Botswana

Botswana: general info for travelers

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. It borders South Africa to the south, Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and Zambia to the north. The country has a population of around 2.3 million people and its capital city is Gaborone. Botswana is known for its vast wildlife reserves, including the Okavango Delta, the Chobe National Park, and the Moremi Game Reserve, which are home to diverse wildlife species like lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, and more. It is also one of the most stable countries in Africa and has a rapidly growing economy, thanks to its diamond mining and tourism industry.

In this webpage you can find destinations, links and detailed information to organize the perfect holiday in this country full of places to visit. We answer questions such as what to see and what to do, when to go and how to move. We recommend travel itineraries and we provide a list of destinations, each with a link to the dedicated page full of detailed info. So here is everything there is to know for a trip in Botswana, including gastronomy, safety and events, with a short summary of history and culture.

Botswana: places to visit

Botswana is a beautiful country with many exciting places to visit. Here are some of the top sights: 1. Okavango Delta: Known as the jewel of the Kalahari, the Okavango Delta is an incredible wetland oasis that is home to a rich variety of wildlife and flora. Visitors can explore the delta by mokoro (traditional canoe), on foot, or on horseback.
2. Chobe National Park: This park is famous for its large elephant herds and is home to four of the Big Five animals: lions, leopards, buffalos, and elephants. Visitors can go on game drives, river safaris, and guided walks to see the incredible wildlife.
3. Moremi Game Reserve: This reserve encompasses the eastern side of the Okavango Delta and is known for its diverse habitats, including floodplains, grasslands, and forests. Visitors can see a wide range of wildlife, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species.
4. Central Kalahari Game Reserve: The largest game reserve in Botswana, the Central Kalahari is home to a wide variety of wildlife that has adapted to survive in this harsh desert environment. Visitors can see predators such as lions and cheetahs, as well as unique species such as the Kalahari black-maned lion.
5. Makgadikgadi Pans National Park: This park is known for its vast salt pans and is home to a variety of wildlife, including zebras, wildebeests, and flamingos. Visitors can take guided walks, explore the pans on quad bikes, and experience the unique culture of the San Bushmen who live in the area. I hope this helps you with your trip planning!
There is more to see and do in Botswana: further down you can find other info and, in particular, a list of every interesting destination, each with its own webpage containing specific info about attractions to visit, events and more.

Botswana: when to go on holiday

We listed some places to see in Botswana, but it's also important to visit them in the right season.
Botswana has a semi-arid climate, so it's generally dry and sunny for much of the year. The country experiences two main seasons: the dry season that runs from May to October and the rainy season that lasts from November to April. The dry season is characterized by cooler temperatures, low humidity, and virtually no rainfall. The wet season is much warmer, more humid, and sees daily heavy rainfall, which can often cause flooding.
If you wish to go on a safari, the dry season (May to October) is generally considered the best time. During this period, the vegetation is less dense, so it's easier to spot wildlife around the watering holes. However, if you are a bird watcher, the rainy season is the best time to visit as this is the time when most of the migratory birds visit the country.

Botswana: activities and what to do

Botswana is a great destination for adventure and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the activities and sports you can do while on holiday in Botswana: 1. Safari: Botswana is famous for its wildlife and safari is the most popular activity in the country. You can spot the Big 5 (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino) and many other animals and birds while on safari.
2. Mokoro canoeing: Mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe made from a single tree trunk. It's a great way to explore the waterways of the Okavango Delta and get close to the wildlife that lives there.
3. Bird watching: Botswana is a bird watcher's paradise. With over 500 species of birds, you can spot a wide variety of birds, including African fish eagle, martial eagle, lilac-breasted roller, and many more.
4. Cultural tours: Botswana has a rich cultural heritage, and you can learn about its history and traditions by visiting villages and meeting local people.
5. Hot air balloon rides: Hot air balloon rides are a unique way to experience the beauty of Botswana's landscapes and wildlife.
6. Walking safaris: Walking safaris allow you to explore the bush on foot and get a closer look at the smaller creatures that are often missed on game drives.
7. Sports fishing: Botswana has some of the best fishing spots in Africa. You can catch a variety of fish, including tigerfish, bream, and catfish.
These are just a few of the many activities and sports you can do while on holiday in Botswana.

