Botswana - FAQs

When is the best time to travel to Botswana? ✈ 🇧🇼

Generally, Botswana experiences 2 distinct seasons, the rainy and the dry season. Even though Botswana is a very large country, the Kalahari desert covers approximately 80% of it. The rainy season starts around November and lasts until roughly March. This is a great time to see the bush transform into a lush paradise where travellers can spot predators and baby animals - it is important to note that a few camps and lodges in the Okavango Delta close over this period, so remember to check with us before you book. However, many camps do stay open over this period and are much more affordable than in peak season. The dry season alternatively runs from April to October. This is the best time to go game viewing, as the bush thins and animals flock to dry waterholes. The weather starts to heat up around late September and October can become very hot. Hop on over to our website and search for the destination you are planning to visit for a detailed breakdown.

How many days should I spend in Botswana? 📆

Botswana is a large country with great distances between places. We recommend about 14 days or 2 weeks so that you get time to kick back and take in the sites without rushing. You can certainly spend longer and if you are flying between places then 10 days is also a good amount of time with a minimum recommended amount of time being 7 days.

Is there malaria in Botswana? 🦟

Much of Botswana does not have malaria. However, in the northern regions - including Chobe and the Okavango Delta - it is present. Please consult a travel doctor 1 month before you leave to find out about anti-malarial medications and other preventative measures.

What sites and experiences can I expect in Botswana 🌍

Botswana is generally quite flat - think big sky country - Botswana is home to some truly outstanding gems. Travellers can expect beautiful landscapes which range from vast salt flats that look like the surface of the moon to sun-drenched Kalahari sands, colossal herds of elephants swimming across the Chobe River and the glistening Okavango Delta. When visiting Botswana, one thing that is guaranteed is incredible game viewing, as almost half of the country has been sectioned under some kind of environmental management- it is a true haven for wildlife. There are plenty of activities on offer, from mokoro trips to horse riding across the salt pans, that are sure to delight any traveller. More so, Botswana is home to a rich cultural history and incredibly friendly, thoroughly decent people.

Who is Botswana for? 👪

Botswana is for absolutely everyone! From families to the young and old, honeymooners, solo travellers and groups of friends - there is so much to see and explore in this wonderful country with a vast array of fantastic activities sure to delight any traveller.

Why is now a good time to travel to Botswana? 🇧🇼

With Covid restrictions lifting, many Batswana are excitedly awaiting visitors. Botswana is also home to the largest population of elephants in the world. Botswana offers fantastic experiences year round and with tourism a key part of Botswana’s economy - you’ll also be doing your part in helping small businesses and contributing to supporting this African success story. More so, Botswana is a truly fantastic sustainable destination, so by choosing to visit, you’re playing a role in helping the dedicated teams of people keep this place a wildlife paradise with so many incredible places waiting for you to go explore.

Is Botswana safe for visitors? 👜

Botswana is a safe country and a great place to visit. However, it is always a good idea to be careful with valuables and just be street-smart. Here are some quick tips to keep in mind when travelling:

• Always keep an eye on your belongings, regardless of whether you are travelling solo or in a group.

• Keep some emergency cash on you - it doesn’t have to be much and about P500 will do. In some remote areas, there may not be a cash machine.

• Don’t wander around by yourself at night, wild animals are a big reason for this but it is best to still enact caution in urban areas too.

• Botswana is very wildlife dense. Do not mess with the wildlife and always maintain a respectful distance from them. Never provoke animals or feed them, this is particularly relevant for baboons and monkeys. Many camps and lodges in Botswana are not fenced offering wildlife free roam, animals will also often wander through towns like Maun and Kasane - so please be mindful.

• Botswana is a very large country that is sparsely populated. Always be prepared when driving between places with a spare tyre and facilities to make small repairs to your car. Also, be very mindful of fueling your car and consider carrying extra fuel between large distances. Be extremely careful when planning your route, especially during the rainy season, not all roads are well maintained and some can be washed away during this time.

