Travel landscape in Botswana
Botswana flagRoutaya · Country guide

Travel guide to Botswana

Botswana is an African destination known for its natural beauty, vast wildlife reserves, and abundant wildlife. The country offers unique safaris and authentic cultural experiences.

Photo by Nicola Toscan · Pexels

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Information is provided as a travel-planning aid. Confirm entry, health and safety requirements with official authorities before departure.

Quick facts

Official languages
English, Tswana
Time zones
UTC+2 (CAT)
Electrical outlets
230 V, 50 Hz. Mainly type D and G sockets.
Climate
Semi-arid climate with dry and wet seasons. Pleasant temperatures, can be hot in summer.

Health

Medical facilities are better in major cities. Consider travel health insurance.

Travel health advice

  • Carry antimalarial medication as advised.
  • Protect yourself against mosquitoes, especially at dusk.
  • Consult a doctor before traveling for vaccines and recommendations.

Recommended vaccines: Yellow Fever (if coming from risk areas); Hepatitis A; Typhoid

Required vaccines: Yellow Fever vaccine only if arriving from infected zones

Money

Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)

It’s best to exchange currency at banks or authorized bureaux de change.

Credit cards accepted in major cities and lodges; having cash is advisable.

Safety

Botswana is generally safe but stay alert in urban areas and on safaris.

  • Do not leave personal belongings unattended.
  • Avoid flaunting valuables.
  • Follow instructions in wildlife reserves.

Areas to check before travel: Certain isolated areas at night; Specific districts in Gaborone

Regions

Okavango Delta — travel guide
Region

Okavango Delta

One of the largest inland wetlands, rich in wildlife.

Chobe National Park — travel guide
Region

Chobe National Park

Famous for large elephant populations and boat safaris.

Kalahari — travel guide
Region

Kalahari

Semi-arid desert with surprisingly rich landscapes and San culture.

Makgadikgadi Pans — travel guide
Region

Makgadikgadi Pans

Vast salt flats and striking desert scenery.

Gaborone Region — travel guide
Region

Gaborone Region

Capital city and surrounding economic and cultural center.

Central District — travel guide
Region

Central District

Agricultural area with some cultural sites and excursions.

Cities

Gaborone — city guide
City guide

Gaborone

A lively capital blending modern culture and tradition.

  • Botswana National Museum
  • Gaborone Craft Market
  • Presidential Palace
  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve
  • Local art galleries
Maun — city guide
City guide

Maun

Gateway to the Okavango Delta, perfect for safaris.

  • Mokoro (dugout canoe) trips
  • Local market
  • Excursions to reserves
Kasane — city guide
City guide

Kasane

Near Chobe National Park, base for river safaris.

  • Chobe River cruises
  • Elephant viewing
  • Park visits
Francistown — city guide
City guide

Francistown

Second largest city, historic center with lively culture.

  • Francistown Museum
  • Local market
  • Colonial sites
Maunachira — city guide
City guide

Maunachira

Small traditional town near rural Kalahari.

  • San communities
  • Cultural experiences
Lobatse — city guide
City guide

Lobatse

Industrial town known for infrastructure and colonial history.

  • Museums
  • Historic monuments

Highlights

Moremi Game Reserve — travel guide
Must-see

Moremi Game Reserve

Wildlife reserve in the Okavango Delta known for diverse fauna.

Nxai Pan National Park — travel guide
Must-see

Nxai Pan National Park

Natural site with geological formations and wildlife.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary Village — travel guide
Must-see

Khama Rhino Sanctuary Village

Sanctuary aimed at rhino protection and education.

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans — travel guide
Must-see

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Incredible landscape hosting animal migrations.

Mafikeng Cultural Center — travel guide
Must-see

Mafikeng Cultural Center

Place of northern history and traditional art.

Kubu Island — travel guide
Must-see

Kubu Island

Sacred rocky island in the delta with a unique atmosphere.

Nature & other places

Okavango Delta — travel guide
wetland

Okavango Delta

Unique aquatic ecosystem with exceptional biodiversity.

Chobe National Park — travel guide
national park

Chobe National Park

Park renowned for vast elephant herds.

Moremi Reserve — travel guide
reserve

Moremi Reserve

Highly protected natural reserve with abundant wildlife.

Makgadikgadi Pans — travel guide
natural site

Makgadikgadi Pans

Spectacular salt flats offering unique desert landscapes.

Kalahari Desert — travel guide
desert

Kalahari Desert

Semi-arid desert with adapted wildlife and ancient cultures.

Khama Rhino Sanctuary — travel guide
sanctuary

Khama Rhino Sanctuary

Protected area for endangered species including rhinos.

Travel conditions can change. Always consult official government travel advice and health authorities shortly before your trip.

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