Botswana is a breathtaking country situated in Southern Africa. It is a nature-lovers paradise, offering an array of natural wonders, wildlife wonders, and cultural experiences to explore. From the vibrant colors of the Okavango Delta to the peace and serenity of the Chobe National Park, Botswana is a destination of unparalleled beauty.
This Botswana travel guide will take you through the must-see attractions, the best places to stay, and plenty of tips for making your Botswana journey unforgettable.
Overview of Botswana
Botswana, located in Southern Africa, is a landlocked country bordered by Zambia to the north, Namibia to the west, Zimbabwe to the east, and South Africa to the south. Formerly named Bechuanaland, Botswana retained its name after gaining its independence in 1966 after being under British rule since 1885. Its diverse landscape includes vast stretches of desert along with large salt pans and open savannas rich in wildlife.
Modern-day Botswana offers tourists many sites and experiences, such as safari game reserves, scenic rivers, and lush waterfalls. Get up close and personal with some of Africa’s most majestic creatures, like elephants, lions, and white rhinos, at game parks like Chobe National Park or drive through the Kalahari Desert for an unforgettable experience of glimmering night skies without light pollution. Experience some of Africa’s most vibrant culture as you explore its bustling cities filled with lively markets with vendors from all over Botswana featuring traditional music and craftwork from across the nation. Adventurers are sure to find something they love, whether you prefer experiencing breathtaking wildlife or learning about local culture.
Climate and Geography
Botswana is a landlocked country located in the heart of Southern Africa. It is an open, vibrant, and democratic nation with a diverse landscape ranging from dry savannas to marshy delta areas in the south. Owing to its location within the tropics, Botswana enjoys a semi-arid climate with warm summers and mild winters between November and March.
The country’s topography is divided into three distinct geographic areas:
- The Kalahari Desert, located in the central region of Botswana, encompasses over 70 percent of its total landmass. Red dunes, sparse vegetation, and large salt pans characterize this area.
- The savannahs, grasslands, and scrublands found in Botswana’s southeastern section include pans (depressions held by aquifers) and hills made largely of sandstone which can rise several hundred feet above sea level.
- The Okavango Delta covers portions of Northern Botswana near the Namibian border traversing gradually from savannahs further north until it reaches swamps near Angola’s Caprivi Strip. This region attracts countless tourists due to its dense vegetation and diverse wildlife, including antelope and elephants that inhabit this area year-round, crocodiles, and hippopotamus during certain parts of the year.
Getting Around
With the many options available for getting around Botswana, it’s easy to see why it is so well-loved by travelers. From buses and trains to rental cars and flights, getting to your destination is easy and convenient. And when you arrive, you can explore the country on foot, by bike, or even by mokoro – a traditional dugout canoe.
Let’s take a look at all of your options for getting around Botswana:
Air Travel
Air travel is a convenient and often affordable option for visitors wanting to explore Botswana or travel within the country. Botswana has a well-developed network of domestic flights operated by two main airlines: Air Botswana and South African Airways (SAA). Some smaller airlines also offer charter services that might be more easily accessible for those traveling to remote parts of the country.
Air Botswana offers several daily flights from its main hub at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, connecting flights to smaller airports like Francistown, Maun, and Kasane. Itineraries often include stopovers in nearby countries such as Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Zambia. For those traveling across Southern Africa, there are also direct international connections to Caprivi in Namibia and Johannesburg in South Africa with Air Botswana and SAA.
South African Airways (SAA) operates daily flights from its main base at O R Tambo International Airport (JVI) in Johannesburg, with connections throughout the region, including destinations such as Victoria Falls and Windhoek, which are popular tourist hotspots. Prices vary according to season, so always check before booking your tickets.
Road Travel
Botswana’s roads are mostly paved, but some secondary roads could be in poor condition and prone to flooding during the rainy season (October to April). Those driving in rural areas should always exercise caution and look out for livestock, wildlife, and other potential hazards.