• Avoid driving at night, as there are often animals like donkeys and cows on the road. Also, be advised that most villages and towns in Botswana have strict speed limits of 60 km/hr.

What should I expect to spend on a Botswana itinerary? 💰

Botswana has a range of travel options for all kinds of travellers and budgets. The minimum amount of money you can expect to spend is about €400 per day if you opt to do a self-drive. However, If you want to explore the Okavango Delta or remote concession, which we promise is well worth it, this price climbs to approximately €4000 per person per day as it is often necessary to book internal flights and you can expect exceptional luxury. In the low season, this price can drop to around €1700 However, there are cheaper options which call for about €1000 per person per day for these very exclusive locations.

Am I able to make changes to my itinerary? ✍️

Viatu allows you to have fully customisable and flexible trip templates, which means you can adjust everything from budget, and travel time to preferred experiences. Please refer to our terms and conditions before booking and pay attention to our cancellation policies.

What if I need to cancel my trip due to Covid-19-related circumstances? 📝

We at Viatu will try our best to accommodate any changes as far as possible. For more information, please refer to our Covid Policy or reach out to us directly.

What should I pack for my trip to Botswana? 🧳

• Pack carefully - you will likely want to bring back plenty of souvenirs, so make sure you leave some space 😃

• Small charter flights, like those that fly into the Okavango Delta, have a very limited baggage allowance. The allowance is usually 15 kg of checked luggage (which must be in a soft-shell bag) and 5 kg of hand luggage

• Clothes that are made with light, airy fabrics are great for the heat. Clothes in neutral tones are the best for game drives or walking safaris. Bring long sleeves, closed shoes and long pants for evenings to keep the mosquitos at bay - or to warm up in the cool desert nights

• A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses are a must to protect against the sun. A sports buff is also a great idea

• Coral and reef-friendly sunscreen (35+ SPF) is recommended to help prevent any sunburn

• A refillable water bottle. Most of the water in Botswana is safe to drink and water is readily available at most fuel stations and lodges. Always check beforehand with an employee. Always carry plenty of extra drinking water with you on long-haul road trips

• A flask or reusable coffee cup for morning game drives and long road trips

• Insect/ Mosquito repellent

• Any prescription medication - most generic medication can be found at pharmacies throughout Botswana

• Field guides to get to know the fauna and flora

• Cameras and binoculars

• Good walking/hiking shoes and open shoes like flip flops

• Swimwear and a light quick-dry travel towel

• A tote bag for shopping

• Solar-powered power bank (not critical, but it can always come in handy)

• A travel adapter for plug types D and M

• Hand sanitiser and wet wipes

• An ointment for bites or stings for when you’re in the bush

• All of your wanderlust ✨

What travel documentation do I need to travel to Botswana? 🛂

• A valid passport or travel document for your intended stay with at least 6 months left in it

• At least one blank page in your passport for endorsements

• Two colour passport photographs

• A valid visa, if required. You can check if your country requires a visa here. You can apply for your visa online and learn more about the requirements on the same site

• A return or onward ticket if you are travelling by air

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you stop in a country where there is a yellow fever risk. This does not include a layover where you do not leave the airport. Find a list of the countries at risk at the World Health Organisation and consult your doctor before you travel

What travel documentation do I need if I am travelling with a minor? 🧒

• A valid passport with at least 6 months available on arrival

• A Visa, if required. You can check if your country requires a visa here

• A certified copy of their full and unabridged birth certificate

• A certified letter of consent from both parents and an affidavit if the child is travelling with only one parent or an adult who is not their parent

What health certifications do I need to enter Botswana? 💉

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate if you stop in a country where there is a yellow fever risk. This does not include a layover where you do not leave the airport. Find a list of the countries at risk at the World Health Organisation and consult your doctor before you travel

• Please visit our Covid Hub to find out the current requirements for vaccinations. However, we advise that you travel with proof of vaccination anyway

• A completed health questionnaire form is given by the aeroplane company before onboarding or during the flight

Is my driver's licence valid in Botswana? 📋

Travellers visiting Botswana are allowed to drive in the country without a Botswana or international driver's licence if their licence is valid in their country and is in English or an official translation in English is attached.