Botswana: few words on history and culture

Botswana, located in southern Africa, has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times. The region was inhabited by hunter-gatherers and then Bantu-speaking tribes. In the 19th century, the area was colonized by the British, who created the Bechuanaland Protectorate. Botswana gained independence from Britain in 1966.
The culture of Botswana is influenced by its history, as well as its geography and environment. Traditional customs and beliefs are still important in everyday life, particularly in rural areas. The Setswana culture is the dominant culture in Botswana, and it emphasizes respect for elders, communal living, and the importance of family.
Music and dance are important aspects of Botswana culture, with traditional dancing and music being performed at important events such as weddings and funerals. Artisan crafts, such as basket weaving and pottery, are also significant parts of Botswana's cultural heritage.
Overall, Botswana offers a unique and fascinating cultural experience to visitors, with a deep history and rich traditions that reflect the country's diversity and resilience.

Botswana: how to move around on holiday

The best means of transport to reach and visit Botswana are by air, road, or rail.
1. Air: Botswana has several international airports, including Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun International Airport in Maun, and Kasane International Airport in Kasane, which receive flights from major cities around the world.
2. Road: Botswana has a well-developed road network, with highways connecting major cities and towns. Many visitors to Botswana choose to rent a car or hire a driver to explore the country independently.
3. Rail: Botswana also has a rail system that connects major cities, such as Gaborone, Francistown, and Lobatse. The trains are generally reliable, comfortable, and affordable, making them ideal for budget-conscious travelers.
Regardless of the means of transport you choose, it is best to plan your travel in advance to ensure a smooth and efficient trip. To hire a car to visit Botswana, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Botswana: typical gastronomy

It is better to visit Botswana with a full stomach:D
Here are some of the main typical foods of Botswana and a brief description of each: 1. Seswaa - A popular, traditional dish made with shredded beef or goat meat that has been cooked and pounded to a pulp. It is often served with pap, a stiff maize porridge, and a side of vegetables.
2. Mopane Worms - A delicacy in Botswana, mopane worms are large, cream-colored caterpillars that are dried and seasoned with spices before being fried, roasted, or boiled. They are rich in protein, have a nutty taste, and are often served as a snack or in stews or soups.
3. Vetkoek - A deep-fried dough ball that is similar to a muffin. Vetkoek can be eaten on its own or filled with savory toppings like minced meat, cheese, or vegetables.
4. Bogobe - A traditional porridge made from sorghum or millet flour that is cooked with water to form a thick, sticky paste. It is usually served with a side of vegetables, sauce, or stew.
5. Chotlho - A sour milk-like beverage that is made by fermenting cow's or goat's milk with lactic acid. It has a tangy, slightly acidic taste and is often served as a refreshing drink in Botswana.
I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Botswana: costs for tourists and how to save on holiday

Botswana can be considered relatively expensive compared to other countries in Southern Africa, particularly in terms of safari activities and accommodations. This is because Botswana has a strong focus on high-end eco-tourism and conservation efforts. However, there are more budget-friendly options available, such as camping and self-drive safaris. It is important to research and compare prices before planning a trip to Botswana.

Botswana: where to find accodation

There are various options to look for accommodation in Botswana, depending on your preferences and budget. 1. Safari lodges and camps: Botswana is famous for its safari lodges and camps, which offer a unique and luxurious wildlife experience. Some of the popular ones include Chobe Game Lodge, Belmond Savute Elephant Camp, and Four Seasons Safari Lodge.
2. Hotels: Major cities in Botswana have a range of hotels to choose from, including budget-friendly options to luxury hotels. Some of the popular ones include The Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort in Gaborone and Cresta Hotels.
3. Guesthouses and B&Bs: These are a great option if you’re looking for a more intimate and affordable stay. Some of the popular ones include Amalinda Guesthouse in Francistown and The Big Five Lodge and Guest House in Maun.
4. Camping: For the adventurous types, camping is a great option with parks such as Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and Okavango Delta offering camping facilities.
There are many booking platforms such as Booking.com, Expedia, and Agoda that can help you find accommodation in Botswana. It's recommended to book well in advance, especially during the peak season (June - October) when there is high demand for lodges and camps.
You can check hotel prices in Botswana here:
Booking.com

Botswana: number of tourists and safety

It is always interesting to know how many travelers visit a country, both to understand if it is tourist-friendly and safe and to see if in certain periods it may be too crowded.
According to the Botswana Tourism Organization, the country receives an average of around 2 million tourists per year. However, the peak tourism season is usually between the months of June and October, which is the dry season and the best time for wildlife viewing. During this time, some popular destinations like Chobe National Park and the Okavango Delta can be quite crowded, especially in July and August. To avoid the crowds, you may consider traveling to Botswana during the low season, which is from November to April. However, it's important to note that some lodges and camps may be closed during this period due to the rains and flooding.
Botswana is generally considered to be a safe country for tourists. The country has a low crime rate, and incidents of violent crime against tourists are rare. However, like most countries, there are certain areas that are considered to be more dangerous or unstable than others, such as border regions and wildlife management areas due to possible wildlife dangers. It is important to stay informed of local news and follow the advice of local authorities when traveling to areas that may be deemed unsafe. Additionally, travelers are advised to take standard safety precautions such as keeping valuables secure, avoiding traveling alone at night, and being aware of their surroundings.
It is always recommended to read updated info about safety in Botswana on the official website of your Foreign Affairs Ministry.

