Despite recent and surprisingly rapid modernization, Botswana’s cities provide little in the way of tourist attractions. However, what the cities lack in excitement, the surrounding wilderness areas more than make up for in outstanding natural beauty. The country’s primary tourist draw card is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world provide a haven for an abundance of African wildlife. Other highlights include the impressive Makgadikgadi salt pans where visitors are privy to massive zebra migrations during the flood season; the Savuti plains which host large prides of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Banking and Currency
Currency:
Local currency: Pula (BWP)
Symbol: P
ISO code: BWP
Central bank: Bank of Botswana
Subunit: Thebe
Banknotes: P100, P50, P20, P10
Coins: P5, P2, P1; T50, T25, T10, T5
Banking:
Card Transactions: Yes
ATMs: Yes
Mastercard: Generally, no
Visa: Yes
American Express: Generally, no
Diner’s club: Generally, no
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08h00 or 09h00 – 16h15 or 17h15
Weekends: 08h00 or 09h00 – 10h45 or 12h00
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Airports in major cities
Main airlines: Mack Air and Kalahari Air
International Airports: In major cities
Road:
Tar roads: Yes
Gravel roads: Yes
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes, if your national licence is not in English. If your national licence is in English, you may use it for up to 6 months.
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No, but similar services
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: No
Local city bus networks: No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes, overnight train from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse.
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: No
Water taxis: No
Leisure cruises: No
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: Yes within major cities
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes within major cities
Ice: Yes within major cities
Meat: Yes within major cities
Street food: Yes within major cities
Local cuisine: Food centres around meat such as goat, beef, chicken and fresh water fish, and a maize meal known locally as “pap”. Adventurous culinary enthusiasts may want to try the traditional speciality of Mopane Worms, while those with a sweet tooth should make sure to sample the local Kalahari Truffles (made as a dessert) and unusual fruit called Marula. It is believed that watermelon originated here.
Drinks: Bojalwaja Setswana (the beer of Botswana) - created using fermented sorghum seeds.
Tipping: 10%, usually added to the bill at restaurants. It is also customary to tip game drivers and guides.
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: 475 mm
Average temperature: 27°C
Summer:
Average in highs: 31°C
Average in lows: 20°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 23°C
Average in lows: 22°C
Best time to visit: It’s best to visit Botswana between April and September – the dry winter months. At this time, animals usually stay close to their water sources, increasing your chances of seeing them.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Internet cafes: Yes in cities
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: Yes in cities
Cafes: Yes in cities
Shopping malls: Yes
Public parks: No
Libraries: Yes in cities
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: D/G
Voltage (V): 230
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50
*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.