Botswana

Located in the in the southern region of the African continent, Botswana is home to an incredible fauna and one of the prefered destinations for safaris, offering a unique and authentic African travel experience.

With a population of just over 2 million people, it is one of the least densely populated countries in the world, and vast stretches of wilderness remain untouched by human development. Botswana is home to some of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, such as the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Kalahari Desert.

Things to do

Discover Botswana’s top sights, from safaris to cultural landmarks.

Travel Tips

Key advice for a safe and smooth trip to Botswana.

Getting Around

How to travel within Botswana, from flights to 4x4s.

What to wear

Dress smart for the weather, wildlife, and culture.

Speak the Basics

Essential phrases to help you navigate daily interactions in Botswana.

Tipping Guide

Who to tip and how much in Botswana.

Visa Requirements

Check if you need a visa before visiting.

Traditional Food

Taste Botswana’s flavors, from local staples to rich culinary traditions.

Maun

Maun, Botswana’s safari capital and the gateway to the Okavango Delta. Learn why this laid-back town is the best starting point...

Kasane

Discover Kasane, Botswana’s gateway to Chobe National Park and the majestic Victoria Falls. Explore why this small...

Gaborone

Explore Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana, where modern city life meets local culture. Discover top attractions, things to do...

Bucket List & Attractions

Looking for more? Check our post about the best things to do in Botswana!

Best things to do in Botswana

Why Visit Botswana

Wildlife Paradise

Botswana offers a blend of unique habitats and incredible wildlife, including a high number of rare species that can be seen on safari. The country is home to over 600 different species of birds, making it a dream destination for birdwatchers. It also boasts the largest concentration of elephants on the African continent and hosts the world’s second-largest zebra migration—up to 25,000 zebras begin their journey each November in search of water and food.

Landscapes

Botswana’s landscapes shift dramatically from deserts to lush deltas. At the heart of it all lies the Okavango Delta, one of the last remaining unspoiled wilderness areas in Africa. As the world’s third-largest inland delta, it’s a haven for diverse wildlife, lagoons, lakes, and winding waterways—a true must-see.

Exclusivity

Due to its commitment to conservation and the remoteness of its parks, access to Botswana’s wilderness areas isn’t always easy—or cheap. Many lodges can only be reached by small aircraft, adding to the sense of exclusivity. You won’t find crowded tourist spots here. Because of these remote settings, internet access is often limited, giving you the rare opportunity to disconnect and fully embrace the peace and quiet of nature.

Safaris

As previously mentioned, Botswana is one of the top safari destinations in Africa thanks to its diverse fauna and pristine ecosystems. Safari options range from classic 4×4 game drives and peaceful boat safaris to horseback tours and guided walking excursions—sometimes even with San Bushmen, one of Botswana’s indigenous communities. There’s no shortage of ways to explore the wild.

Are you ready to start discovering Botswana?

Here are the tours I did and personally recommend:

Location &Information

Name: Republic of Botswana
Capital: Gaborone
Official Languages: English, Setswana
Independence from the United Kingdom
Currency: Botswana Pula
Time Zone: UTC + 2 (Central Africa Time)

Location & Information

Name: Republic of Botswana
Capital: Gaborone
Official Languages: English, Setswana
Independence from the United Kingdom
Currency: Botswana Pula
Time Zone: UTC + 2 (Central Africa Time)

What to expect

Language

The official language of Botswana is English, although Setswana is widely spoken across the country.

Electricity

In Botswana the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. That’s the standard voltage in the UK, Europe, Australia and most of Asia and Africa; If you are traveling from the US you will need an adaptor

Currency

The currency of Botswana is the Botswana pula, which is commonly abbreviated as BWP. Fun fact: the word “Pula” literally means “rain” in Setswana. You will need to exchange your currency at the airport of tourism centers. 1 USD is equivalent to about 13 Pula (as of 2025).

Climate

Botswana has a semi-arid climate with hot summers and mild winters, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) during the summer months of November to March.

Safety

Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa and travelers might only encounter petty crime. Common sense will get you by.

Visa Policy

Since Botswana’s visa policies can vary depending on your nationality, we’ve created a dedicated page where you can find all the details—just click the button below to learn more.

Check Visa Policy

How to get around Botswana

Getting around Botswana can be both part of the adventure and a bit of a logistical puzzle, depending on where you’re going and how much time you have. The country’s vast wilderness, remote lodges, and emphasis on conservation mean that public transportation is limited—and traveling between key destinations often requires some planning ahead.

By Air:

For travelers heading to top safari destinations like the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, or Chobe National Park, flying is often the most efficient—and sometimes the only—way to get there. Small charter flights connect Maun and Kasane to a network of remote airstrips scattered across the parks. These light aircraft provide stunning aerial views and cut down on long, bumpy drives. While pricier than overland options, they’re a huge time-saver and part of what makes a Botswana safari feel so exclusive.

By Car (Self-Drive or Guided):

If you’re up for an adventure and have experience with 4×4 vehicles, self-driving is a great way to explore Botswana’s national parks and less-touristy areas. But be warned—many of the roads are unpaved, and during the rainy season, some become nearly impassable. If you’re planning to self-drive, especially into the parks, a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential.

For those not comfortable driving themselves, guided road transfers and overland tours are widely available, especially between towns like Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone. Many safari lodges also offer pick-up services from major towns or airstrips as part of their packages.

By Bus or Minibus (Combis):

Public transport exists, mostly in the form of minibuses or shared taxis (called combis), which connect larger towns and cities. They’re affordable and great for short trips between places like Gaborone and Francistown or Maun and Serowe. However, they don’t reach the more remote national parks or safari camps, so they’re better suited for budget travelers sticking to urban areas.

By Boat or Mokoro:

In areas like the Okavango Delta or along the Chobe River, water is your highway. Traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) rides and motorboat transfers are not just scenic—they’re often the only way to get to your lodge.

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