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I’ve been travelling to Botswana for years, both independently and whilst running my Rock My Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure trips, and it’s somewhere I never get tired of returning to.
Botswana is one of my favourite countries in Africa – a place of huge skies, wild encounters and some of the best safari experiences on the continent.
Most people come to Botswana for the wildlife – and rightly so. Botswana is particularly famous for its huge elephant population and is one of the best places in Africa to see elephants. This is home to the incredible Okavango Delta, the elephant-filled Chobe National Park, the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and some of the wildest, most remote safari experiences you can have in Africa.
Most people come to Botswana for the wildlife – and rightly so. Botswana is particularly famous for its huge elephant population and is one of the [best places in Africa to see elephants]. It’s also home to the incredible Okavango Delta, the elephant-filled Chobe National Park, the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and some of the wildest, most remote safari experiences you can have in Africa.
But Botswana is also quite different from many other African safari destinations. It’s vast, relatively expensive, distances can be long, you won’t always have phone signal, and some of the best places require a bit more effort to reach. But that’s also a huge part of its appeal.
You can spend your days bouncing along sandy tracks in search of lions and wild dogs, gliding silently through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro, watching elephants from a boat on the Chobe River, or sleeping in a tent in the middle of the bush with nothing but canvas between you and whatever might be wandering around outside.
And yes, you may occasionally find yourself waiting for a herd of elephants to get out of the road.
If you’re planning your first trip, there are a few things that are really useful to know beforehand – from when to visit and how much things cost, to getting around, what to pack, malaria, money, mobile signal and what it’s actually like to go on safari here.
So, based on my own travels and years of bringing groups to Botswana, I’ve put together everything I think you need to know before you go.
The best time to visit Botswana really depends on what you want to see and do. Unlike many safari destinations, Botswana is a fantastic year-round destination, with each season offering something a little different.
In general, the dry season (May to October) is considered the best time for wildlife viewing. As water sources dry up, animals gather around rivers, waterholes and the Okavango Delta, making them much easier to spot.
The weather is cooler and less humid too, although early morning game drives can be surprisingly chilly between June and August, so pack plenty of warm layers.
One of Botswana’s most fascinating natural events is the annual Okavango Delta flood. Although the rains fall hundreds of miles away in Angola between January and March, the floodwaters don’t usually reach Botswana until May or June, peaking between July and August.
This transforms the Delta into the incredible network of waterways it’s famous for and makes it one of the best times to explore by traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
If seeing huge herds of zebra is on your bucket list, visit between November and March for the Makgadikgadi zebra migration. After the first rains, tens of thousands of zebras migrate to the Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan National Parks in search of fresh grazing.
It’s thought to be Africa’s second-largest land mammal migration after the Serengeti, yet remains one of the continent’s best-kept wildlife secrets.
The green season (November to April) is often overlooked but can be incredibly rewarding. The landscapes become lush, dramatic thunderstorms sweep across the plains, and many animals give birth, so you’ll often see young wildlife.
It’s also the best time for birdwatching, with thousands of migratory birds arriving from Europe and Asia. Accommodation is often cheaper too, although some activities – such as quad biking or sleeping out on the Makgadikgadi Pans – may not be possible due to flooding, and some roads can become difficult (or impossible) to drive, particularly if you’re self-driving.
If you’re visiting Botswana primarily for safari, I’d recommend travelling between June and October. However, if you’re looking for fewer tourists, lower prices, greener landscapes or the zebra migration, don’t overlook the green season, as it offers a completely different, but equally magical, side of Botswana.
You could easily visit Botswana for just a few days – or even for a day, as it’s possible to take a day trip to Chobe National Park from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia.
But obviously, if you have longer, even better. For a proper Botswana trip, I’d suggest around 10 days, which gives you enough time to experience a few different areas without rushing. That said, you can still see some of the highlights in a week, while two weeks would allow you to explore much more of the country and potentially combine Botswana with Victoria Falls.