Botswana: events for tourists

Botswana offers a variety of interesting events for tourists throughout the year. Here are some of them: 1. Makgadikgadi Epic - This is an annual off-road cycling race that takes place in July in the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans. It attracts participants from around the world.
2. Khawa Dune Challenge - This is an exciting quad biking event that takes place in the Kalahari Desert in July. It involves racing across sand dunes, making it an adrenaline-filled experience.
3. Maun International Arts Festival - This five-day arts and culture festival takes place in Maun in October. It features music, dance, drama, and visual arts performances from various artists around the world.
4. Maun Marathon - This annual event takes place in May and includes a 42.2km full marathon, a 21.1km half marathon, and a 10km fun run. It attracts runners from around the world.
5. Chobe Enclave Marathon - This annual marathon takes place in Kasane in March and features a 21km half marathon and a 10km fun run. The route takes participants through wildlife areas, providing an opportunity to see Botswana's diverse fauna.
6. Botswana Craft and Cultural Fair - This annual event takes place in Gaborone in August and promotes Botswana's cultural heritage, with exhibitions and sales of locally-made crafts, art and traditional clothing.
There are also other events such as game drives and cultural festivals that take place throughout the year in Botswana.

Botswana: a 2-week travel itinerary

We listed the places to see in Botswana, here's a possible suggestion on how to visit them.
A two-week itinerary for a typical tourist in Botswana could look something like this: Day 1-3: Maun - Arrival in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta - Explore the town and its markets - Visit the Nhabe Museum - Take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta Day 4-6: Okavango Delta - Take a mokoro (traditional dugout canoe) excursion through the delta - Go on game drives and nature walks - Enjoy bird watching and wildlife spotting Day 7-9: Chobe National Park - Travel to Chobe National Park - Go on a game drive to see the park's large elephant populations - Take a boat safari on the Chobe River Day 10-11: Nxai Pan National Park - Visit Nxai Pan National Park - Explore the Baines Baobabs - Go on a game drive to see the zebras and other wildlife Day 12-14: Moremi Game Reserve - Travel to Moremi Game Reserve - Go on a guided safari to see the park's diverse wildlife, including lions, leopards, and elephants - Visit the Xakanaxa area for bird watching Day 15: Departure - Depart from Botswana Of course, this itinerary can be customized based on individual preferences and interests.

