What makes Botswana Unique

Botswana is a truly unique and mesmerising travel destination that offers a wealth of reasons to visit. The country boasts vast stretches of pristine wilderness, including the iconic Okavango Delta, that are teeming with diverse wildlife and provide thrilling safari adventures.

What sets Botswana apart from other destinations is its commitment to conservation, which is evident in the country's impressive efforts to protect and preserve its natural treasures. Visitors can witness first hand the amazing work done by the government and local communities to maintaining the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife conservation.

Aside from its awe-inspiring natural wonders, Botswana also offers visitors the opportunity to experience its vibrant and welcoming culture, with a rich history of ancient traditions and customs. Visitors can participate in cultural events and interact with the friendly locals, gaining an appreciation of Botswana's unique heritage.

In addition to wildlife safaris, Botswana offers a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy, including birdwatching, horseback riding, and cultural tours. The country's world-renowned lodges provide luxurious accommodations and unparalleled service, ensuring a memorable trip.

Top Highlights in Botswana

Northern Tuli Game Reserve

Northern Tuli Game Reserve is a remote and unspoiled wilderness area that offers visitors the chance to see an incredible diversity of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and more.

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The Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest game reserves in the world and offers visitors the chance to see unique desert-adapted wildlife, such as black-maned lions, Kalahari giraffes, and aardwolves hyenas.

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Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan

Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pan offer visitors a unique desert safari experience, with otherworldly landscapes, fascinating geological formations, and the chance to see meerkats, brown hyenas, and other desert-adapted wildlife.

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Chobe National Park

Chobe National Park is home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations and offers visitors the chance to see elephants, buffalos, and other animals in large herds.

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Linyanti National Park

Linyanti National Park is located in a remote and pristine wilderness area and offers visitors the chance to see rare and elusive wildlife, such as African wild dogs, sitatungas, and red lechwe antelopes.

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Savuti National Park

Savuti National Park is renowned for its high concentration of predators, such as lions, hyenas, and wild dogs.

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Iconic Animals

Moremi Game Reserve is located within the Okavango Delta and offers visitors the chance to see some of Africa's most iconic animals, including lions, leopards, and elephants.

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Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest and most diverse inland deltas in the world, offering visitors the chance to witness an incredible variety of wildlife and bird species.

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Special Things to Do in Botswana

Botswana offers many unique and unusual experiences for tourists. Here are some of the best:

Walk with the San Bushmen

The San Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert have a rich culture and history, and you can learn about their way of life by walking with them and experiencing their customs first hand.

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Sleep under the stars in the Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast expanse of salt flats that are particularly beautiful at night. You can camp out on the pans and sleep under the stars for a truly unforgettable experience.

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Take a hot air balloon ride over the Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta is a breathtakingly beautiful landscape of waterways, lagoons, and islands. Taking a hot air balloon ride over the delta is a unique way to experience its beauty.

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Visit a meerkat colony

Botswana is home to many meerkat colonies, and you can get up close and personal with these adorable creatures by visiting one of them.

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Explore the Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage site and are considered to be one of the most important rock art sites in the world. You can hike through the hills and see the ancient rock art for yourself.

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Swim with elephants in the Okavango Delta

Elephants are some of the most intelligent and majestic animals in the world, and in Botswana, you can swim with them in the Okavango Delta.

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Go on a walking safari in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve

The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Botswana and is home to many different species of wildlife. Going on a walking safari is a unique and exciting way to see these animals up close.

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Visit a cattle post

Botswana has a rich cattle farming culture, and visiting a cattle post is a unique way to learn about this way of life and experience traditional Botswana hospitality.

