Essential Botswana Travel Tips
Climate
Botswana has a semi-arid climate with distint wet and dry season.
Rainy Season (November-March): Expect Afternoon thunderstorms, lush landscapes, and lots of birdwatching opportunities!
Dry Season (April-October): Your can expect cooler mornings and evenings with excellent wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 45°F-85°F (7°C-29°C).
For more details check out our Best Time of Year to Visit Botswana blog.
Language
In Botswana, English is the official language, with Setswana being widely spoken.
Currency
The Botswana Pula (BWP) is the local currency. USD is widely accepted at lodges and camps but having local currency is useful for small purchases and souveniers.
Electricity
Botswana uses 220/240 volts with British-style three-pin plugs. Travelers from North American will need to bring plug adapters.
Good to Know Before You Go
1. Learn a Local Greeting
A warm “Dumela” (hello) is the perfect way to start any interaction. Greetings are an important part of daily life, so take a moment to say hello before jumping into conversation.
2. Show Respect to Elders
Respect for elders is deeply valued. Use “Rra” (sir) or “Mma” (madam) when addressing someone older. It’s a simple gesture that locals really appreciate!
3. Dress Modestly in Villages and Towns
While safari gear works perfectly in the bush, opt for modest clothing in towns or rural areas. Revealing outfits can be seen as disrespectful outside tourist zones.
4. Ask Before Taking Photos
Always ask before photographing people or villages. Many locals are happy to be photographed when approached politely.
5. Practice “Botho”: Humanity and Respect
“Botho” is a cornerstone of Botswana culture, emphasizing kindness, humility, and community. Treat everyone with respect, and you’ll be warmly welcomed wherever you go.
Entry Requirements
Botswana requires a passport valid for at least six months after arrival with three blank pages. Most travelers receive a 90 day visa exemption, and minors must carry birth certificates and consent letters if traveling with one parent. Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required only if arriving from a country where it’s endemic.
Health Precautions
Make sure your routine vaccines are current, and consider hepatitis A and B, typhoid and rabies depending on your itinerary. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for northern Botswana, especially around the Delta and Chobe. Drink safe water, avoid swimming or wading in freshwater to prevent schistosomiasis and protect yourself from mosquitoes and ticks with repellent and long sleeves.
Safety Tips
Botswana is one of Africa’s safest and most stable safari destinations, but basic precautions still apply. Keep valuables secure, avoid walking alone after dark and always follow park rules and wildlife guidelines, especially in unfenced camps where animals roam freely.
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Top Reasons to Safari in Botswana
Explore the Iconic Okavango Delta by Mokoro Canoe
Drift silently through lily-covered waterways in a traditional mokoro, spotting hippos, birds, and game in Africa’s only inland delta.
Chobe National Park’s Legendary Big Cat and Elephant Herds
Witness one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, including massive elephant herds and apex predators on the prowl.
Fly-In Safaris to Remote, Luxury Camps
Skip the long drives—Botswana’s fly-in safaris drop you into pristine wilderness areas where luxury and exclusivity meet raw nature.
Sleep Under the Stars in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Spend a night on the salt flats, where silence reigns and the Milky Way stretches endlessly overhead—a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photographer’s Paradise: Perfect Light & Iconic Scenes
From golden-hour lion sightings to Delta reflections, Botswana offers some of the most photogenic safari moments on the continent.
Start Your Journey Into Botswana’s Wild Beauty
What our clients say when they finally stop researching and just go
Top Reasons to Safari in Botswana
Explore the Iconic Okavango Delta by Mokoro Canoe
Drift silently through lily-covered waterways in a traditional mokoro, spotting hippos, birds, and game in Africa’s only inland delta.
Chobe National Park’s Legendary Big Cat and Elephant Herds
Witness one of Africa’s highest concentrations of wildlife, including massive elephant herds and apex predators on the prowl.
Fly-In Safaris to Remote, Luxury Camps
Skip the long drives—Botswana’s fly-in safaris drop you into pristine wilderness areas where luxury and exclusivity meet raw nature.
Sleep Under the Stars in the Makgadikgadi Pans
Spend a night on the salt flats, where silence reigns and the Milky Way stretches endlessly overhead—a surreal, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Photographer’s Paradise: Perfect Light & Iconic Scenes
From golden-hour lion sightings to Delta reflections, Botswana offers some of the most photogenic safari moments on the continent.
