PROBYTRAVEL
Botswana

Things to Do in Botswana

Unspoiled wilderness, luxury water-safaris, and the great salt desert.

  • CapitalGaborone
  • CurrencyBotswana Pula (BWP)
  • LanguageEnglish, Setswana
  • Time zoneUTC+2
  • Emergency997 (Ambulance), 998 (Fire), 999 (Police)

Why visit Botswana?

Botswana is globally recognized for its commitment to high-value, low-density tourism, a model designed to preserve some of Africa's last remaining pristine wilderness areas. Unlike destinations that favor mass tourism, Botswana limits the number of visitors in its national parks and private concessions. This approach offers travelers exclusive, uncrowded wildlife encounters across highly diverse landscapes, from the arid Kalahari Desert to the lush, watery labyrinth of the Okavango Delta.

Planning a trip here requires understanding the unique relationship between water and season. During the dry winter months of May to October, floodwaters originating in the Angolan highlands slowly fill the Okavango Delta, drawing immense concentrations of wildlife. Meanwhile, the neighboring Chobe region becomes a sanctuary for one of the largest continuous elephant populations on earth. Whether you opt for a self-drive 4x4 camping expedition or a fly-in safari to a remote luxury lodge, Botswana delivers unmatched natural isolation.

Okavango Delta Mokoro Safaris

Gliding through shallow reed-lined channels in a traditional dugout canoe to observe elephants, birdlife, and rare frogs up close.

Chobe Riverfront Elephants

Boarding an afternoon boat cruise to watch massive herds of elephants swim across the river and drink along the shoreline.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Staring into the infinite horizon of one of the world's largest salt flats, and tracking habituated meerkats in the dry season.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Exploring a vast, desolate ecosystem to find black-maned lions and discover how desert-adapted wildlife survives the harsh climate.

Moremi Game Reserve

Tracking leopards and endangered wild dogs where the dry woodlands of the mainland meet the deep channels of the Delta.

Tsodilo Hills Rock Art

Hiking among four massive quartzite outcrops that host over 4,500 ancient San rock paintings in a spiritual desert landscape.

Popular regions

The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta

A dynamic wetland oasis in the middle of the Kalahari basin, famous for pristine private concessions, fly-in luxury lodges, and seasonal water safaris.

Chobe & Linyanti

Chobe & Linyanti

Located in the far northeast, this area is defined by the mighty Chobe River and features high wildlife concentrations, dense woodlands, and easy road links to Victoria Falls.

The Kalahari Desert

The Kalahari Desert

The massive arid interior encompassing salt pans, fossil river valleys, and isolated reserves like the Central Kalahari and Nxai Pan National Park.

The Eastern Hardveld

The Eastern Hardveld

The country's hilly southeastern strip, home to the capital city of Gaborone, major border crossings with South Africa, and cultural heritage sites.

When to visit Botswana

Based on average conditions in Botswana.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Temperature32°32°31°31°28°25°25°28°33°35°34°33°
Rain14d12d8d3d1d0d0d0d0d2d7d11d
CrowdsLowLowMedMedHighHighHighHighHighHighMedLow
  • Cold
  • Comfortable / dry / low crowds
  • Cool–hot / typical / moderate
  • Very hot / wetter / high crowds

Plan your trip to Botswana

Arrive in Maun

Day 1-2

Collect your rental 4x4, stock up on food, water, and fuel, or prepare for your light aircraft transfer into the Delta.

Explore Okavango & Moremi

Day 3-6

Spend three nights exploring water and land habitats. Experience both mokoro trips and deep 4x4 game drives looking for predators.

Chobe National Park & Savuti

Day 7-9

Head northeast into the marshlands of Savuti or drive directly to Kasane for river safaris and incredible elephant viewing.

Cross to Victoria Falls

Day 10

Wrap up your trip by crossing the nearby border into Zimbabwe or Zambia to witness the falls before flying home.

Getting around Botswana

Light Aircraft Charters

Small planes are the exclusive transport network connecting isolated lodges deep within the Okavango Delta, flying out of Maun or Kasane.

Fully Equipped 4x4 Rentals

Essential for self-drive travelers. Vehicles must have high clearance, low range, recovery tracks, and dual fuel tanks to survive deep Kalahari sand.

Overland Tour Buses & Shuttles

Mainly run between major transport hubs like Kasane, Maun, and Gaborone, but do not enter national parks or wildlife reserves.

Costs, food & practical info

Costs

  • Budget

    USD 120 - 200 per day

    For self-drive travelers using public campsites, buying groceries, and utilizing their own 4x4 vehicles.

  • Mid-Range

    USD 350 - 650 per day

    Includes renting a fully equipped 4x4 camper, staying in national park chalets, or booking mobile tented safaris.

  • Luxury

    USD 1,000 - 3,500 per day

    Fly-in safaris to high-end, all-inclusive private lodges where light aircraft transfers and private guides are standard.

Because of Botswana's low-impact tourism model, park entry fees and lodge rates are higher than in neighboring countries. Early booking is critical for peak dry season.

Food & drinks

  • Seswaa (slow-cooked, shredded salted beef)BWP 50 - 80
  • Pap (stiff maize meal porridge served with relish)BWP 15 - 30
  • Morogo (wild green spinach cooked with onions)BWP 20 - 35
  • Gwinya / Vetkoek (deep-fried dough pockets)BWP 5 - 10
  • Mopane Worms (seasoned, dried caterpillars)BWP 30 - 50

Practical

  • Malaria and Health

    The northern regions (Okavango Delta, Chobe) are active malaria zones, especially during the wet summer months. Consult a doctor for preventative medication.

  • Unabridged Birth Certificates

    When entering Botswana with minors under 18, you must carry certified, unabridged birth certificates showing details of both parents to satisfy immigration laws.

  • Driving Precautions

    Highways are unfenced, meaning cattle, donkeys, and elephants frequently cross. Avoid driving at night, and always maintain a safe, defensive speed.

  • Cash and Currency

    While credit cards are widely used in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and major lodges, carrying cash (Pula) is essential for park fees, fuel stations, and remote tips.

Insight in one click

Frequently asked questions about visiting Botswana

How many days should I spend in Botswana? +

A trip of 7 to 10 days is ideal. This allows you to combine two primary regions, such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, without rushing the heavy travel times between locations.

When is the best time to visit Botswana? +

The dry winter season from May to October is best. Wildlife concentrates heavily around water sources, and the Okavango Delta's annual flood peaks, providing ideal conditions for boat and mokoro safaris.

Can I do a self-drive safari in Botswana? +

Yes, but only if you are an experienced off-road driver. Navigating deep sand, mud, and river crossings requires a robust 4x4, proper recovery gear, satellite communication, and advance campsite bookings.

Do I need a visa to enter Botswana? +

Passport holders from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and the EU generally do not require a tourist visa for stays up to 90 days. Always verify current regulations before departure.

Is Botswana expensive to visit? +

Yes, compared to other African destinations. The government limits environmental impact by keeping lodge sizes small and prices high. Budget travelers can reduce costs by camping and renting a 4x4.

What vaccinations are recommended for Botswana? +

Make sure routine vaccinations are up to date. Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylactics are strongly advised. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an endemic country.

Is it safe to travel in Botswana? +

Botswana is regarded as one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa. While violent crime is rare, petty theft can occur in urban hubs, and wild animals roam unfenced in campsites.