13 Essential Tips You Need to Know Before Traveling to Botswana

I love solo travel and advocate for it all the time, but Botswana was a different story. The country is vast and sparsely populated, and most activities like mobile safaris or multi-day tours require a minimum number of people to run. If it’s just you, expect to either pay double or face cancellations (I personally experienced both). You’re better off joining a group or finding a travel buddy before you go.

When I started booking my trip about a month ahead, one agency casually told me most people plan 6 to 12 months in advance. No joke. It made my last-minute planning very stressful. Botswana has high demand during peak season (June–September), so book as early as you can to secure your spot and avoid headaches or last-minute cancellations.

Botswana’s activities revolve around nature—so the weather matters. If you’re visiting in the rainy season (November–March), be prepared for wet conditions and even road closures. Bring waterproof gear and build in some buffer time. During dry season (May–October), pack sunscreen, water, and layers, as it can get scorching during the day but chilly at night.

Most people aim for dry season—especially between June and September, since that’s when wildlife viewing is at its best, the landscapes are drier (meaning animals gather around waterholes), and the skies are usually clear. If your absolutely goal is game drive, I would stick to this, however, I prefer to go in shoulder season – specifically in April, since rainy season is ending, animals are well fed, and landscapes are green and alive.

Distances are long, and many attractions are deep into the bush. You’ll need a 4WD to access most of them—regular cars just won’t cut it. If you’re not comfortable driving off-road, opt for a tour that includes transportation. It’ll save you time, stress, and probably a few flat tires.

Botswana’s tourism industry is surprisingly monopolized and can be tricky to navigate. I’m not exactly sure why—perhaps due to limited resources or logistics—but only certain tour operators seem to offer access to specific destinations or experiences, which means you often have to stay at a specific lodge to access a specific tour. What makes it more complicated is that tour companies usually don’t cross-sell or recommend experiences from other providers. Planning my trip to Botswana was by far the hardest I’ve done—it was challenging to find tours, compare options, and coordinate logistics. My advice? Start by deciding what you want to see or do-like visiting the Makgadikgadi Pans—, and then find out which companies can actually take you there.

Even though Botswana has better infrastructure than many African countries, it’s still very remote. Electricity cuts, no water, and zero internet or cell signal are real possibilities—especially in rural lodges or camps. Print all your reservations and confirmations, bring power banks, and prepare to disconnect (which, honestly, might be a good thing!).

Tswana is the national and most widely spoken language in Botswana. While English is commonly used, locals really appreciate when visitors make an effort to speak their language. Check out our post on basic Tswana words for a quick and easy crash course. Even just saying “dumela” (hello) can go a long way!

Unless you’re doing a walking safari and need to blend into the environment, you don’t need to dress like you’re on a National Geographic shoot. Just wear breathable, neutral-toned clothes that won’t scare off the animals. Comfort is key—especially when sitting in a safari jeep for hours.

Botswana is all about temperature extremes. During the day, it can be sweltering, especially in summer. But once the sun sets—especially in dry season—temperatures can drop dramatically. Think light, breathable fabrics for the daytime and hoodies or jackets for nighttime game drives.

Tipping isn’t mandatory, but it is appreciated—and often essential—for people working in tourism. Many guides and drivers depend on tips to make a living, especially since tourism is seasonal. A general rule? Around $10 per person per day is a good baseline. More if they went above and beyond.

One thing most travelers don’t expect when visiting Botswana is that in many areas, especially remote lodges or desert regions, the water available for showers and daily use is salt water. This can be harsh on your hair, especially if you wash it frequently during your trip. Salt water can strip your hair of natural oils, leaving it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage — especially for those with curly, color-treated, or textured hair.

Tip: Bring a clarifying shampoo, a deep conditioner or hair mask, and if possible, a leave-in conditioner or protective oil (like argan or coconut oil) to help lock in moisture.

Botswana’s roads have no streetlights and are shared with roaming wildlife. Seriously—cows, antilopes, and even elephants might cross your path. Driving at night is risky, so either avoid it or go very slow if you absolutely must be on the road.