The speed limit on most of Botswana’s roads outside cities is 120km/hour. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 60km/hour. It is highly recommended that you adhere to all regulations while driving throughout Botswana, as strict penalties will apply otherwise – including fines or imprisonment.
Most of the major roads in Botswana originate from Gaborone, the country’s capital. Major highways lead north towards Namibia, south towards South Africa, and northeast towards Zambia or Zimbabwe. A Four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended if you plan to explore off-road destinations such as Chobe National Park.
It is also possible to rent a 4 x 4 vehicle inside Gaborone or at any major airports: Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and Maun International Airport outside Maun in northern Botswana. However, it is advised that you book your rental car well in advance due to limited availability due to high levels of tourism during peak season (July – September).
Rail Travel
Rail travel is one of the most comfortable ways to explore Botswana and one of the most scenic. Unfortunately, there is no passenger service throughout the country; however, a few routes can be useful for travelers who want to explore beyond Botswana’s borders.
The TransNamib Express links Windhoek in Namibia with Bulawayo in Zimbabwe via Lobatse and Francistown. This line connects with branches from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls and Lobatse to Gaborone. It is best pursued during the dry winter when excessive dampness can steam up windows and cause breakdowns during rainy-season travel.
The international link between Lobatse, Gaborone, and Harare (Zimbabwe) was restored in January 2009 after being closed for eighteen years due to the civil war in Zimbabwe. The service departs twice weekly and operates on Thursdays and Sundays at 1 pm from Gaborone train station. Single adult fares are charged at BW$ 67 from Lobatse to Harare, departing Gaborone Train Station at 3:15 pm on Thursdays or Sundays. Alternatively, round-trip Harare return tickets can also be purchased for a discounted price of ZW$420 / BW$110 (USD 10). Please note all tickets must be purchased on arrival at the station before boarding. Luggage is restricted to 20 kg per person on this route – any excess over 20 kg will attract additional charges collected from passengers at boarding time by railway security personnel before departing station premises. No weapons or hazardous materials, such as chemicals, etc., will be allowed onboard this train journey. Travelers should also take care not to leave behind luggage while disembarking, as they may result in partial or total loss due lack of attention by security personnel during train movement transitions.
Accommodations
Botswana offers a variety of accommodations depending on your budget and the type of experience you are looking for. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly hostels, travelers have plenty of options. Additionally, you can choose from traditional lodges, camping sites, and even self-catering villas.
This guide will provide an overview of the accommodations available in Botswana to help you plan your perfect trip:
- Luxury resorts
- Budget-friendly hostels
- Traditional lodges
- Camping sites
- Self-catering villas
Hotels
Botswana’s capital city, Gaborone, has many accommodations, including luxury hotels, mid-range accommodation centers, and budget-friendly guest houses. Here is an overview of the different types of accommodation options available in Gaborone:
- Luxury Hotels: These hotels offer the ultimate in comfort, with spacious rooms, gourmet restaurants, and top-notch services. Some are conveniently located near the airport for easy access to other areas in the city.
- Mid-Range Accommodation Centers: Mid-range accommodation centers offer a great alternative for those traveling on a tight budget who don’t want to compromise on quality and services. They often boast excellent amenities like air conditioning units, minibars, and pools or spas that guests can use.
- Budget-Friendly Guest Houses: For those looking to save money while still having access to basic amenities such as kitchens or rooms with en-suite bathrooms, budget guest houses can be ideal. Some offer free Wi-Fi or room service too.
Camping and Lodges
Botswana offers many accommodations, from basic camping to luxurious lodges and resorts. Those wishing a more adventurous vacation may camp in Botswana’s protected parks or national forests. At the same time, those seeking a classic African safari experience can opt for lodges and camps in these areas.
Most camping sites are basic but have all the necessary amenities, such as running water, toilets, and showers. In addition, some self-catering sites often have facilities such as barbeque pits and communal fireplaces for those who intend to stay for an extended period.
