per person (one day safari)

500-1,000 BWP (approximately $50-$100) per person (hot air balloon ride)

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