One of Africa’s most breathtaking and unspoiled destinations, situated in the southern reaches of Africa, Botswana is renowned for its pristine wilderness areas characterised by deep lagoons, wetlands, lush palms, rugged hills and desert plains. The country’s primary tourist drawcard is undoubtedly the vast red expanse of the Kalahari Desert and its remarkably beautiful Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. These natural wonders provide a tranquil haven for an abundance of African wildlife to thrive. 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 a significant pride of lions; and the Tsodilo Hills, where 4500 rock paintings form a unique record of human settlement over many millennia.
Entry Requirements
Drones
Drones are strictly regulated in Botswana. Bringing a drone into national parks or wildlife reserves without a permit is illegal.
Permits must be obtained from the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana before flying a drone, and there are strict rules around where and when drones can be used.
For this reason, we strongly advise against bringing a drone on your trip, especially if you plan to visit safari lodges or national parks.
Travel Documents
Travelers are responsible for meeting all entry and exit requirements for Botswana and any transit countries. Failure to comply may result in denied entry or exit.
Passport: Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date and have at least three blank pages for stamps.
At immigration, you may be asked for proof of onward/return travel and accommodation details.
Children under 18 may need an unabridged birth certificate and consent from absent parents.
Visas
US, UK, EU, Australian, and most Commonwealth citizens: No visa required for stays up to 90 days.
Travelers from other countries must obtain a visa in advance via evisa.gov.bw.
Apply well in advance, as processing can take several days to weeks.
Health Entry Requirements
Yellow Fever vaccination required only if arriving from a risk country.
No COVID-19 vaccination or testing is currently required for entry.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical treatment, evacuation, and your full trip is mandatory for most lodges and safari operators.
Banking and Currency
Cash
Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP); US dollars (USD) are widely accepted for tips and some tourist areas.
ATMs: Available in major towns and airports; typically dispense Pula only. In remote areas, ATMs may be limited or run out of cash.
Tip: Bring sufficient small-denomination USD bills (new, untorn, post-2009) for tipping and small purchases in safari lodges or rural areas.
Exchange: Banks and authorized bureaus in Gaborone, Maun, and other cities can exchange foreign currency, but they only accept US Dollars, GBP Sterling, Euros and South African Rand in cash.
Credit Cards
Accepted cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted; AMEX and Diners Club are usually not accepted.
Remote areas: Some lodges, camps, and smaller shops may not accept cards or may charge a small surcharge. Debit cards are not accepted at Wilderness camps.
Tip: Notify your bank before travel to avoid blocked transactions.
Tipping Guidelines
Preferred method: Cash (USD or BWP), though some lodges allow tips via credit/debit card.
Denominations: Bring a variety of small bills ($1–$20 USD).
Lodge/camp tips: Usually given once at the end of your stay. Most lodges have a tip box for general staff; guides, trackers, and polers are often tipped separately. Please refer to your tipping guide.
Notes & organization: Use envelopes and a short thank-you note if desired. If tipping via card, leave a note for your guide/trackers indicating the amount.
Key Tips
Tipping is optional and should reflect the service received — you can adjust amounts freely.
Most lodges provide envelopes and stationery to make tipping simple and organized.
Always carry some cash in small denominations to cover tipping and incidental expenses, especially in remote safari areas.
For transfers and guided tours, tip at the end of the service; if the driver is also your guide, a single tip at the end is appropriate.
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Charter Flights
Inter‑camp transfers are done by light aircraft, usually Cessna 208 Caravans, connecting hubs like Maun or Kasane with remote safari camps.
Flights are shared with other guests and may make 1–3 stops. Departure times are confirmed the evening before.
Flights can be warm and bumpy, so keep water with you and consider motion sickness medication.
Luggage
Allowance: Typically 20 kg (44 lbs) per person, including all luggage. Extra weight can sometimes be pre-booked.
Bag type: Soft-sided bags only — no hard suitcases. 11.8in wide x13.8in high x 27,5in long.
Essentials: Keep medications, travel documents, and valuables with you; don’t pack them in checked bags.
Laundry: Most lodges offer same-day or next-day laundry, so you can pack light.
Health and Medical Information
Health Responsibilities
Travelers are responsible for meeting all health requirements to enter or transit Botswana.
Consult a medical practitioner or travel clinic at least 3 months before departure to ensure you have all required vaccines and medications.
Entry may be denied if a traveler has a fever.
Vaccinations & Certification
Obtain an International Certificate of Vaccination (“Yellow Book”), approved by WHO, to record all vaccines received.
Recommended vaccines for Botswana:
Routine vaccines: MMR, DTP, polio, influenza
Hepatitis A & B
Typhoid
Rabies (for travelers in rural/outdoor areas)
Yellow fever vaccine is required only if arriving from a yellow fever–endemic country.
Check the CDC website or your local travel clinic for the latest requirements: CDC Botswana Travel
Malaria Information
Malaria is present in northern and eastern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta and Chobe.
High risk: November–April/May (rainy season).
Low risk: Southern Botswana and Gaborone.
Prevention:
Consult your doctor for antimalarial medication.
Use insect repellent with DEET.
Wear long sleeves, pants, and socks.
Sleep in mosquito-protected or air-conditioned rooms, use bed nets where available.
If you develop a fever during or after your trip, seek medical attention promptly.
General Health Tips
Medical facilities: Better in major towns; limited in remote areas. Travel health insurance is strongly recommended.
Food & water safety: Tap water is generally safe, but bottled water is advised if unsure. Practice safe food hygiene.