Botswana: all destinations

Here is a comprehensive list of all destinations to visit in Botswana described in this website, in alphabetical order: by clicking on a link you get to the specific page with all the detailed information about a destination, with every info to organize your trip!
- Chobe National Park is a wildlife-rich area located in the northern part of Botswana. It is known for its large elephant population, which is estimated to be around 120,000 individuals. The park cover... CONTINUE here for a trip to Chobe National Park
- Francistown is the second largest city in Botswana, located in the eastern region of the country. It is an important commercial and transportation hub, and serves as a gateway to several popular desti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Francistown
- Sure, here's some general information about Gaborone:... CONTINUE here for a trip to Gaborone
- Ghanzi is a town located in the western part of Botswana, near the border with Namibia. It is the administrative center of the Ghanzi District, which is known for its cattle ranching and wildlife cons... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ghanzi
- Jwaneng is a town located in the southern part of Botswana, about 120 kilometers southwest of the capital city Gaborone. It is known for its diamond mines, making it the wealthiest town in Botswana. T... CONTINUE here for a trip to Jwaneng
- The Kalahari Desert is a large sandy savannah that covers most of Botswana, as well as parts of Namibia and South Africa. While it's often called a "desert," it's actually a semi-arid environment with... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kalahari Desert
- Kang is a small town located in the Kalahari Desert region of Botswana. It is situated in the Kgalagadi District, in the southern part of the country. The town has a population of around 3,500 people ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kang
- Kanye is a town located in the southern part of Botswana, about 90 kilometers from the capital city, Gaborone. It is known for its historical significance as the birthplace of Sir Seretse Khama, Botsw... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kanye
- Kasane is a small town located in the northeastern part of Botswana, bordering Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. It is situated at the meeting point of four African countries where the Chobe and Zambezi ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Kasane
- Letlhakane is a small town located in the central part of Botswana. It is situated on the edge of the Kalahari desert, which is known for its unique wildlife and natural beauty. The town has a populat... CONTINUE here for a trip to Letlhakane
- Lobatse is a town located in the southern part of Botswana, near the border with South Africa. It is the capital city of the South-East District and has a population of around 30,000 people. Lobatse w... CONTINUE here for a trip to Lobatse
- Mahalapye is a town located in the Central District of Botswana, situated about 200 km north of the capital city Gaborone. It is an important transportation hub, with both road and rail links connecti... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mahalapye
- Mahalekwena is a village located in the northeastern part of Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. It is situated in the North East District and is known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful n... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mahalekwena
- Maun is a town located in the northwestern part of Botswana, near the border with Namibia. It is known as the "Gateway to the Okavango Delta", one of the largest untouched wilderness areas in Africa. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Maun
- Mmadinare is a small town located in the eastern part of Botswana, and it is the capital of the Central District. Its population is approximately 10,000 people, and most of them are of the BaKalanga e... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mmadinare
- Mochudi is a village located in the Kgatleng District of Botswana, about 40 kilometers north of the capital city, Gaborone. It is home to the Bakgatla people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Botsw... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mochudi
- Molepolole is a large village located in the southern part of Botswana. It is the administrative center of the Kweneng District and one of the largest villages in the country, with a population of ove... CONTINUE here for a trip to Molepolole
- Mopipi is a small village located in the Central District of Botswana, in southern Africa. It is situated approximately 40 kilometers north of the town of Palapye, and is home to a population of aroun... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mopipi
- Moshupa is a village located in the Kweneng District of Botswana. It is situated approximately 20 kilometres south of Gaborone, the capital city of Botswana. Moshupa is home to around 22,000 people an... CONTINUE here for a trip to Moshupa
- Mosi-oa-Tunya or "The Smoke that Thunders" is the local name for Victoria Falls, a waterfall on the Zambezi River, located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Mosu-oa-Tunya National Park is loc... CONTINUE here for a trip to Mosu
- Nata is a village located in the north-eastern part of Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. It is known for its proximity to the Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast salt pan complex and wildlife sanctuary. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nata
- Nokaneng is a small village located in the North-West District of Botswana. It has a population of around 5,000 people and is situated near the Okavango Delta, which is a popular destination for wildl... CONTINUE here for a trip to Nokaneng
- The Okavango Delta is a vast inland delta located in Botswana, Southern Africa. The Delta is formed by the Okavango River which flows into the Kalahari Desert and creates a unique ecosystem of wetland... CONTINUE here for a trip to Okavango Delta
- Oodi is a small town located in the Kgatleng District of Botswana, about 20 kilometers northeast of the capital city of Gaborone. The town is known for its friendly community, traditional architecture... CONTINUE here for a trip to Oodi
- Orapa is a town in the Central District of Botswana, located about 240 kilometers northwest of the capital city, Gaborone. It is known for being one of the largest diamond mines in the world, which wa... CONTINUE here for a trip to Orapa
- Palapye is a town located in the Central District of Botswana, in southern Africa. It has a population of approximately 60,000 people and is the third-largest town in the country. The town is situated... CONTINUE here for a trip to Palapye
- Ramotswa is a village located in the Southern District of Botswana, near the border with South Africa. It has a population of around 4,000 people and is known for being a center for the production of ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Ramotswa
- Sehithwa is a small village located in the Ngamiland District of Botswana, in the northwestern part of the country. It is situated along the Okavango River and is known for its fishing opportunities. ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Sehithwa
- Selebi-Phikwe is a town located in the eastern part of Botswana, near the border with Zimbabwe. It is the second-largest town in the country, with a population of approximately 50,000 people. The econ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Selebi-Phikwe
- Serowe is a town located in the Central District of Botswana. It is one of the largest towns in the area and serves as the capital of the Bamangwato people. Serowe has a rich cultural heritage and is ... CONTINUE here for a trip to Serowe
- Thamaga is a small town located in Botswana, in the southern part of the country. It is situated in the Kgatleng District, about 40 kilometers west of the capital city, Gaborone. The town has a popula... CONTINUE here for a trip to Thamaga
- Tlokweng is a large village located in the Southeast District of Botswana. It is situated just outside the capital city, Gaborone, and is known for its close proximity to the border with South Africa.... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tlokweng
- Tshabong is a town located in southern Botswana, near the border with South Africa. It is the administrative center of the Kgalagadi District and has a population of around 5,000 people. The town serv... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tshabong
- Tsodilo Hills is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the northwestern part of Botswana. It is a sacred site for the San people, who have lived in the area for over 100,000 years, and is home to ov... CONTINUE here for a trip to Tsodilo Hills


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