For travelers who want a more comfortable stay and expect luxuries from staying in a hotel establishment, there are various lodges scattered throughout Botswana in remote or urban areas. These campsites offer private accommodations with all the trimmings, such as fine dining experiences, full-service bars, game drives, and spa treatments at select locations. In addition, most lodges have Wi-Fi connections, air-conditioning units on request, and friendly staff available to assist guests should they need any help throughout their stay.
Attractions
Botswana is a landlocked nation with an extensive and diverse array of attractions, ranging from natural wonders such as the Okavango Delta and the Chobe National Park to national monuments and cultural sites. So whether you’re looking for a wildlife safari adventure, a cultural immersion experience, or just a chance to relax, Botswana has something for everyone.
In this travel guide, we will explore some of the many attractions Botswana has to offer:
National Parks
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. It is home to many stunning wildlife, wild desert landscapes, and awe-inspiring national parks. Botswana’s national parks provide visitors with some of the best safari experiences in the world.
The Okavango Delta is one of the world’s largest inland delta systems and Botswana’s most visited attraction. The delta covers more than 15 000 square kilometers and is home to vast species of birdlife, antelope, and game fish.
Chobe National Park is another popular destination for travelers; it borders Zimbabwe and Zambia and can be accessed via road or boat cruise trips along the Chobe riverfront.
The Moremi Game Reserve on the eastern side of the Okavango Delta offers excellent game viewing on both lands by vehicle and water by traditional mokoro canoe trips – one of Botswana’s oldest modes of transport dating back centuries ago.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve in central Botswana covers an area over 52,800 square kilometers in size—the second largest game reserve in the world—and features undulating savannah grasslands filled with huge baobab trees amidst pockets of open woodland sites teeming with predators, including lions, cheetahs and wild dogs preying on herds of antelopes species such as springbok, gemsbok (oryx), kudu and eland around its pans (seasonally flooded salt pans). The reserve also offers visitors a chance to view some small desert antelopes known as steenbok along the fringe areas around human settlements near its northern regions.
Moreover, Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located at Botswana’s border with South Africa, comprises 31 500 square kilometers along the border, including both countries’ sides which are now connected, offering visitors an opportunity for an exciting multi-country safari experience across two unique landscapes within one park – desert dunes amidst red-hued rift valley cliffs filled harboring exceptional birds including greater flamingos. Visitors can spot unique animal species such as cheetahs and naughty meerkats at this park or experience thrilling night drives around its campsites inside these vast open spaces filled with stars undisturbed by modern city lights – revealing just how little humans were able to explore before they were able to spread out this much due how past small settlements were compared to what we have today!
Wildlife Viewing
Botswana is home to many species of wildlife and is a premier destination for viewing some of Africa’s most iconic animals in their natural environment. Some of the animals you can expect to find in Botswana are the big cats, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and black-maned Kalahari lions. Other favorites include African elephants, giraffes, blue wildebeest, impala, buffalo, and hippos.
One of the best ways to observe these incredible creatures is on a wildlife safari in Central or Southern Africa. You will be taken on guided game drives where you can observe animals from the safety and comfort of a vehicle or boat on up-close river tours with experienced guides. Your guide will help you understand animal behavior, habitat preferences, and predators so that you can appreciate the complexity of each species’ role in its ecosystem.
Birders will also enjoy the variety that Botswana offers due to its considerable range in elevation. Species such as Ostriches, Secretary Birds, and Crowned Cranes are easy sightings, while raptor species like Ayres Hawk Eagles are commonly spotted by keen eyes soaring above riverbeds. Ornithologists have recorded upwards of 500 species within Botswana’s parks, making them an ideal destination for amateur birders and researchers alike.
Cultural Experiences
Botswana is a vast country with an incredibly diverse landscape, ranging from bustling cities and rural villages to the dry vastness of the Kalahari Desert. Home to a rich cultural heritage, it offers many opportunities for visitors to explore and gain knowledge about its people and traditions.