Sun & heat precautions: Botswana can be very hot. Use sunscreen, stay hydrated, and avoid prolonged midday sun.
Safety Notices
General Safety
Ask hotel or lodge staff about the safety of your area.
Keep valuables, phones, and jewelry out of sight. Stay alert in public spaces and markets.
Money & Documents
Separate cash and cards; avoid carrying everything at once.
Be cautious at ATMs—shield your PIN and never accept help from strangers.
Store passports, extra cash, and valuables in your hotel or camp safe.
Transport & Roads
Lock car doors and close windows; don’t leave bags unattended in vehicles.
Use reputable transport services and follow local driving rules.
Wildlife & Nature
Follow park rules in reserves and national parks.
Stay in vehicles unless in designated safe zones and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Observe local guidance around rivers and waterways.
If you have any issues with safety at any time, please let us and your hotel know immediately.
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food & Water Safety
Tap water: Safe in major cities; in remote lodges or camps, use bottled or filtered water.
Fresh fruit & vegetables: Safe in major towns and lodges.
Ice & meat: Safe in major towns; follow standard precautions in remote areas.
Street food: Generally safe in cities.
Local Cuisine
Meals focus on meat (goat, beef, chicken), freshwater fish, and maize porridge (“pap”).
Traditional specialties: Mopane Worms (for the adventurous), Kalahari Truffles (dessert), and Marula fruit. Botswana is believed to be the origin of watermelon.
Game & grilled meats: Beef, goat, kudu, and ostrich are commonly served, often prepared in a barbecue or braai style.
Drinks
Local beer: Bojalwa jwa Setswana (fermented sorghum).
Hotels and lodges serve imported wines, spirits, and cocktails.
Hydration: Drink 2–3 liters of water daily, especially during safari or outdoor activities.
Tipping
Restaurants: 10–15%, sometimes included in the bill.
Climate and Weather
Botswana has a semi-arid to subtropical climate with a dry season (May–October) and a wet season (November–April). Weather varies by region—from the lush Okavango Delta in the north to the dry Kalahari Desert in the south and west. Seasonal concentrations of wildlife ensure all-year game viewing excellence. Large herds of elephants cross the lagoons of the Linyati in the drier winter months. Migrating zebra and apex predators make their presence known in summer.
Dry Season (May–October)
Days: Warm and sunny (20–28°C / 68–82°F).
Nights: Cool to cold (as low as 5°C / 41°F).
Conditions: Clear skies, low humidity, animals gather at waterholes.
Notes:
June–August: chilly mornings—pack warm layers for game drives.
September–October: temperatures are warming up, can be dry and dusty.
Wet Season (November–April)
Warm, humid, with afternoon thunderstorms.
Days: Hot (30–35°C / 86–95°F).
Nights: Mild (18–20°C / 64–68°F).
Landscape: Lush and green, excellent for birdwatching and seeing baby animals, lush scenery and big clouds can make for excellent photographic opportunities
Regional Variations
Okavango Delta & North: Wetter, lush vegetation, wildlife abundance.
Kalahari Desert: Hot in wet season, very cold nights in dry winter.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Botswana’s climate is mostly semi-arid, with distinct dry and wet seasons.
Dry Season (May–October / winter): Days are pleasant and sunny, often warm, but mornings and evenings can be very cold, especially in the bush. Dressing in layers is essential, with a warm layer for early mornings and evening game drives. This is also the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes. Rain is very uncommon.
Wet Season (November–April / summer): Days can be hot, humid, and sunny, with afternoon thunderstorms common. The bush is lush and green, and birdlife is at its peak, but some dirt roads may be muddy.
Okavango Delta & wilderness areas: Temperatures can vary depending on whether you’re near waterways or open plains. Early morning boat or mokoro trips can feel chilly, so bring a warm jacket even in summer.
Packing tip: Comfort and practicality are key. Layered clothing, a hat, and sun protection are essential, as is a light rain jacket during the wet season.
We recommend that you pack according to the pack list provided.
Internet Availability
Cell Signal
Cities & towns: Cell signal is generally strong and reliable in major urban areas like Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane.
Safari camps & remote areas: Most safari lodges, camps, and remote wilderness areas do not have dependable cell reception. Coverage may be intermittent or nonexistent — especially in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve, and Kalahari.
Electricity & Load Shedding
Load shedding can occur in Botswana’s major cities due to power grid demand, meaning planned or unplanned power cuts are possible.
Many hotels, lodges, shops, and restaurants are equipped with backup generators or alternative power sources to maintain electricity during outages.
In remote lodges and safari camps, power is often supplied via generators or solar systems, and electricity may be limited outside of peak hours — plan accordingly for charging devices.
Wi‑Fi & Internet Access
City hotels & cafes: Wi‑Fi is commonly available and usually strong enough for email, browsing, and social media. Some places offer faster connections suitable for video calls or light streaming.
Safari lodges/camps: Wi‑Fi may be available but is not guaranteed. When offered, it is typically provided in public areas (lounge or dining areas) rather than guest tents or rooms.
In the bush, connections are often suitable only for basic use (email, messaging); streaming or heavy data usage may not be supported. Many lodges encourage guests to enjoy the natural surroundings and disconnect from online demands.
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.
Wilderness destinations are solar powered or have generators. Hot water is supplied through geysers. Camps have 220V plug points in tents. Battery charging is available in the main areas. Power outages may occur so always pack spare batteries. All equipment should be compatible with 220V power.
