Botswana

Botswana Overview

With few people, fences and farming in Northern Botswana, the area is a perfect migration route for zebra and blue wildebeest.

Botswana is the second largest migration route in Africa (after the Serengeti migration) and with an animal migration comes a trail of hungry predators; in this case, lion and leopard.

Most of Botswana is covered by the Kalahari Desert. The vast salt pan of Makgadikgadi in the north is neighboured by the Okavango Delta, which runs through the north west part of the country.

The San people of the Kalahari are considered the oldest culture in the world. Learn how to collect veld foods, track game, collect herbs and participate in music and dance. A raw African experience that allows you a peek into the life of a traditional bushman, living off the Kalahari Desert.

Tswana is the national language of Botswana and is spoken by 78% of the population. Below are a few colourful phrases to help on your Botswana visit:

• Hello - Dumela
• Please - Tsweetswee
• Thank you - Ke a leboga 

Highlights & Places in Botswana

Seeing as Botswana is well known for its great wildlife, the area is scattered with national parks and game-viewing locations.

Chobe is the country’s most famous and popular conservation area. Perched next to the Okavango Delta (the world’s largest inland delta), the Chobe National Park offers both land and boat cruise safaris.

The African Big 5 can be seen roaming the plains of both the Moremi Game Reserve (very popular Big 5 viewing spot in Africa) and Savuti National Park, making the areas a top priority when visiting the region. 

Best Time to Visit Botswana

Botswana Weather

Although the weather in Botswana is semi-arid and dry most of the year, there is a highly regional rainy season during the summer months (November until March). Winter in Botswana, which is usually from May to the end of August, is mostly dry with virtually no rain. 

When to Go

Botswana makes for a stunning destination all year round, however, depending on what you are going there for, will determine which months are best for you to travel in.

If you’re going to Botswana for game viewing, going from May to October, in dry winter, is best. The grass is drier and flatter making it easier to see game. Also, without constant showers, water in most areas dry up, meaning a variety of wildlife all gather at the nearest watering holes making it easier for you to find a good spot to see a variety of wildlife.

November to April is Botswana’s ‘wet summer’ and is the best time for bird watching as well as seeing calving antelope in the Kalahari areas.

If you’re into photography and wondering which month is best go in… take your pick; every month in Botswana offers its own beauty as it sees itself through the seasons. 

Getting There & Getting Around

Getting To Botswana

Most foreign visitors to Botswana arrive via Johannesburg International Airport in South Africa. Johannesburg has direct flights from Europe, UK, USA, Australia, the East and many other worldwide destinations.

From Johannesburg, travellers can connect to Gaberone or Maun by airplane, or travel by car or bus to the Botswana border, approximately 6 hours away.

The main airport in Botswana is Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone. There are three flights daily departing Oliver Reginald Tambo International, arriving at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.

If driving into Botswana, the main entry points by are:

From Zimbabwe - Ramokgwebane, Pandamatenga and Kazungula
From Namibia - Mamuno, Mohembo and Ngoma Bridge
From Zambia - Kazungula Ferry
From South Africa - Martin's Drift (from Limpopo); Tlokweng (from Johannesburg); Ramatlabama (from Mafikeng) 

Getting Around Botswana

The best way to travel around Botswana is either by plane, bus, car or 4x4 safari vehicle, if you’re going into rural areas.

If you intend travelling by car, you’ll find roads to be well maintained, however, make sure you keep a close eye on the road; cows, donkeys and other wildlife meander on and off roads.

Buses run frequently in the urban areas, however, they are unreliable in less populated areas. It is advisable to hire a car or organise transport with your tour operator before departure.

If you are looking for directions, the locals aren’t very familiar with street names so you will more than likely be directed to locations based on landmarks. 

Botswana Tips : Know Before You Go

ATMs:
There are safe and reliable ATMs in Botswana’s main cities.

Forex/Money:
Botswana’s currency is the Pula and its cities have many foreign exchange outlets. If not using cash, traveller’s cheques are accepted. The larger cities have a variety of banks which are generally open from 08h00 to 14h30, Monday to Friday, with limited hours on Saturdays.

Credit/Debit cards: 
Credit and debit cards are accepted in tourist areas although American Express and Diners Club are less common and not accepted in all stores.

Internet availability: 
There are internet cafés in Gaborone and Maun, and WiFi is available in most airports, hotels and some lodges.

Drinking water: 
It is advised that you drink bottled water when traveling in Botswana. Tap water is not recommended for consumption by tourists, so be sure to ask whether ice cubes used in drinks are from tap or bottled water. Also, brushing your teeth should be done with bottled water too.

Hospitals & Medical: 
General health care quality and availability in Botswana’s bigger cities (Gaborone, Maun, Francistown) are of a high standard, however in the rural areas, medical assistance is poor. Visit your doctor 4-6 weeks before your trip departure and enquire about medical vaccinations and inoculations required for the area.

Visa Requirements:
Most country’s citizens will not be required to organise a visa before entering the country but will need a valid passport as well as confirmed return tickets. 

Botswana Map