Botswana Travel Guide

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)

Languages: The official languages of Botswana are English and Tswana. Around 20 other smaller langauges are also spoken.

Visa: Many nationalities do not need a visa to enter Botswana. For those who need a visa, you can get it from the Botswana eVisa website. You can check your visa regulations here.

Main Airport(s): Kasane Airport (Kasane), Maun Airport (Maun), Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gabarone) and Francistown Airport (Francistown). There are many smaller airports and airstrips around the country which makes it easy to get to the more remote safari destinations.

When To Go: The best time to visit Botswana, especially for the more popular parks (Chobe, Okavango Delta) is during the dry, winter season, between May and October. Whilst the CKGR and the Makgadikgadi Pans NP are generally good all year round. The best time to see the zebra migration in the Makgadikgadi Pans in from January to March. Temperatures can be very cold at night during June – August but get quite hot and humid during October – December.

Malaria: Malaria is a risk in some parts of Botswana, especially in the north, so I would advise that you see a doctor before visiting to ensure you are protected. You can find more information here.

Yellow Fever: You can see whether you need a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate here.

Internet & Mobile: The main networks in Botswana are Mascom Wireless, Orange Botswana, and BTC Mobile.

Water: It is not advised to drink the tap water in Botswana, so I would suggest buying bottled water or using a filtered water bottle.

Safety: Botswana is a very safe country to visit in terms of crimes. The biggest danger is probably from wild animals when you’re on safari, so always listen to your guides.

What to Pack: You can see my complete Africa Packing List here.

Plugs: In Botswana, they use Type D, South African, and Type G, British 3-pin style plugs.