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Southern Africa

BotswanaTravel guide

Explore Botswana visa rules

Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Its capital is Gaborone. Wildlife, national parks and the Okavango Delta are its main attractions.

Why go

  1. See wildlife in the Okavango Delta and Moremi Game Reserve.

  2. Look for elephants, zebras and lions in Chobe National Park.

  3. Explore the rock art at Tsodilo Hills.

  4. Watch birds at Makgadikgadi Pans National Park.

  5. Experience arts, crafts and performances in D'Kar and Xai-Xai.

Getting there

By air

  • Sir Seretse Khama International Airport is about 15 kilometres north of central Gaborone. It has flights from Zimbabwe, Zambia, South Africa, Namibia, Kenya and Ethiopia.
  • Maun has flights from Johannesburg, Cape Town, Gaborone and Windhoek. Maun and Gaborone are more than 1,000 kilometres apart.
  • Air Botswana, Airlink and Ethiopian Airlines fly to Gaborone.

By land

  • Road entry points connect Botswana with South Africa, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Main roads are paved and well maintained.
  • The Kopfontein/Tlokweng crossing from South Africa is close to Gaborone. It handles many trucks and has long opening hours.
  • From Namibia, you can head north towards Maun or take the Trans-Kalahari Highway towards Lobatse.

Customs

  • Foreign-registered vehicles must pay a National Road Safety Fund levy and a Road Transport Permit levy.
  • For vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kilograms with up to 15 seats, the charges are P50 for the safety fund and P52 for the transport permit.
  • Foreign currencies are not accepted for these vehicle charges. Credit cards are accepted.

Getting around

  • Buses and minibuses

    Buses, coaches and minibuses called combies connect towns and cities. Services are less frequent away from major routes and big cities. From Gaborone, buses reach practically every major city in the country. Elsewhere, ask a local where to find the right bus stop. Ask the fare before boarding, as it depends on where you get on and off. Arrive early because buses fill quickly. Smaller buses also have limited luggage space. Bring water, as many buses have no air conditioning. Buses have no toilets, but generally make stops where you can use one and buy food. Wear layers during June, July and August. Mornings can be very cold and afternoons hot.

  • Car

    Drive on the left. Roads are generally paved and well maintained, but accidents are common. Use a satellite navigation device in rural areas, where there are no signposts. Travel with at least two vehicles in sparsely populated areas. Check that you have enough fuel and water for the next destination. Carry a spare tyre. Watch for donkeys, cows and other animals on roads at night. The Trans-Kalahari Highway between Lobatse and Ghanzi can be driven in a two-wheel-drive vehicle. Fuel, food, chalets and camping are available at Kang Ultra Shop.

  • Taxis

    Private taxis can take you around cities. Taxi phone numbers can be found on notices at bus stops and shopping malls. Use landmarks when asking for directions. Many residents do not know street names or addresses.

  • Train

    Passenger trains stopped during the coronavirus pandemic and have not resumed.

What to see and do

  • Okavango Delta

    The world's largest inland delta attracts wildlife to its channels and wetlands in the Kalahari. Floods arrive in July and August.

  • Moremi Game Reserve

    This reserve is one of Botswana's wildlife attractions in the Okavango Delta.

  • Chobe National Park

    The park has a large elephant population. Zebras and lions are also easy to spot.

  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park

    Its salt pans attract many kinds of birds throughout the year.

  • Tsodilo Hills

    The hills contain one of Africa's largest collections of rock art.

  • D'Kar and Xai-Xai

    These villages offer arts, crafts and opportunities to take part in performances.

Food and drink

  • Seswaa

    Beef, goat or lamb is boiled until tender, then shredded or pounded. It is often served with maize or sorghum porridge.

  • Pap

    A maize-meal food often served with seswaa.

  • Bogobe jwa lerotse

    A traditional dish made with sorghum porridge and lerotse melon.

  • Lerotse melon

    This melon is crunchy and mild when raw. When cooked, it resembles butternut squash.

  • Mopane worms

    One of the foods eaten in Botswana.

  • Ginger beer

    A popular homemade drink without alcohol.

Money

Botswana pula (BWP), written as P; one pula equals 100 thebe.

  • Banknotes come in P10, P20, P50, P100 and P200.
  • Coins come in 5, 10, 25 and 50 thebe, plus P1, P2 and P5.
  • Exchange rates change. Check the rate before exchanging money.

Typical costs

  • Some private safari lodges cost more than US$1,000 per night.
  • The road safety levy is P50 for a foreign-registered vehicle up to 3,500 kilograms with up to 15 seats.
  • The transport permit levy is P52 for a foreign-registered vehicle in the same category.

Language

  • English and Tswana are the official languages.
  • Tswana is the national language and many people's first language.
  • English is widely used in everyday business.
  • Some older people in rural areas understand a little English but may not speak it well.

Staying safe

  • Crime is relatively low, but has been rising. Stay aware of your surroundings.
  • Take care around wild animals in rural areas.
  • Road accidents are common. Watch for animals on roads, especially at night.
  • Avoid relying on hitchhiking except in desperate circumstances because driving can be erratic.

Staying healthy

  • Good hospitals are available in cities such as Gaborone. Access to quality care is very limited in rural areas.
  • For urgent treatment, the source recommends a private hospital, though it may cost you. Government hospitals or clinics are suggested for less urgent problems.
  • If you run out of prescription medicine, take your prescription or a doctor's letter to a pharmacy, also called a chemist. The charge depends on the medicine.
  • Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a major health concern. Do not share needles or have unprotected sex; partners considering a serious relationship should consider testing.