Do I need to tell my bank that I am travelling abroad? 🏦

Yes, this is always a good idea and do consider giving your bank exact dates. Please also tell your bank that you will be paying in BWP (Botswana Pula).

Should I take out travel insurance for my trip to Botswana? 📑

Absolutely! Travel insurance is always a great idea when travelling to remote locations. Although Botswana has various air rescue and medical facilities, it’s best to be extra careful.

What should I read, watch, or check out online before leaving for my trip to Botswana? 📺📖

We’ve made a complete Botswana Pocket Guide that is full of useful hints and helpers. We recommend reading up on the indigenous fauna and flora that you will see on your trip. There are also some great books out there like The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith and Django: The Small Dog with a Big Heart by Peter Comley to help build excitement. Some great films also include A United Kingdom and Into the Okavango.

What apps do I need before visiting Botswana? 📱

MAPS.ME and Google Maps are good resources when travelling around Botswana. A stocked Spotify playlist is also a great idea!

What is the local etiquette I should follow? 🇧🇼

When travelling to Botswana it is important to respect its people and the place they call home. With Viatu, we help you do this by leaving a place in a better way than you found it. Always ask for permission before photographing someone and expect a small fee for doing so. Tipping about 10% is a great way to thank someone for their service, although it is not compulsory and is up to your discretion. The same goes for petrol attendants, however between P5 and P20 will is sufficient. It is also polite to tip members of staff, trackers and guides at the places where you stay, this is best done at the end of your visit. For more information on tipping, check out our tipping guide.

What currency do they use in Botswana? 💵

The Botswana Pula (BWP) is used in Botswana, 1 Pula is divisible to 100 Thebe. Exchange rates can easily be found online and the Pula is similar to the South African Rand, although usually a bit stronger. Money can be changed at the airport, Bureaux de Changes in urban areas and even some accredited hotels. You can also before leaving, check with your bank to make sure that your bank card will work in Botswana. It is not necessary to carry too much cash around with you and card machines can be found in urban areas and at some fuel stations. However, it is a good idea to have some small denominations and coins on you for tips. When doing long-haul trips to remote locations you might want to keep enough to refill your fuel tank and get some supplies, about P2500 on your person for emergencies.

What should I keep in mind when driving in Botswana? 🚗

In Botswana, cars drive on the left-hand side of the road. If you’re on a self-drive trip and you come across any wild animals on the road, stop your car at a distance and turn off your engines. Make as little noise as possible while you wait for the animals to pass and marvel at them from a distance. When driving in urban areas, do not leave valuable items on your car seats. However, generally, Botswana is very safe. When driving, everyone has to wear their seatbelt and it is illegal to use your phone, doing so may result in a fine. Always drive with a valid driving licence and please note that the legal blood-alcohol limit for driving is under 0.08 g per 100 ml, this is relatively high in comparison to other countries but if caught you can face a hefty fine and possible imprisonment. Therefore, it is advisable to either have a designated driver if you are in a group or to have drinks at the place where you are staying.

I do not have a driver's licence. Can I still get around easily in Botswana? 🚌

Although Uber is not in Botswana, lodges and camps will often offer shuttle services or transfers to and from the airport. Please check with us or your stay about this before you travel. There are also plenty of internal flights to many of Botswana’s best destinations.

What should I keep in mind if I am involved in a car accident? 💥

The best way to prevent an accident is to follow the rules of the road, do not drive at night, under the influence or over the speed limit. However, accidents still happen and if you are involved in one take some time to establish your safety before helping those in your group, then please refer to the listed toll-free numbers below: Ambulance 997 Police 999 Fire Brigade 998 Medical Rescue 911 For air rescue and more information, please refer to the points below.

