Botswana

Travel and Tourism Information

Introduction

In the heart of southern Africa lies Botswana, a landlocked country blessed with some of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth.

Botswana was one of the world’s poorest countries in 1966 when it gained independence from Britain, but rapidly became one of the world’s development success stories. This has been due to its significant diamond wealth, good governance, prudent economic management and a relatively small population of now slightly more than two million people. This has made Botswana an upper middle-income country with a transformation agenda of becoming a high-income country by 2036.

Botswana’s stable political environment includes a multi-party democratic tradition, with general elections held every five years. There have been peaceful elections throughout Botswana’s history.

Map and Geography 

Botswana shares its borders with Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe. The total area of Botswana is 581,730 km² (224,607 square miles), making the country roughly the size of France or Texas.

Botswana's capital city is Gaborone, located in the southeastern part of the country, near the border to South Africa. Gaborone is home to 10% of Botswana’s population.

Geographically, the country is mostly flat - although there are a few hilly regions. Notable features include the Okavango Delta in the northwest, the Makgadikgadi Pans in the northern centre, and the Kalahari Desert in the central and southwest.

Climate and Temperature

The dry season in Botswana usually lasts from around May till October. This coincides with the southern hemisphere’s winter and spring seasons where nights and early mornings can be quite chilly. The rainy season lasts from November to March and is also the hottest time of the year.

Gaborone: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 33°C and lows of 21°C, and in winter, highs of 23°C and lows of 5°C

Francistown: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 31°C and lows of 19°C, and in winter, highs of 24°C and lows of 5°C

Maun: In summer, average temperatures are highs of 33°C and lows of 20°C, and in winter, highs of 27°C and lows of winter 8°C

Population and Language

Botswana has a population of 2.3 million. It is one of the world’s most sparsely populated countries. Tswana ethnic people comprise the country's largest group, accounting for 79% of the population. 

The national language of Botswana is Setswana. It is the most prevalent language and is spoken by 77% of the population. 

The official language of Botswana is English, but it is spoken as a mother tongue by less than 3% of the population.

Religion

Christianity is practiced by almost 80% of Batswana. A minority still follow traditional beliefs including the worship of ancestors. Christian holidays are celebrated nationwide and are the only religious holidays to be recognised as public holidays. There is no conflict between the different religious groups in Botswana.

Traditional Food and Drink of Botswana

Seswaa or Chotlho (pounded beef) is a very popular traditional meat dish made for most special occasions. Usually prepared by men, it is cooked in a three-legged iron pot, simmered until soft, with only salt and water. It is usually prepared using goat meat or beef and it is a staple in most traditional occasions such as funerals and weddings.

Serobe is made of intestines, and some inside parts of goat, sheep or cow, which are cooked until soft.

Koko-Ya-Setswana is traditional free range chicken. It is considered to be tastier, although tougher, than commercially grown chickens. By cooking a traditionally grown chicken for a guest, a host shows special hospitality.

Bogobe is a stiff sorghum porridge cooked as the main staple in Botswana. It is typically eaten with indigenous greens and goat, beef or chicken meat. Sometimes the sorghum is fermented before cooking and is called Ting. Another way of making bogobe is to cook it with an indigenous type of melon called Lerotse.

Similar to bogobe is Paleche, or Pap, which is made of ground maize.

Both sorghum and maize are often cooked as a morning porridge too, called Motogo, and when eaten for breakfast, it is made to be runnier and enjoyed with milk, sugar and butter.

Bread flour is not part of the indigenous diet of Batswana, but there are various bread recipes that have become part of the country’s national cuisine. The most common are Matlebelekwane (dumplings), Diphaphatha (dry fried flat cakes) and Magwinya (deep fried fat cakes). For these, the flour is made into dough which is cooked in different ways such as boiling with meat, cooking in hot oil or in hot coals.

Phane (Mopane worms) are a huge delicacy in Botswana. They are caterpillars which are harvested and eaten dried as a snack or fried with onion and tomato and enjoyed as a meal.

Madila is fermented milk which is eaten on its own or added to porridge.

Gemmere is a hugely popular homemade non-alcoholic ginger beer, popular at weddings and other festivities.

Local brands of commercially produced beer include St Louis, Castle and Lion Lager.

Bojalwa Ja Setswana (traditional beer) is brewed from fermented sorghum or millet seeds. A commercially produced and packaged beer, Chibuku, brewed from either maize or sorghum, is a favourite drink particularly in the villages and towns.

Khadi, which is brewed from various ingredients, the healthiest of which is wild berries, is also a widely consumed alcoholic drink among low-income groups in particular.

Passport and Visa Requirements 

Most Western nationals do not need a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days. For a full list of visa rules and requirements, check the official government website. 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Botswana.

The Botswana government has stated that dual nationals using two different passports can only enter the country on the same passport they used to exit the previous country. 

Currency 

The official currency is the Botswana Pula and is denoted with a P.

Notes come in denominations of P10, P20, P50 and P100, and coins (Thebe) are in denominations of 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5.

Pula notes and coins are used throughout the country and is the accepted form of payment in restaurants and shops, as well as at hotels and lodges.

Major towns and cities like Maun, Kasane, Francistown and Gaborone accept international bank cards, especially Visa and MasterCard, but also American Express and Diners Club (however, not necessarily at all petrol stations).

ATMs are limited to the larger towns and cities. Foreign currency is often accepted as a tip or gratuity to helpful staff and safari guides, but not as payment for something in commercial facilities. 