Where to stay

  • Most accommodation is near larger towns and cities.
  • Secluded safari lodges are available in wilderness areas.
  • A few places have backpacker hotels, and there are many campsites.
  • Safari accommodation ranges from inexpensive shared rooms to private lodges costing more than US$1,000 a night.

Outdoor adventures in Botswana

Botswana’s main outdoor draw is wildlife, with safaris in the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park and many other reserves. You can also take a Chobe River cruise, watch birds on the Makgadikgadi salt pans and visit the rock art at Tsodilo Hills.

  • Okavango Delta wildlife watching

    SafariOkavango-Chobe

    Visit on a safari and stay at a lodge. Lodging ranges from backpacker dorms to private lodges.

    • This is a malaria area. Seek medical advice before travelling.
    • Outside towns, do not use untreated water for drinking or cleaning your teeth.

  • Chobe National Park game drives

    SafariOkavango-Chobenear Kasane

    3 hours to a full day

    Book a game drive through a lodge in Kasane. You can also drive yourself with a suitable 4x4, proper equipment and campsite reservations.

    • Permit: A park entry fee applies. It may be included in the game drive price.
    • For a self-drive visit, carry enough water and fuel.
    • This is a malaria area. Seek medical advice before travelling.

  • Moremi Game Reserve safari

    SafariOkavango-Chobe

    Visit for a safari in the Okavango Delta. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • The Okavango Delta is a malaria area. Seek medical advice before travelling.
    • Be alert around wild animals.

  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve safari

    SafariKalahari

    Visit for wildlife watching. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • Be alert around wild animals.
    • Outside towns, do not use untreated water for drinking or cleaning your teeth.

  • Makgadikgadi Pans National Park birdwatching

    Wildlife

    Year-round for birds

    Visit the park’s salt pans for birdwatching. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

  • Chobe River cruise

    More to doOkavango-Chobenear Kasane

    About 3 hours, usually 15:00–18:00 Afternoon cruises usually run through sunset

    Book through a local operator or your lodge in Kasane.

    • Cost: About BWP 320
    • Northern Botswana is a malaria area. Seek medical advice before travelling.

  • Nxai Pan National Park safari

    Safari

    Visit for a safari. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • Be alert around wild animals.

  • Northern Tuli Game Reserve wildlife watching

    Wildlife

    Visit the reserve for wildlife and scenery. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • Be alert around wild animals.

  • Mokolodi Nature Reserve safari

    Safari

    Visit for wildlife watching. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • Be alert around wild animals.

  • Gemsbok National Park safari

    Safari

    Visit for wildlife watching. Specific transport and booking details are not specified.

    • Be alert around wild animals.

  • Tsodilo Hills rock art visit

    More to do

    Visit the hills to see the rock art. Specific routes, transport and guiding arrangements are not specified.

  • Victoria Falls day trip from Kasane

    More to doZimbabwe and Zambianear Kasane

    1 day

    Book a day trip through an operator in Kasane. Victoria Falls is about 70 km away, across the border.

    • Permit: A visa fee may apply, depending on citizenship. Entry to the Victoria Falls park costs extra.
    • Cost: BWP 400–500 for an unguided trip, plus US$30–55 per adult for a visa depending on citizenship and US$20 per person for park entry.

Airports, metros and trains in Botswana

Airports with scheduled flights

  • BBKKasane International AirportKasaneMain international airport
  • MUBMaun International AirportMaunMain international airport
  • FRWPhillip Gaonwe Matante International AirportFrancistownMain international airport
  • GBESir Seretse Khama International AirportGaboroneMain international airport

Trains

Rail network
888 km

People and safety in Botswana

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mixed.

  • Christian72%
  • No religion21%
  • Folk religions6%
  • Other<1%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Legal gender change is recognised.
  • Laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #108 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

27% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 104 of 198 countries can visit Botswana easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required104
  • eVisa89
  • Visa required5

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe36 of 46 countries
  • Americas25 of 35 countries
  • Oceania10 of 14 countries
  • Africa18 of 53 countries
  • Asia15 of 50 countries

Questions

Will I be able to get by in English?

English is widely used in everyday business. Some older people in rural areas may speak little English.

What money does Botswana use?

The currency is the Botswana pula, written as P or BWP. One pula is divided into 100 thebe.

Can I travel around without a car?

Yes, buses, minibuses and taxis connect many destinations. Public transport is less frequent away from big cities and major routes.

Which side of the road do people drive on?

People drive on the left. Watch for animals on the road, especially at night.

Where can I see wildlife?

The Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park are major wildlife destinations. Chobe is especially known for elephants.

Can I drink tap water?

Short-term visitors should drink bottled water. Outside urban and semi-urban areas, local water should also be avoided for ice and brushing teeth.

What accommodation is available?

There are hotels near towns and cities, secluded safari lodges, some backpacker hotels and many campsites.

What local food should I try?

Seswaa is tender, shredded or pounded meat, often served with porridge. Bogobe jwa lerotse is sorghum porridge with lerotse melon.

What plug and electricity supply does Botswana use?

The supply is 230 volts at 50 hertz. British and related plug types are used, including BS 1363 and BS 546.

What is Botswana's international calling code?

The country code is +267. Fixed-line phone numbers have seven digits, with no separate area codes.

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