From traditional weddings to full-bodied music, art, and dance styles – each region has its distinctive culture that visitors can experience firsthand. Nightlife in central Botswana typically involves lively gatherings of family and friends in the cities with drinks, music, and performances. Markets are hosted frequently throughout the country, featuring local artisanal crafts, cultural artifacts, native wildlife produce from local farms, food trucks, and more.
Cultural experiences in Botswana extend beyond music, arts, and markets as there are many historic sites around the country where one can learn about its history, as well as numerous activities like game drives across national parks or birding safaris on lake delta tours. There is also particular attention to conserving natural resources by implementing sustainable practices that promote eco-tourism while protecting endangered species like rhinos and lions in nature reserves. Additionally, theater performances are held at various venues focusing on traditional live storytelling or literature readings compiled by local authors, which often reference pre-colonial tribal tales or contemporary urban life in Botswana’s larger cities.
Safety and Health
Botswana is a safe and healthy place to visit. However, there are some safety and health guidelines that visitors should be aware of before traveling. Botswana has excellent healthcare infrastructure, and the World Health Organisation (WHO) regularly runs vaccinations. Protecting yourself from exposure to diseases and other health concerns while traveling is also important.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the key safety and health tips you should consider before visiting Botswana:
Vaccinations and Medications
Before traveling to Botswana, ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. You should be sure to get an influenza shot at least six weeks before your trip. If you plan on participating in any outdoor activities, getting a tetanus shot and some additional immunizations is also a good idea, depending on your previous health history.
Other medications may also be necessary during your trip, particularly if you are prone to motion sickness or traveling to a remote rural area for any time. Before you leave, talk with your doctor about which medication and doses may be best for you and your individual needs. Also, bring enough supplies of the medications you may need while in Botswana – these may not be readily available in the country.
Travel Insurance
Before any trip, it is wise to invest in good travel insurance. It is especially true for visits to Botswana, where medical treatment and evacuation may be limited or inaccessible to tourists. In addition, make sure the policy you purchase covers the activities you plan on undertaking during your trip (i.e., safari, adventure sports). Although it may seem expensive, travel insurance can save travelers significant financial losses in the event of an accident or medical emergency.
Included in most travel insurance policies should be the following:
- Personal injury coverage
- Medical coverage (including medical evacuation)
- Trip interruption/cancellation coverage
Policies should protect against losing possessions, including baggage and items such as cameras or other electronics. Be sure to discuss options with your travel agent or insurer in detail so that you are fully aware of what each policy entails before buying.
If you choose to purchase a policy with an international insurer, ensure that the level of coverage meets Botswana’s requirements and that payments can be accepted from outside the country before buying a policy with them. In addition, consider adding end-trip coverage, which reimburses travelers’ out-of-pocket expenses if their return flight home is delayed beyond a certain number of hours due to weather, strikes, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Safety Tips
Botswana is a safe and secure place to visit, but like anywhere in the world, it is wise to take certain precautions to avoid any potential danger or embarrassment. Therefore, staying informed about safety and security before traveling is always a good idea.
When traveling around Botswana, you should also be aware of your belongings and avoid showing off expensive items like jewelry or electronics. Pick-pocketing and petty theft can occur in crowded markets or busy tourist areas. Avoid walking alone at night and protect your valuables from prying eyes by carrying them close or in a bag that has a hard-to-reach pocket sewn into it.
Medical treatment in Botswana is often limited, so ensure you have adequate travel insurance coverage before traveling in case of injury or illness. In addition, make sure you carry an ample supply of any needed medications, as well as protection against mosquito bites, such as DEET lotion.
Below are some tips for staying safe during your travels:
- Travel with photocopies of your passport, driver’s license, or other important documents rather than carrying the originals with you at all times
- Avoid displaying signs of wealth, such as expensive jewelry.
- Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t take unnecessary risks.
- Keep communication channels open with trusted family members back home.
- Keep up with current information through local media outlets.
- Research medical centers near areas where you plan to travel