12-Day Luxury Safari Adventure through Botswana: Discover Chobe, Okavango and Victoria Falls

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.

Passport

To travel to Botswana, you need a valid passport. Your Dutch passport must be valid for at least six months upon arrival in Botswana.

Visa

Whether you need a visa depends on the length of your stay:

• Short stay (up to 90 days): If you are traveling with a Dutch passport and staying in Botswana for 90 days or less, you do not need a visa.

• Long stay (more than 90 days): For stays longer than 90 days a visa is required.
  (Please contact the Consulate of Botswana in Amsterdam for the most up-to-date information.)

It is advisable to withdraw local currency upon arrival, so you have cash available. While ATMs work well in most countries, in some places they can be less reliable. Local people also generally prefer payment in their own currency rather than USD.

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

Getting around Botswana is straightforward, though infrastructure varies between cities and rural areas.

• Air travel: Major airports are located in Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane. Domestic carriers such as Mack Air and Kalahari Air connect safari hubs and remote areas. International flights mainly arrive via Gaborone and Maun.

• Roads: Botswana has a good network of paved roads between major towns, but gravel roads are common in rural and safari regions. An international driving permit is required if your license is not in English. Car rental is widely available.

• Taxis & ride services: Taxis operate in cities, though ride‑hailing apps like Uber are not yet available.

• Buses: Intercity bus services are limited, and local city bus networks are minimal.

• Rail: A passenger train runs between Francistown, Gaborone, and Lobatse, including overnight services.

• Water transport: Ferries and water taxis are not part of the transport system; travel is mainly by road or air.

Vaccinations are an important part of travel preparation, as they protect against diseases that may occur in certain regions. Always check which vaccinations are recommended for your destination well in advance.

For the latest and most accurate advice, contact the GGD (Municipal Health Service) or visit their website. Provide details about your destination, travel duration, and health situation so they can advise you properly.

Remember that some vaccines need time to become effective, so arrange them early. In addition to vaccinations, protect your health by practicing good hygiene, avoiding unsafe food and water, and using mosquito repellent in areas with malaria risk.

For travel to Botswana, no vaccinations are mandatory, but several are recommended. Good preparation is important, as there are health risks such as malaria and schistosomiasis. Mosquito protection and a small travel health kit are essential for safe travel.

Recommended vaccinations:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP)

• Hepatitis A

Depending on travel plans and personal health:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Hepatitis B

• Tuberculosis

• Rabies

• Yellow Fever (in specific cases)

Key points to note:

• Malaria: risk in parts of Botswana → malaria tablets and mosquito protection (DEET, bed nets)

• Schistosomiasis: avoid contact with fresh surface water

• Practical: carry oral rehydration salts (ORS), a thermometer, and anti-diarrheal medication

Botswana is considered one of Africa’s safest destinations, but it’s still wise to take sensible precautions:

• After dark: Avoid walking alone at night, especially in quiet or poorly lit areas.

• Valuables: Keep passports, cash, and electronics secure; don’t carry them openly in public.

• Driving: Always lock your car doors while driving and keep windows closed at traffic lights.

• ATMs: Use machines in well‑lit, secure locations and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash.

• Wildlife areas: Follow guide instructions carefully; never wander off alone in reserves or parks.

By staying alert and practicing these habits, you can enjoy Botswana’s welcoming atmosphere and stunning landscapes with peace of mind.

Food and Water Safety

• Tap water: Safe to drink in major cities.

• Fresh fruit and vegetables: Safe if washed or peeled in major cities.

• Ice: Generally safe in major cities.

• Meat: Safe if thoroughly cooked and served hot.

• Street food: Exercise caution; hygiene standards vary.

Local Cuisine Botswana’s cuisine is centered around meat such as goat, beef, chicken, and freshwater fish, accompanied by maize meal known locally as pap. Adventurous eaters may want to try Mopane Worms, a traditional delicacy, while those with a sweet tooth can enjoy desserts made with Kalahari Truffles or taste the unusual Marula fruit. Interestingly, watermelon is believed to have originated here.

Drinks

• Bojalwaja Setswana: A traditional beer brewed from fermented sorghum seeds.

Tipping

• Around 10% is customary in restaurants (often included in the bill).

• It is also common to tip safari drivers and guides.

Botswana enjoys a warm, semi‑arid climate with plenty of sunshine year‑round. Average annual rainfall is around 475 mm, with most rain falling between November and March.

• Summer (Nov–Mar): Hot and sometimes humid, with daytime highs around 31°C and lows near 20°C.

• Winter (Apr–Sep): Dry and pleasantly cooler, with highs around 23°C and lows near 10–12°C at night.

The best time to visit is during the dry winter months (April to September). The weather is comfortable, and wildlife gathers around water sources, making safari experiences especially rewarding.

What to Pack for Botswana
Botswana’s climate is warm and sunny most of the year, but temperatures vary between seasons.