Electricity 

Power plugs and sockets in Botswana are of type D, G and M. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

International Dialing Code

The international dialing code in Botswana is +267

Telecommunications 

Telecommunications in Botswana includes newspapers, radio, television, fixed and mobile telephones, and the Internet. Botswana has a reasonably developed telecommunications system that almost covers the entire country.  Slow internet and high data costs have been a big challenge for individuals and businesses, however, this has slightly improved in recent years and is expected to get better.

Transportation

The main gateway for overseas visitors is the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE), located just outside the country’s capital, Gaborone. It is also possible to travel overland to Botswana from neighbouring countries Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe.

You can drive using an International Driving Permit for up to 90 days. If you intend to stay longer, you should apply for a Botswana driving license.

Botswana has good tarmac roads covering most of the country, but you should be careful when driving. The standard of driving can be lower than in most Western countries, and many drivers ignore road safety rules. Dangerous driving, including speeding and drunk driving, cause frequent serious and often fatal accidents.

Driving outside the major urban areas can also be dangerous due to stray wildlife and livestock. This is a particular risk at night, so take extra care if you are driving after dark.

In major towns, taxis are generally safe to use. You should agree a price before setting off. 

Buses connect most towns and villages with the major cities. They do not always run according to a time schedule, and often delay departing until they have a decent number of passengers.

Time

The time zone in Botswana is GMT+2, or Central African Time.

Health

Healthcare is generally good in big towns and major cities, but can be quite limited in rural areas.

Before traveling to Botswana, you should consult your doctor and ensure that your routine vaccines are up to date. Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations are usually advised, along with Hepatitis B, Rabies and Typhoid vaccinations.

Anti-malaria prophylactics may be necessary depending on where and when you plan to travel. Generally, malaria risk is highest in the northern districts of Chobe and Ngamiland. The risk is present throughout the year, but highest during the rainy season from November to June. In the Northeast district and the northern half of Ghanzi and Central districts, the risk is not high enough to warrant antimalarial tablets for most travellers, however, it may be considered for certain groups who may be at higher risk. There is low to no risk in all other areas of the country.

Be mindful to protect yourself against sunstroke, snake bites, tick-bite fever, Sleeping Sickness and Bilharzia.

Safety

Botswana is generally very safe for travellers, especially outside the main towns. Petty crime is most common in urban areas such as Gaborone, Francistown and Maun. Exercise precaution and avoid putting your valuables on display.

Game reserves and other tourist areas are generally secure, but be alert to unpredictable behaviour by wild animals. Follow park regulations and wardens’ advice. Avoid bathing in rivers and lakes, because of the dangers from both wildlife and water-borne diseases. Check boots and shoes for insects such as scorpions before putting them on – especially if camping.

If you travel to remote areas plan your trip carefully, make transport and accommodation arrangements in advance and seek local security advice. Take emergency supplies (including water and fuel) and be prepared for off-road driving conditions. In very remote areas, travel in convoy or with a satellite phone in case of breakdown.

You should carry some form of identification with you at all times. A photocopy of your passport is sufficient.

LGBTQI+ Travellers

Although same sex relations are no longer prohibited by law in Botswana, public attitudes can vary and be less tolerant. Batswana tend to be conservative and public displays of affection may attract negative attention.

Always check your government's latest travel advice before you visit.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Botswana?

Botswana offers plenty of things to do and see throughout the year.

The best time to visit Botswana is generally during the dry season when temperatures are at their most pleasant, mosquitoes are at a minimum and wildlife is easier to view due to a lack of foliage. During this period, between April and November, huge numbers of animals migrate towards the Okavango Delta.

The wet season can also be incredibly rewarding for bird watchers and for trips to a greener, lush Kalahari Desert and Okavango. November and December are typically calving season too, offering ample opportunity to see animal mums with their babies.

Key Attractions

Okavango Delta

In the country's north-western corner lies the Okavango, a vast river delta surrounded by the Kalahari Desert. Every year around December, the Delta floods, creating a swampy wetland that teems with exotic animals and birds. It is possible to explore on foot or via Mokoro, traditional canoe. The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Moremi Game Reserve (located just to the west) is one of the best places in Africa for spotting leopards.

Chobe National Park

To the east of the Delta lies Chobe National Park. It is famous for its huge elephant population, and for the Savuti Marsh, which has one of the highest year-round animal concentrations in Africa. During the dry season, animals come from far and wide to drink at the Chobe River, making a water safari especially rewarding at this time of year. The birdlife here is incredible, with many regional specials including African skimmers and Pel's fishing owls.

Nxai Pan National Park

Centred around a fossil lakebed to the south of Chobe National Park, Nxai Pan National Park offers an entirely different landscape of sloping sand dunes and towering baobab trees. It floods in the summer and provides an excellent low season option for game-viewing and birdwatching. In winter, the dry park resembles the surface of the moon, with cracked salt pans stretching as far as the eye can see. The park shares a border with Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans span 16,000 km² (9,942 square miles) and are the largest salt pans in the world. Remnants of an ancient lake, the pans are interspersed with sandy desert and occasional vegetation. One of Africa’s biggest zebra populations makes this vista of white sand and salt their home. When rains fall during the wet season, the pans are filled with water and attract large flocks of flamingos, as well as big herds of zebra, springbok and wildebeest, followed closely by predators, making for fantastic game viewing.

Tsodilo Hills

In the extreme northwest of the country, the Tsodilo Hills act as an open-air museum for San bushman culture. Amongst the rock outcrops and hills are hidden some 4,000 paintings. They give an insight into the lives of the ancient San, who are believed to be the direct descendants of the very first Homo sapiens or human beings. The hills were a place of great spiritual importance for local tribes and many of the paintings depict the sacred eland antelope.