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Botswana

Botswana

Diamond Desert

When you want to visit Africa but want to do so as comfortably and safely as possible, tours to Botswana are an excellent choice.

Home to diamonds and the world’s largest elephant population, Botswana is primarily known for its ecotourism. About 40% of the country’s territory consists of national parks and nature reserves. Botswana attracts travelers with authentic safaris and a rare sense of seclusion.

FURTHER

Acquaintance with the country

Guide to Botswana

Basic Information

Botswana is located in southern Africa and is landlocked, with the Kalahari Desert covering about 70% of its territory. At the same time, it is one of the wealthiest and most stable countries on the continent, which is why travel to Botswana is very popular.

Of particular importance is the Okavango Delta—a unique ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The climate is subtropical but with pronounced continental characteristics, so there are even occasional frosts here.

The plateau stretching from Kanbe to Zimbabwe divides the country into two regions—one hilly and greener, and the other desert-like and marshy.

Photos of Botswana

Capital

Gaborone

Language

English, Tswana

Currency

Botswana pula

Time zone

GMT +2

Population

2 560 000

Territory

581,730 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Seswaa — a traditional dish made from meat that has been slowly simmered and shredded.

Pap — corn porridge made with broth, served as a side dish with meat and sauces.

Morogo — braised wild spinach or amaranth leaves with onions and tomatoes.

Bogobe — a thick porridge made from cornmeal, wheat flour, or sorghum flour.

Mopane — butterfly caterpillars, a local delicacy.

Things to do in to Botswana

See the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans during the dry season.
Go on a walking safari accompanied by local rangers.
Organize a night safari to spot predators.
Visit the villages of the San people and learn about their culture.
Watch sunsets in the Kalahari Desert.
Combine water and land routes in a single trip.

Tips

If you’re planning a trip to Botswana on your own, keep in mind that most safari areas can only be visited with licensed guides. Self-guided routes are limited, and access to national parks is often only possible with a four-wheel-drive vehicle. All of this is for safety reasons.

It is important to book accommodations and tours in advance, especially during the high season. The number of lodges and camps is limited to protect the natural environment, which makes a spontaneous trip to Botswana virtually impossible.

Be sure to bring cash with you, especially when traveling through smaller towns. ATMs and payment terminals aren’t available everywhere, particularly outside of cities, so it’s a good idea to have some local currency on hand.

Sights

Botswana’s attractions aren’t about architecture or city life, but about its magnificent wildlife. The main activity during a vacation in Botswana is going on various types of safaris.

The national parks differ from one another due to their varying geographical locations. In the reserves, you can encounter giraffes, hyenas, cheetahs, leopards, blue wildebeests, and many other animals.

Okavango Delta

One of the world’s largest inland deltas, where the river does not flow into the ocean but disappears into the sands of the Kalahari. The area forms a complex and unique network of channels, islands, and lagoons.

Chobe National Park

The area includes savannas, forests, and the Chobe Riverbank, offering a variety of landscapes. During a river safari, you can see animals at the watering holes up close.

The Kalahari Desert

A vast expanse of red sand and rugged beauty, home to rare species of animals and plants. Here, you can experience the culture of indigenous peoples and discover the real Africa.

Tours to Botswana

A vacation in Botswana revolves around nature, seclusion, and a high level of service. This destination isn’t about mass tourism, but rather carefully curated trips that offer a deep immersion in the natural environment. The primary format is safaris in national parks and private reserves, where the number of guests is strictly limited. This approach allows you to avoid crowds and ensures closer contact with wildlife.

Because of this format, you need to plan your trip in advance and decide on the locations you’re interested in beforehand to more accurately calculate the cost of a trip to Botswana. Such an experience may not be very cheap, but it will certainly be unforgettable.

Most tourists stay in lodges or camps located directly within the reserves. These range from luxurious eco-lodges with pools and panoramic terraces to simpler but comfortable camps. Often, safaris, transfers, and meals are already included in the accommodation cost.

Safaris in Botswana come in various forms—by car, on foot, and by water. Some require better physical fitness, while others require none at all. For example, in the Okavango Delta, trips on traditional mokoro boats are popular, allowing you to observe animals from the water. In Chobe and Moremi National Parks, classic jeep safaris are more common.

Evenings by the campfire, a night sky free of light pollution, and the sounds of nature become part of the experience. Trips to Botswana are ideal for couples, photographers, nature lovers, and those seeking unique travel experiences.

Where to go to Botswana?

Gaborone is the capital of Botswana and the country’s fastest-growing city. It doesn’t have many tourist attractions, but it offers a glimpse into modern African life.

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a highlight of African travel guides and the second-largest game reserve in the world. The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park borders South Africa and encompasses two neighboring national parks in both countries. And the Ghwihaba Caves are a unique natural formation in Africa.

When to go to Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, which lasts from approximately May to October. During this period, the weather is cooler and more comfortable, and animals gather around water sources, making safaris particularly rewarding.

The peak tourist season is from July to September. The rainy season lasts from November to April, bringing lush greenery and blooming flowers, but also high humidity and heat. Some roads become difficult to navigate, and some camps may be closed.

Botswana in the spring

Spring in Botswana lasts from September through November and is marked by a gradual rise in temperatures. Average daytime highs reach 32°C and above, and nights become warmer. Animals gather in large numbers around water sources, making this a great time for tourism. Spring is ideal for experienced travelers who are prepared for the heat.

Botswana in the summer

Summer in Botswana runs from December through February, though in terms of weather, it actually lasts from November through March. This period coincides with the rainy season. The rain usually comes in the form of heavy, brief downpours. The landscape turns green, and the desert regions come temporarily to life. It’s a great season for photographers, but logistics can be challenging.

Botswana in the fall

Autumn in Botswana spans March, April, and May and is considered a transitional season. Temperatures gradually drop to 26°C, and rainfall decreases, tapering off almost entirely by May. Autumn is a very pleasant time for travel.

Botswana in winter

Winter in Botswana lasts from June to August and is considered the dry and most comfortable season. The average daytime temperature is around 23°C, but nights can be cool, especially in the desert. Rainfall during this period is minimal and usually does not exceed 5 mm per month.

Usefulness

The tripmydream service offers travelers helpful advice on practical matters. This will help you plan your trip more effectively and get a more accurate estimate of the cost of your trip to Botswana.

Visa to Botswana

Citizens of the EU, and the U.S. do not need a visa for short-term tourist trips to Botswana lasting up to 90 days. There is no entry fee.

Customs & Tax Free

You are permitted to bring personal belongings into Botswana, as well as limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco. It is prohibited to export rough diamonds, hides, ostrich eggs, and other trophies without a permit. There is no tax-free shopping system.

Travel by car

You can rent a car, but for a safari you’ll need a four-wheel-drive vehicle and, in most cases, a guide. Roads outside of cities are often unpaved.

Phrasebook for tourists

English is widely spoken in the tourism industry, which makes communication much easier for travelers. In remote areas, a guide can be helpful.

Public transport and prices

Public transportation in Botswana consists of buses and intercity minivans. They are affordable and inexpensive, and are quite suitable for tourist routes. Public transportation rarely serves the national parks, so visitors typically use shuttle services or rent a car.

Events

Tourists will enjoy Botswana’s Independence Day in late September, which features festivals and concerts. There are also cultural events celebrating the country’s traditions and music, so be sure to check the events calendar. Tourist lodges sometimes organize local celebrations featuring traditional cuisine and dancing.

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