• Spring & Summer (Nov–Mar): Days are hot, so bring light, breathable clothing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light sweater or jacket is useful.

• Autumn & Winter (Apr–Sep): Mornings and nights can be chilly, especially in the desert. Pack sweaters, jackets, and comfortable layers. A warm hat, scarf, and gloves are handy for early game drives.

• General essentials: A wide‑brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are musts. Comfortable walking shoes are ideal for safaris and city strolls. A raincoat or umbrella is useful during the summer rains. Don’t forget a swimsuit for lodges with pools, and casual or smart‑casual attire for dining.

Staying connected in Botswana is easier than ever. Roaming from Europe can be costly, so arranging local connectivity is recommended. The most practical option is to buy a local SIM or eSIM upon arrival. Orange Botswana and Mascom Wireless are the leading providers, offering reliable 4G and expanding 5G coverage in cities and tourist areas.

For convenience, an Orange Travel eSIM is a strong choice, as it saves you the hassle of buying a physical SIM card. International travelers can also use global eSIM providers such as Saily, which allow activation before departure.

Public Wi-Fi is available in hotels, lodges, restaurants, and shopping malls, but it’s not widespread in rural areas. In remote regions, connectivity may be limited.

Plug Type: D/G/M
Voltage (V): 230 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 
 

A travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
Be careful! Most universal world adapters cannot be connected to Type D and M sockets. Make sure you also buy a connector suitable for Type D and M outlets.

Zimbabwe is a nation of spectacular natural beauty, friendly people, and rich culture. Once affected by political instability, the country is now returning to a state of balance and is emerging as a must-visit destination in Africa.

Visitors are drawn to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls, known locally as ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The power of the water plunging into the Zambezi Gorge is simply unforgettable. Lake Kariba, with its game-rich shores and islands, offers idyllic safari opportunities and breathtaking sunsets. Wildlife enthusiasts will love Hwange National Park, famous for its enormous elephant herds, and adventurous travelers can take a kayak trip down the Zambezi through Mana Pools National Park, spotting crocodiles, hippos, and other remarkable wildlife along the way.

With its friendly locals, lively markets, and a rich cultural heritage, Zimbabwe blends adventure, nature, and history into an unforgettable African experience.

Dutch travelers need a visa to enter Zimbabwe. It is important to check the latest travel advice and entry requirements on the official Rijksoverheid travel site before your trip.

Visa options:

• Tourist visa: Usually valid for 30 or 90 days, depending on your nationality.

• Single entry eVisa: Can be applied for online at the official government portal.

• Visa on arrival: Available for many nationalities at international airports, but confirm in advance.

Requirements for all travelers:

• Valid passport with at least six months validity.

• Proof of return or onward travel.

• Travel health information, including vaccination certificates if required.

• Visa fees payable online or at arrival.

The official currency of Zimbabwe is the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL), but the country also widely uses US Dollars (USD) and sometimes South African Rand (ZAR) for everyday transactions. Cash is king, especially outside major cities.

Practical tips:

• Keep some small denominations in USD for taxis, markets, and tipping.

• Credit and debit cards are accepted in hotels, large restaurants, and some shops in Harare and Victoria Falls, but cash is essential in rural areas.

• ATMs are available in major cities, but can sometimes be unreliable.

• Mobile money services like Ecocash are popular for local payments.

• Always check the current exchange rate before exchanging money and use official banks or licensed bureaus.

Getting around Zimbabwe is relatively easy, though roads and transport options vary.

• Driving: Zimbabwe drives on the left-hand side. Road conditions are generally good on main highways, but rural roads may be rough. 4x4 vehicles are recommended for safari parks.

• Public transport: Buses and minibuses (kombis) are available between cities, but they can be crowded and less predictable.

• Domestic flights: Local airlines connect major cities and tourist areas like Victoria Falls.

• Taxis and ride-hailing: Registered taxis are safe in cities; apps like Uber may be available in Harare.

• Safari transfers: Many lodges and tour companies provide reliable transportation to national parks.

Vaccinations are an important part of travel preparation, as they protect against diseases that may occur in certain regions. Always check which vaccinations are recommended for your destination well in advance.

For the latest and most accurate advice, contact the GGD (Municipal Health Service) or visit their website. Provide details about your destination, travel duration, and health situation so they can advise you properly.

Remember that some vaccines need time to become effective, so arrange them early. In addition to vaccinations, protect your health by practicing good hygiene, avoiding unsafe food and water, and using mosquito repellent in areas with malaria risk.

For travel to Zimbabwe, no vaccinations are mandatory, but several are recommended.

Recommended vaccinations:

• Diphtheria, Tetanus, Polio (DTP)

• Hepatitis A

Depending on travel duration and personal situation:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

• Yellow fever (mandatory only when arriving from a risk country)

• Hepatitis B

• Rabies

• Tuberculosis

Key points:

• Malaria: There is a risk in Zimbabwe → malaria tablets and mosquito protection (DEET, bed nets) are advised.