What condition are the roads in? 🛣️

Botswana’s road system is quite extensive and generally good. However, in some areas the roads can be bad with large potholes, but not impossible. The main roads from Nata to Kasane and Nata to Maun can be challenging but are usually redone every few years (so you might be lucky!). During the rainy season, some roads do flood, particularly those through national parks, becoming impassable. Always check with us or your stay before driving through remote areas in Botswana.

What happens if I get a flat tyre? 🚨

It is recommended that you learn how to change a tire before you begin your adventure. This includes checking that your car has a spare tyre, manual and jack before you leave the rental company. Ask your car rental company for a demonstration. Always carry backup water and supplies on a trip.

What other important information should I know about driving a 4x4 in Botswana? 🚙

It is only advisable to do a self-drive in a 4x4 if you have the appropriate level of experience. You can self-drive through much of Botswana without a 4x4 and this is also more sustainable. However, some more remote areas like the Central Kalahari and the Makgadikadi Salt Pans do call for a 4x4. You will require skills in deep water, sand and mud crossings. Knowledge of and experience with high and low range in vehicle transmission is also necessary. When driving a 4x4 always keep an eye on your fuel gauge and remember to fill up frequently. If you are travelling in more remote areas, consider carrying extra fuel with you and check the distances between fuel stations. If you do run out of fuel, call a nearby petrol station and they may kindly assist you. For further information and explanations of what to do in specific scenarios along with safety tips visit this website.

Can I drink tap water in Botswana? 🚰

Most water is safe to drink in Botswana, however, always ask a member of staff or employee if it is safe to do so beforehand. It is always advisable to travel with extra water when driving and please note that in the Makgadikadi Region the water can be saline due to the salt permeating the water table.

What is the food in Botswana like? 🍔

Botswana has a range of national dishes and drinks. Try out Seswaa (slow-cooked shredded beef or goat) with phaleche (mealie meal) and mopane worms (if you’re feeling daring). Although mopane worms are seasonal, you can grab a great takeaway of stew and phaleche or BBQ corn from most vendors on the road. Also, sample local beers like St Louis or take a trip to the Okavango Brewery in Maun for a great day out. There are plenty of fuel stations with shops along roads filled with fan favourites such as Simba chips, iron brew and creme soda. There are plenty of great restaurants around and Botswana is well known for its beef, so consider trying out a braai or BBQ. Urban areas also often offer cafes with decent coffee and well-stocked supermarkets. Maun and Kasane have some great vegan options, like the Old Bridge Backpackers and The Coffee Buzz. Lodges and camps offer fantastic catering options sure the please any traveller.

What is the accommodation like in Botswana? 🏨

Botswana has plenty of accommodation options that will suit most budgets and definitely delight with a range of fun activities. However, when you find the perfect place secure your spot with us as soon as possible. If you want to read more about how we choose our properties, you can find our blog post explaining it here.

What languages are spoken in Botswana? 🗣️

Botswana’s official language is Setswana. Most citizens are multilingual and can speak English as well. However, in more remote areas this is not always the case. To say hello in Setswana, you say ‘Dumela’.

How can I stay safe? 😃

Here is a list of toll-free emergency numbers: Ambulance 997 Police 999 Fire Brigade 998 Medical Rescue 911

Medical air rescue 390-1601 Okavango Air Rescue 995

Okavango Air Rescue is a fantastic organisation based in Maun that will evacuate partons in remote locations via helicopter. This service serves the Okavango Delta, along with sections of the Kalahari and Chobe. Many lodges are affiliated with this service, however, consider asking staff whether you need to become a patron. You can find out more about Okavango Air Rescue here.

While travel insurance is not compulsory when travelling to Botswana, we do highly recommend it.