One of the great things about travelling to Botswana is that many nationalities don’t need a visa for short stays. For example, at the time of writing, British, EU, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand passport holders can usually enter Botswana visa-free for tourism.
However, visa requirements can change, so always check the latest requirements for your nationality before you travel.
If you’re visiting neighbouring countries such as Zambia or Zimbabwe as part of your trip, be sure to check their visa requirements too, as they may be different.
Make sure you check the current passport requirements before travelling to Botswana, including how long your passport needs to be valid for and the number of blank pages required.
You’ll need blank pages for immigration stamps, particularly if you’re combining Botswana with other countries and crossing several borders during your trip.
You won’t normally need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you’re travelling directly from the UK, US, Europe or another country without a risk of Yellow Fever.
However, if you’re arriving from, or have recently travelled through, a country where Yellow Fever is present (like Kenya or Ethiopia), you may be asked to show proof of vaccination on arrival.
Always check the latest requirements before you travel, as these can change.
Immigration officials don’t always ask for it, but it’s a good idea to have proof of your onward or return travel readily available.
This could be a return flight confirmation or evidence that you’ll be leaving Botswana for another country as part of your itinerary.
If you’re travelling on an organised tour, having a copy of your itinerary can also be useful, just in case you’re asked for details of your accommodation or travel plans.
Botswana is often considered one of Africa’s more expensive safari destinations, largely because it follows a ‘high-value, low-volume’ tourism model. This helps protect its incredible wildlife and vast wilderness areas while reducing the impact of mass tourism.
That said, Botswana doesn’t have to break the bank. There are accommodation options to suit most budgets, from campsites and simple lodges to some of the world’s most luxurious safari camps.
Botswana is also one of Africa’s most popular destinations for self-drive safaris. Hiring a standard 2WD vehicle is relatively affordable, but if you want to explore the national parks properly, you’ll usually need a fully equipped 4×4.
These, particularly those with rooftop tents and camping equipment, can become quite expensive. It’s no surprise that many South Africans simply drive their own 4x4s across the border for extended camping trips.
Personally though, I think Botswana is one of those countries that’s even better with an experienced guide. The roads through the national parks can be deep sand, navigation isn’t always straightforward, and guides know where to look for wildlife and how to safely handle the more challenging conditions.
Rather than concentrating on driving, digging yourself out of sand or wondering which track to take, you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy the incredible scenery and wildlife.
While park entrance fees are generally quite reasonable, guided safari activities can be expensive. This is largely due to the remote nature of many of Botswana’s national parks, the specialist vehicles and boats required, and the relatively small number of visitors compared with other safari destinations.
For example, a full-day game drive in Chobe National Park can cost around US$150–190 per person, including park fees. Although that might sound expensive at first, it’s actually excellent value when you consider that the price includes transport, an experienced guide and park entry.
For comparison, park fees alone in some of Africa’s most famous safari destinations can be considerably higher.
Overall, Botswana isn’t a budget safari destination, but considering the quality of the wildlife experiences, the low visitor numbers and the pristine wilderness, I think it offers excellent value for money.
If you’re comparing Botswana safari prices, SafariBookings is a useful place to see tours from different safari operators side-by-side, including itineraries, prices and reviews.
The currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP).
The word Pula actually means “rain” in Setswana – something that’s incredibly precious in this largely arid country.
While some tourist businesses accept US Dollars, you’ll generally get better value by paying in Pula whenever possible.
The easiest (and usually cheapest) way to get local currency is to withdraw Botswana Pula (BWP) from an ATM after you arrive.
You’ll find reliable ATMs in larger towns such as Maun and Kasane, and using these is generally much better value than exchanging cash at airports, hotels or bureaux de change, which often offer poorer exchange rates and charge additional fees.
If you’re travelling to remote areas or heading out on safari, I recommend withdrawing enough cash beforehand, as you may not come across another ATM for several days.