• Schistosomiasis: Avoid contact with fresh surface water.

• Other mosquito-borne diseases: Mosquitoes can also transmit dengue, chikungunya, and zika → effective insect protection is important.

• Practical: Carry ORS to prevent dehydration, diarrhea medication, and a mosquito net.

Zimbabwe is generally a safe destination for travelers, but like anywhere, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings and take some precautions. The main risks are petty crime in urban areas, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and theft from vehicles.

Tips to stay safe:

• Avoid walking alone at night, especially in cities like Harare and Bulawayo.

• Keep valuables like passports, cash, and electronics secure and out of sight.

• Be cautious when using ATMs and avoid withdrawing large amounts of cash at once.

• Road safety: driving can be challenging outside main cities due to poorly maintained roads and unexpected obstacles. Always drive carefully and avoid driving at night in rural areas.

• Wildlife safety: when visiting national parks or reserves, always follow park rules and guides’ instructions. Keep a safe distance from wild animals.

• Local advice: pay attention to travel advisories and news updates, and ask locals or your guides for current safety tips.

Despite these precautions, most visitors experience Zimbabwe as welcoming and safe, especially when following common-sense guidelines and traveling with organized tours in more remote areas.

Zimbabwe offers a rich and hearty culinary experience that reflects its diverse cultures and rural traditions. Food here is fresh, flavorful, and often simple, with meals usually shared among family and friends.

Must-try traditional dishes:

• Sadza: The staple of Zimbabwean meals, a thick maize meal porridge served with meat, vegetables, or sauces.

• Nyama: Grilled meat, usually beef, goat, or chicken, often paired with sadza or vegetables.

• Muriwo: Leafy green vegetables, cooked with peanuts, onions, or tomatoes. A common vegetarian option.

• Mapopo: Papaya dishes, fresh or cooked, often served as a side.

• Samp & Beans: Corn kernels mixed with beans, slow-cooked and seasoned.

Street food and snacks:

• Vetkoek: Fried dough balls, often stuffed with meat or beans.

• Biltong: Dried, spiced meat, similar to jerky, popular as a snack.

Drinks:

• Chibuku: Traditional sorghum beer.

• Local beers: Try beers like Castle or Lion Lager for a true Zimbabwean taste.

• Fresh fruit juices and maheu, a fermented maize drink, are widely available

Zimbabwe has a subtropical climate, with hot summers and cool winters. The country experiences two main seasons:

• Wet season (November to March): Heavy rainfalls, mostly in the afternoons. Ideal for lush landscapes and birdwatching but can affect road travel.

• Dry season (April to October): Mild temperatures and little rain, perfect for safaris and exploring Victoria Falls.

Regional variations:

• Highveld (central plateau): Cooler temperatures, especially at night, between 10-25°C.

• Lowveld (south and east): Warmer, temperatures can reach 30°C during the dry season.

• Victoria Falls region: Warm and humid with more rainfall during the wet season.

When traveling in Zimbabwe, consider both the climate and local culture when packing.

General tips:

• Comfortable and breathable clothes for hot days, especially in lowveld and Victoria Falls.

• Layering for cooler evenings and highland regions.

• Sun protection: Hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are essential.

Safari attire:

• Neutral colors like khaki, beige, and olive help you blend with wildlife.

• Long sleeves and pants protect against sun and insects.

• Comfortable shoes suitable for walking and light hikes.

Urban and cultural visits:

• Respectful clothing: Shoulders and knees covered, especially in villages or religious sites.

• Light, practical clothing is recommended for city tours and market visits.

Beachwear:

• Swimsuits are fine at pools and resorts but use a cover-up outside these areas.

Internet in Zimbabwe is available mostly in cities and tourist areas, but coverage is limited in rural regions.

• Wi-Fi: Available in most hotels, lodges, cafes, and restaurants in Harare, Bulawayo, and Victoria Falls. Always ask for the password.

• Mobile internet: Local SIM cards are available from Econet, NetOne, and Telecel. Prepaid plans are popular and affordable.

• eSIM: Apps like Saily may work for eSIM setups, but coverage depends on mobile network availability.

• Tips: Mobile data can be slower in remote areas. Consider offline maps and download essential apps before traveling.

In Zimbabwe, electricity is supplied at a voltage of 230V and a frequency of 50Hz, which is standard in many countries. The most common plugs and sockets are Type D, G, and M, so it’s important to check if your devices are compatible or bring a suitable adapter.

Tips for using electricity safely:

• Most modern electronics and chargers support 230V, but check your devices before plugging in.

• Bring a travel adapter if your plugs are different from Type D, G, or M.

• Power cuts can occur occasionally, especially in rural areas, so having a portable power bank is useful.

• Hotels, lodges, and guesthouses usually have stable electricity, but in remote safari camps, electricity may be limited to certain hours.