Australia - Ben In Wanderland

It’s the country of my birth, a place I’m often proud to call home. Australia is also the island-country of extremes, seen in the 2019-2020 bushfires that raged nationwide, wiping out half a billion animals.

With extremes come untamed natural beauty and Australia is in no short supply. There’s the Great Barrier Reef, the Daintree Rainforest, a variety of deserts, Uluru and a whole pocket full of natural surprises in infrequently visited Tasmania. In fact, there is so much natural beauty spread across the enormous island that you’ll be hard pressed to scratch the surface in a few short weeks.

Australia is large and a visit warrants time. It may be young and filled with controversy – particularly with its colonial past and Indigenous Australian mistreatment - but, for me, it’s a beautiful country that must be visited at least once in your lifetime.

Let this overview of Australia convince you to at least consider paying a visit.

Things to Know Before Travelling to Australia

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 Australia

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.

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

Explore the Makgadikgadi Pans