Although ATMs in the main towns are generally reliable, they can occasionally run out of cash or lose their network connection, so it’s always sensible to carry a little backup cash too.
Like many African countries, Visa is generally more widely accepted than Mastercard, both for paying by card and withdrawing cash from ATMs.
That said, Mastercard acceptance has improved significantly in recent years, and you’ll be able to use it in many places. If you have the choice, though, I’d recommend bringing a Visa card, as it’s still the more reliable option.
I also wouldn’t rely on American Express, as it’s accepted in relatively few places.
Credit and debit cards are widely accepted at most hotels, lodges, restaurants and activity providers. However, it’s still worth carrying some cash for smaller shops, local markets, tips and the occasional place that doesn’t accept cards.
When paying by card or using an ATM, you may be asked whether you’d like to pay in Botswana Pula (BWP) or your home currency (such as Pounds or US Dollars). I always choose to pay in Pula, as this usually gives you the better exchange rate. Choosing your home currency often means accepting an exchange rate set by the retailer or ATM provider.
Finally, I’d highly recommend using a bank card that doesn’t charge foreign transaction or ATM withdrawal fees, as these charges can soon add up.
Yes – I always recommend bringing some US Dollars as a backup, especially if your trip also includes countries such as Zambia or Zimbabwe.
If you do bring Dollars, make sure the notes are in good condition, with no tears or writing. It’s also worth bringing relatively recent notes, as older or damaged notes can sometimes be refused in parts of Southern Africa.
Tipping is customary in Botswana and is greatly appreciated by guides and staff working in the tourism industry.
Many safari camps and lodges provide tipping guidelines, and if you’re travelling on an organised tour, your tour leader will usually advise you on appropriate amounts.
It’s also useful to carry some smaller Pula notes for tipping porters, housekeeping staff or anyone who helps with your luggage.
Many hotels, lodges and safari camps offer WiFi, although the speed and reliability can vary considerably.
In larger towns such as Maun and Kasane, WiFi is usually good enough for checking emails, browsing the internet and using social media.
I’d let family and friends know in advance that there may be times when you’re completely out of contact for a day or two – but that’s kind of the magic of being out in the African wilderness!
If you’d rather use a local SIM card than an eSIM, they’re easy to buy once you arrive in Botswana. In my experience, Mascom and Orange tend to be the best networks.
You can usually pick one up from official network shops in towns such as Maun and Kasane.
You can also sometimes get them in supermarkets, but it’s generally easier to get one from an official shop. You’ll need to take your passport with you, as SIM cards need to be registered before they can be activated.
If your phone is compatible, I’d recommend getting an eSIM before you travel.
They’re quick to set up, often competitively priced, and save you the hassle of finding a local SIM shop when you arrive.
There are plenty of providers available, including Airalo, Nomad and Holafly, which offer Botswana data packages.
Ideally, install your eSIM before you leave home so you’re ready to get connected when you arrive. Just make sure you follow the individual provider’s instructions about when to activate it.
If you forget, don’t worry. You can usually sort it out later when you’re connected to WiFi, and most hotels and lodges offer some form of internet access.
Don’t expect to be connected all the time.
While you’ll usually have signal in the main towns, coverage becomes much less reliable once you head into the national parks.
In remote areas such as the Okavango Delta, Makgadikgadi Pans and parts of Chobe National Park, you may have little or no signal for hours – or even days – at a time.
Whilst many lodges have WiFi, speeds can vary, and if you’re camping, you’ll probably be completely offline.
Rather than seeing it as an inconvenience, embrace it! One of the best things about a Botswana safari is having the chance to switch off from emails, social media and notifications and simply enjoy being surrounded by incredible wildlife and some of the most beautiful wilderness on Earth.
There are several ways to get to Botswana, depending on where you’re travelling from and which part of the country you plan to visit.