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Travel Ideas for Botswana

Fly-In Safari in Botswana & Victoria Falls

Your journey begins at Victoria Falls, one of the world's most awe-inspiring natural wonders. You'll have the opportunity to experience the falls up close and personal, with activities such as a helicopter tour or a guided walking tour on the Zimbabwean side. After exploring the falls, you'll fly to the Okavango Delta, where you'll stay in luxurious lodges and camps and embark on daily game drives and guided walking tours to witness the region's diverse wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, giraffes, and more. Our expert guides will take you deep into the bush to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. In addition to exploring the Delta, you'll also have the opportunity to visit the Chobe National Park, home to one of Africa's largest elephant populations. Throughout your journey, you'll enjoy the best in comfort and luxury, with top-tier accommodations and gourmet cuisine. Join us for an unforgettable adventure through Victoria Falls and Botswana's Okavango Delta, where adventure and luxury await.

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Best Time to Visit

Botswana experiences two distinct safari periods that coincide with its wet and dry seasons. The summer months between December and February are warm and humid, with refreshing showers that attract a plethora of birdlife and grazers to the lush landscapes. The autumn between March and May sees the breeding season for antelopes peak, making it an excellent time to witness males fighting for female attention. The heart of winter between June and August is considered the best time to visit Botswana, with mild days and clear, crisp evenings that make game viewing optimal. Spring between September and November is characterised by dusty plains, wildlife gathering around waterholes, and incredible sunsets that set behind a striking scene of contrast as the pans of the Kalahari start to fill up with November. Whether you visit during the wet or dry season, Botswana's thriving wildlife and natural beauty make it a must-see destination for any safari enthusiast.

Important Information for Your Travel Plans

Special Travel Tips from our Experts

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Where to Stay

Botswana's safari lodges offer an unparalleled experience of luxury in the heart of the wilderness. These lodges are known for their unique location, breath-taking designs, and outstanding hospitality. Ranging from permanent set-ups to mobile luxury tents, they offer a diverse range of accommodation options that cater to various preferences and budgets.

One of the most unusual experiences is staying in a treehouse overlooking the plains of the Okavango Delta or sleeping under the stars in a luxurious sky bed. For the adventurous, there are also mobile camping safaris that take guests deep into the wilderness for a more immersive experience.

These lodges and camps are carefully located to provide guests with the best possible access to wildlife, while minimising any negative impact on the environment. With highly experienced guides and trackers, guests can embark on game drives and bush walks to witness the diverse range of wildlife that Botswana has to offer, including the Big Five and other rare and endangered species.

In addition to wildlife experiences, guests can also enjoy cultural interactions with local communities, such as visiting traditional villages or learning about traditional craft-making. Whether you prefer a more structured or intimate experience, Botswana's safari lodges offer an unforgettable stay in one of the most unique and pristine environments on earth.

Getting Around

For tourists, the best way to travel around Botswana is with a combination of road and air travel. One of the most popular options is a fly-in safari, which involves travelling by small aircraft to remote safari lodges and camps located in the heart of the wilderness.

Fly-in safaris offer a unique and convenient way to explore Botswana's stunning landscapes and wildlife without spending long hours on bumpy roads. The flights are usually short and offer incredible aerial views of the country's diverse terrain, including the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari Desert, and the Chobe National Park.

In addition to fly-in safaris, tourists can also travel around Botswana by road, either in a self-drive vehicle or with a professional driver-guide. Many of the country's main attractions, such as the Moremi Game Reserve and the Chobe National Park, are easily accessible by road and offer excellent opportunities for game viewing and other outdoor activities.

Private transfers and guided tours are also available for those who prefer a more relaxed and stress-free way of travelling. These options offer the flexibility to customise your itinerary and ensure that you get the most out of your Botswana experience.

Travel Themes Most Common for Botswana

Local Cuisine

Botswana has a rich culinary culture with dishes that reflect the local ingredients and cooking methods. Here are some local foods a tourist should try in Botswana:

