10 Essential Things to Know Before Visiting Botswana

Planning an unforgettable vacation can be an exhilarating journey in itself. Botswana stands out as a breathtaking destination, but adequate preparation is key to fully savoring all it has to offer. Below, I've compiled essential information to ensure your Botswana experience is seamless and memorable.

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1- Visa Requirements

Planning your dream safari to Botswana is easier than you might think as the country offers a very welcoming entry policy for many global travelers. Most Western passport holders, including citizens from the US, UK, Canada, and the EU, can enjoy visa-free entry for tourism for up to 90 days within a 12-month period.

If you do happen to require a visa, the process has been modernized through the official Botswana eVisa portal, where you can submit your application and documents entirely online.

⚠️ Regardless of your nationality, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your stay and has at least two blank pages for those iconic entry stamps.

2- Mobile Connectivity

I suggest getting a local SIM card for your smartphone, which you can easily purchase at the airport upon arrival. If you have a newer smartphone, it likely supports eSIM, which is very convenient—you can activate a virtual SIM from a local provider in Botswana and have internet access immediately.

👉 You can purchase it through Airalo.

⚠️ Keep in mind that mobile phone coverage is limited across much of Botswana’s remote terrain. While some lodges and establishments offer Wi-Fi, it’s wise to be prepared for areas with no signal. If you plan to venture into remote regions or go on self-guided game drives, having access to satellite emergency services—such as the satellite connectivity available on newer iPhones—can be very helpful.

3- Money

The official currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). While US dollars are sometimes accepted at lodges and tourist establishments, it’s generally advisable to exchange your money into Pula for everyday expenses.

Credit card acceptance can be limited, especially outside major towns and high-end lodges, so it’s important to carry sufficient cash for your trip.

⚠️ ATMs are relatively scarce and may not always be reliable in remote areas, so plan ahead and withdraw or exchange money whenever you have the opportunity.

4- Transportation and Logistics

Renting a car is the most common way to get around Botswana. While the main highways are paved and generally in good condition, many secondary roads are unpaved and can be sandy or rough, making a 4x4 vehicle highly recommended—especially if you plan to explore national parks or remote areas.

Botswana follows left-hand driving, so you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. An international driving permit is usually required in addition to your national driver’s license.

Be sure to plan your fuel stops carefully, as petrol stations can be few and far between, particularly outside major towns. When traveling into remote regions, carrying extra fuel is a wise precaution.

5- Accommodation

Accommodation in Botswana is generally expensive, reflecting the country’s strong focus on sustainable tourism and environmental conservation. Luxury lodges dominate the market, and even campsites can be relatively pricey, often around $50 per person per night.

We chose to pre-book all our campsites in advance, but in many cases it may be better to simply arrive and pay on-site, as online booking platforms sometimes charge higher rates. The trade-off, of course, is that you run the small risk of finding a campsite fully booked. That said, during our trip many campsites were surprisingly quiet, and availability did not seem to be a major issue.

6- Language

English is widely spoken in Botswana, facilitating communication with locals and service providers.

7- Cultural Insights

Embrace the unhurried pace of life in Botswana, where patience is essential. Delays in service and administrative processes are common, and unexpected situations can occasionally arise. Life here moves at a much slower rhythm than in many other countries. For example, in restaurants it’s not unusual to wait an hour or even an hour and a half for your meal to arrive, so it’s best to relax and adjust to the local pace.

8- Safety Considerations

Botswana is generally safe for tourists. However, exercise caution around wildlife, particularly in game reserves and national parks.

9- Weather

The best time to visit Botswana is during the winter months, which coincide with the dry season. In the rainy season, many off-road tracks become muddy or flooded, making it very difficult—often impossible—to access certain areas and go on game drives.

The dry season generally runs from April to October. During this period, wildlife viewing is excellent because animals gather around the remaining water sources, and road conditions are far more manageable.

Here’s a general overview of temperatures during the dry season:

• April–May: Temperatures begin to cool after the hot summer months. Daytime temperatures typically range from 25–30°C (77–86°F), while nighttime temperatures drop to around 10–15°C (50–59°F).
• June–August: These are the coldest months of the year. Daytime temperatures are usually 20–25°C (68–77°F), but nights can be very cold, sometimes dropping below 0°C (32°F) in certain areas, particularly in desert regions.
• September–October: Temperatures start rising again toward the end of the dry season. Daytime temperatures range from 25–35°C (77–95°F), while nights become milder compared to the winter months. These months are also excellent for wildlife viewing, as animals concentrate around shrinking water sources.

Health Recommendations

Vaccinations: While Botswana typically doesn't require specific vaccines for entry, it's important to ensure you are up-to-date on routine vaccinations. This includes vaccines such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot.

Malaria Risk: Malaria is a concern primarily during the wet season. It's advisable to take necessary precautions, including antimalarial medications and insect repellents, especially if you plan to travel to affected areas.

Travel Insurance: It is essential to have comprehensive travel insurance before arriving in Botswana. This ensures coverage in case of emergencies or unexpected medical expenses.

Medication: It's recommended to bring an ample supply of medications with you, particularly if traveling to remote areas where access to medical facilities may be limited. In addition to essential medications, consider packing generic antibiotics, creams for insect bites, and treatments for gastrointestinal issues.

With these tips in mind, you're well-equipped to embark on an unforgettable adventure in Botswana, where the untouched wilderness and warm hospitality await. Safe travels!