Many international visitors arrive by flying into Maun, Kasane or the capital city, Gaborone. If you’re travelling from Europe or North America, you’ll often connect via Johannesburg in South Africa, although there are connections through other African hubs too.
Depending on your itinerary, you could also fly into Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Livingstone in Zambia and travel overland to Kasane.
This is a popular option if you’re combining Botswana with a visit to Victoria Falls, as it’s relatively easy to cross the border between the countries.
Many travellers choose to combine Botswana with neighbouring countries such as Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa, either on a self-drive adventure or as part of a multi-country itinerary.
One of the things I love about Southern Africa is how easy it can be to experience several incredible countries in one trip.
Tip: If you’re planning to visit Chobe National Park and Victoria Falls, it’s worth comparing flight prices into Kasane, Victoria Falls and Livingstone. Sometimes flying into one airport and out of another can save both time and money.
Botswana is a vast country with relatively few roads, so getting around often takes longer than people expect.
Distances between destinations can be significant, but the scenery and wildlife sightings along the way make the journey part of the adventure.
If you’re travelling independently, hiring a car gives you the greatest flexibility. A standard 2WD is perfectly adequate for travelling between many towns on sealed roads, but if you’re planning to explore the national parks, you’ll usually need a fully equipped 4×4, as many of the tracks are sandy, uneven and can become flooded during the rainy season.
Light aircraft flights are another popular way of getting around, particularly if you’re staying in one of the more remote lodges in the Okavango Delta, where some camps are most easily accessed by air.
Personally, I prefer travelling with a guide. Not only does it take the stress out of driving and navigation, but you also benefit from local knowledge, wildlife-spotting skills and someone who understands the road conditions.
If you’re travelling independently rather than joining an organised group trip, you can compare Botswana safari tours and operators on SafariBookings.
It means you can simply sit back, enjoy the scenery and concentrate on the safari rather than the logistics.
Driving in Botswana is generally straightforward on the main roads, which are mostly tarred and in good condition.
However, once you leave the towns and enter the national parks, it’s a completely different story.
Many safari tracks consist of deep sand, uneven terrain and occasional water crossings, all of which require a capable 4×4 and some off-road driving experience.
If you’ve never driven in deep sand before, it can be surprisingly challenging.
It’s also worth remembering that this is a wildlife destination. It’s not unusual to come across elephants, giraffes, buffalo or even lions on or beside the road, particularly within the national parks.
Give animals plenty of space and always let them move on in their own time – they have right of way!
I’d strongly recommend avoiding driving after dark wherever possible.
Livestock, wildlife and pedestrians are common on the roads, and many are difficult to spot until the last moment. In rural areas, roads are often unlit, and animals such as elephants and donkeys can wander onto the road without warning.
If you’re planning a self-drive trip, aim to reach your accommodation well before sunset.
Not only is it much safer, but you’ll also avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar roads in the dark.
When planning your itinerary, don’t rely solely on Google Maps.
Road conditions, wildlife sightings, veterinary checkpoints and photo stops can all add time to your journey.
You’ll almost certainly want to stop to admire the scenery or photograph elephants by the roadside, so it’s always worth allowing a little extra time.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give for travelling in Botswana is to embrace a flexible mindset.
Sometimes you’ll get delayed by a herd of elephants crossing the road. Sometimes you’ll stop for an hour because you’ve spotted a pride of lions. Other times, you might hit a patch of deep sand or encounter an unexpected delay.
That’s all part of the experience.
Some of my favourite memories from Botswana weren’t planned at all – they happened because we slowed down, went with the flow and let Africa set the pace.
If you can do the same, you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip.
Botswana is generally considered one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, and I’ve always felt very comfortable travelling there.
As anywhere, you should still take the usual precautions, particularly in towns and cities. Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid flashing expensive items around and ask your accommodation or guide for local advice if you’re unsure about walking somewhere alone, parti
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