  • Seswaa: Botswana's national dish and it is made from boiled, shredded beef, goat, or lamb that is then stewed and served with pap (maize porridge).
  • Mopane worms: Edible caterpillars that are usually dried, boiled, and fried before being served. They are a high source of protein and are considered a delicacy in Botswana.
  • Chotlho: A type of dried meat that is usually made from beef, goat, or game meat. It is spiced with chilli, salt, and other seasonings, then sun-dried before being served.
  • Bogobe jwa lerotse: A traditional dish made from the leaves of the loose plant (also known as the cowpea plant) that are boiled with a maize meal to create a thick porridge.
  • Morogo: A type of spinach that is native to Botswana. It is usually boiled and served as a side dish with meat and pap.
  • Vetkoek: A type of fried dough bread that is usually stuffed with minced meat or jam.
  • Magwinya: Deep-fried bread that is similar to Vetkoek but is usually served plain or with jam.
  • Seswaa with samp: A variation of Seswaa where samp (dried corn kernels) is added to the stewed meat.

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Festivals & Public Holidays

There are several noteworthy festivals and holidays in Botswana that a tourist may enjoy, including:

  • Independence Day (30th September): Celebrates Botswana's independence from British rule in 1966. It is marked with parades, cultural shows, and other festivities.
  • Botswana Day (1st October): This holiday marks the beginning of Botswana's journey to independence. It is celebrated with cultural shows and other festivities.
  • Maun Festival: This annual festival takes place in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta. It celebrates the region's culture, music, and dance with traditional performances, food, and art.
  • Kalahari Desert Festival: This festival takes place in February in the town of Jwaneng, and celebrates the culture of the San people, who are indigenous to the region. It includes traditional music and dance performances, as well as craft displays.
  • Maitisong Festival: This is an annual international arts festival held in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city. It features music, theatre, dance, and other performances by local and international artists.
  • President's Day: This holiday is celebrated on the third Monday of July, and is a tribute to the country's presidents. It is marked with parades and other festivities.
  • Dithubaruba Cultural Festival: This festival celebrates the cultural heritage of the Batswana people, with traditional music and dance performances, as well as craft displays and food stalls.

When to Start Planning your Trip

Currency & Payment

In Botswana, the official currency is the pula (P). However, the US dollar ($) is widely accepted throughout the country.

If you prefer to have local currency, you can exchange money at major banks or exchange bureaus in key cities. It's advisable to carry small notes.

It's important to know which denominations to bring on your safari to ensure you have the appropriate amount for tipping and souvenir purchases at your camp or lodge.

Credit cards are also widely accepted at lodges and camps, and your Tripedeo travel expert can will pre-book all your accommodation and safari experiences.

Security

Botswana is considered one of the safest destinations for travellers in Africa, with a stable government and a low crime rate. Despite this, it is always wise to take necessary precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

When visiting the country's national parks and game reserves, travellers are typically accompanied by experienced guides who are well-versed in the local wildlife and terrain. These guides will communicate with their guests throughout the tour, providing valuable insight and instructions to ensure their safety.

Additionally, when staying at lodges or camps, guests will usually receive a safety briefing upon arrival. It is recommended to follow the guidelines provided by the lodge staff and to be aware of your surroundings when exploring towns or cities.

Overall, Botswana offers a safe and secure environment for travellers looking to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Africa.

Visa & Immigration Rules

The entry requirements for EU citizens (including UK citizens) to Botswana are as follows:

  • A valid passport with at least six months' validity from the date of entry.
  • A return ticket or onward ticket to a third country.
  • A negative PCR COVID-19 test certificate taken no more than 72 hours before departure to Botswana. Children under the age of five are exempt from this requirement.
  • Health screening on arrival, which includes a temperature check and a health questionnaire.

Health & Hygiene

Travellers to Botswana should take the necessary health precautions before embarking on their journey. While there are minimal risks of contracting malaria during the dry season, it is still recommended to take prophylactic medication to reduce the risk of infection.

Yellow fever is not a concern in Botswana, but it is always advisable to check with your doctor about required vaccinations before travelling.

All water used in lodges and camps will be bottled or filtered, and travellers should avoid drinking tap water or water from unknown sources. Medical advice will always be available at your accommodations if needed, and it is a good idea bring a first aid kit with you on your trip.

Overall, with proper preparation and precautions, travellers can enjoy a safe and healthy journey through Botswana's beautiful landscapes.

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