Will I ever come face to face with wild animals? 🦁

Thanks to extensive conservation efforts, Botswana is extremely wildlife-rich. It is entirely likely that you will encounter wild animals like elephants on the road up to the Chobe and even warthogs running through the streets of Kasane. In all of these situations, it is very important to keep your distance and remember that these are wild animals that can be extremely dangerous. Never leave your car in national parks and exercise extreme caution in remote areas, even if it’s on the main road as most of Botswana is unfenced and lions are particularly sneaky. Only use designated picnic areas and remember to keep your windows closed when you leave a stay so that monkeys and baboons don’t come in and help themselves. On a game drive, kayaking trip, mokoro ride or walking safari always try to keep quiet and always listen to your expert guide and tracker, who is experienced in these situations and will keep you safe. At stays, always listen to the rules of the camp or lodge regarding animals.

Is there cell phone reception in Botswana? 📶

Yes, there is cellular reception in Botswana. However, in some remote areas, there may be no signal. If you are travelling through remote areas, please make sure you notify us, your family or members of the accommodation where you are staying of your route and ETA.

How to get your cell phone connected to a local network? 📲

Yes, it is very easy. You can buy a pay-as-you-go sim card at the airport, any cellular store, or a grocery store. We recommend sticking to one of these brands: Orange or BTC. BTC tends to have the best signal. You can buy a local SIM card, for €4.01 - €7.29 (P55 - P100) airtime and 1 GB of data for around €7.29 (P100).

Is internet connection widely available and reliable? 🌐

This depends on where you are staying. In urban areas, most restaurants, cafes and stays will have WiFi access, however, it may have a capped limit. Overall, most stays will offer WiFi connection.

Do I need to draw cash or is a credit or debit card enough? 💳

Most places in Botswana have card facilities, so it is not necessary to travel with large amounts of cash. We do advise having small denominations and coins for tipping purposes and an emergency fund of about P2500 on long trips. In more remote areas, there may not be card machines available, so do consider that.

Do I need a power plug travel adapter? 🔌

Botswana mostly uses type D plugs. Types M and C can be found, but they are not nearly as common.

Can I make changes to my itinerary while travelling? 📝

Although we love spontaneity, not all lodges and camps are the same. We will try our best to make any itinerary changes, but it can come down to the T&Cs of the specific accommodation provider and may result in possible cancellation or administrative charges. However, we will always try to find the absolute best solution.

How can I contact someone at Viatu? 📱

If you need to get in touch with anyone at Viatu, please refer back to your travel documents. Otherwise, you can email helpme@viatu.com.

Is healthcare in Botswana good? 🏥

Botswana has some great healthcare facilities such as hospitals and clinics in urban areas such as Maun, Kasane and Gaborone. There are also some services like Okavango Air Rescue that serve the Okavango Delta, along with sections of the Kalahari and Chobe Region. Pharmacies that are dotted around the country also often have very helpful medical professionals to assist with minor injuries or illnesses.

Who covers the cost of a medical emergency? 💵

If you have taken out comprehensive travel insurance your insurer will cover the costs for usual medical treatment. Check the details of your insurance before you leave and if faced with an emergency while travelling.

Will I be able to find a doctor and hospital? ⚕️

All of Botswana’s urban centres have hospitals and doctors. Maun and Gaborone have some of the best in the country. However, it is a remote country - so we advise travel insurance please save the emergency numbers we’ve included above.

Do I need to present a Covid-19 negative test result at customs? 😷

For the latest regulations and updates, visit our Covid-Hub for full details on this.

Will I have access to Covid-19 testing facilities in Botswana? 🧪

Yes, there are testing facilities in every urban area of Botswana. You can get tested at Diagnofirm or any hospital and most clinics. Visit our Covid-Hub for recommended testing facilities and services.

What happens if I get Covid-19 whilst on my trip? 🚨

If you suspect that you might have Covid-19, don’t panic. Isolate yourself and seek medical attention if you are unwell. Check what the Covid-19 procedure is at your camp, lodge, or guesthouse and follow their guidelines.