National Parks in Botswana
Botswana's top safari and wildlife destinations
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of elephants on the African continent. Dur...
Moremi Game Reserve
Moremi Game Reserve holds a special place in African conservation history as the first wildlife reserve on the continent...
Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of the most extraordinary ecosystems on Earth, a vast inland delta where the Okavango River sp...
Cities in Botswana
Explore Botswana's urban destinations
Gaborone
Gaborone is one of Africa's quietest and most orderly capital cities, a modern, well-planned metropolis that reflects Bo...
Kasane
Kasane is a small, friendly town of about 10,000 people perched on the banks of the Chobe River in northern Botswana, ri...
Maun
Maun is the undisputed gateway to the Okavango Delta and the busiest aviation hub in Botswana by aircraft movements. Thi...
Best Time to Visit Botswana
Best Months
May, June, July, August, September, October
For Safari
Peak: July, August, September, October
The dry season (May to October) is the best time for safari. Wildlife concentrates around permanent water sources, vegetation thins out for better visibility, and the Okavango Delta flood peaks between June and August, creating spectacular water-based safari conditions.
Seasons
July, August, September, October
Peak safari season. Dry conditions concentrate wildlife at water sources. Okavango Delta at maximum flood. Best overall game viewing but highest prices and busiest period.
May, June
Early dry season. Excellent conditions with fewer visitors than peak months. Delta flood waters begin arriving. Cooler temperatures, especially at night.
November, December, January
Green season begins. Dramatic afternoon thunderstorms, migrant birds arrive, and baby animals are born. Some roads become difficult. Lower prices.
February, March, April
Late wet season. Lush green landscapes, excellent birding, and fewer tourists. Some camps close. The Makgadikgadi zebra migration peaks in February.
Botswana Visa Requirements
Botswana is visa-free for most Western nationalities, including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France, allowing stays of up to 90 days without any prior application. Citizens of India and China must apply for a visa at a Botswana embassy or high commission before travel. No visa on arrival or e-Visa system is currently available for nationalities that require a visa.
e-Visa Available
No
Cost
$0 USD
Validity
90 days
Visa on Arrival
No
Requirements
- • Passport valid 6+ months beyond entry with at least 2 blank pages
- • Return or onward ticket
- • Proof of accommodation or safari booking
- • Proof of sufficient funds (may be requested)
- • Yellow fever certificate only if arriving from endemic country
Is Botswana Safe?
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa for tourists. It has a stable democracy, low corruption, and minimal violent crime. Safari areas are extremely safe, and even the cities of Gaborone and Maun have very low crime rates compared to the region. The main safety concerns relate to wildlife encounters and driving on remote desert roads.
Safe Areas
- ✓ All national parks and safari concessions
- ✓ Maun town
- ✓ Kasane town
- ✓ Gaborone city center and suburbs
- ✓ All established lodges and campsites
Areas to Avoid
- ✗ Remote areas without a guide or proper 4x4 equipment
- ✗ Walking near rivers or waterholes after dark (wildlife danger)
- ✗ Driving at night on rural roads (wildlife on roads, no lighting)
Safety Tips
- • Always carry extra water and fuel when driving between towns
- • Never approach elephants on foot or in a vehicle closer than 50 meters
- • Inform someone of your travel plans when heading to remote areas
- • Keep windows and doors closed at night in wildlife areas
- • Use established campsites; wild camping can be dangerous near predators
Botswana Travel Costs
| Budget Level | Daily Cost | Includes |
|---|---|---|
| budget | $60-$150/day | Self-drive camping, own food, basic campsites |
| mid range | $300-$800/day | Mid-range lodges, guided safaris, some fly-in transfers |
| luxury | $1000-$3000/day | Exclusive fly-in camps, private guides, all-inclusive |
Health & Vaccinations
Required Vaccinations
- •Yellow Fever (Required ONLY if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country. Not required for direct arrivals from non-endemic countries such as the US, UK, or Europe.)
Recommended Vaccinations
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, Tetanus, Rabies (especially if visiting remote areas), Polio booster
Malaria Risk
Prophylaxis recommended for: Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Northern Botswana (all areas above 21°S)
Healthcare
Private hospitals in Gaborone are decent (Gaborone Private Hospital, Bokamoso Private Hospital). Facilities are limited in rural and safari areas. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is essential, especially for remote delta and Kalahari destinations.
Tap Water: Not safe - drink bottled water
Getting to Botswana
International Airports
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport
Gaborone (GBE)
Main HubMaun Airport
Maun (MUB)
Main HubKasane Airport
Kasane (BBK)
Major Airlines
Air Botswana, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, Airlink
Botswana Highlights
Must See
- • Mokoro safari through the Okavango Delta's crystal-clear channels
- • Chobe River boat safari among thousands of elephants
- • Moremi Game Reserve for big cats and wild dogs
- • Makgadikgadi Pans for surreal salt flat landscapes and meerkats
- • Kalahari Desert for San Bushman cultural experiences
Unique Experiences
- • Glide silently in a mokoro while elephants swim between delta islands
- • Walk on foot through the Okavango with an armed guide and a San tracker
- • Watch 50,000 elephants gather along the Chobe River at sunset
- • Sleep under the stars on the Makgadikgadi salt pans with zero light pollution
- • Track meerkats at dawn in the Kalahari with habituated colonies
Off the Beaten Path
- • Central Kalahari Game Reserve, one of the world's largest protected areas
- • Tsodilo Hills, the 'Louvre of the Desert' with 4,500 rock paintings
- • Nata Bird Sanctuary for flamingo breeding colonies
- • Tuli Block for elephant-rich private reserves near South Africa
- • Makgadikgadi zebra migration (one of Africa's great migrations)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Botswana expensive for safari?
Yes, Botswana is one of Africa's most expensive safari destinations. This is by design: the government uses a high-value, low-volume tourism model to protect its wilderness. Luxury fly-in lodges in the Okavango Delta cost $1,000 to $3,000 per person per night, all-inclusive. However, budget options exist for self-drive travelers willing to camp, with costs as low as $100 to $150 per day including vehicle, fuel, food, and park fees.
Do I need a visa for Botswana?
Most Western nationals (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and many others) do not need a visa and can enter Botswana for up to 90 days. Citizens of India, China, and some other countries need to apply for a visa at a Botswana embassy before travel.
What is the best time to visit Botswana?
The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing. The Okavango Delta flood peaks between June and August, creating the best conditions for water-based safaris. July through October is the absolute peak, with excellent game viewing but higher prices. The green season (November to March) offers lower prices, dramatic landscapes, and great birding, but some camps close and roads can be difficult.
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Botswana is one of the safest countries in Africa for travelers. It has a stable democracy, low crime, and well-managed tourism. The main risks are related to wildlife (never approach animals on foot) and remote driving conditions. Standard travel precautions are sufficient.
How do I get to the Okavango Delta?
Most visitors fly into Maun, then take a light aircraft charter to their lodge or camp in the delta (20-40 minutes). Budget travelers can drive from Maun to the eastern edges of Moremi Game Reserve (4-5 hours on rough roads, 4x4 required) or take a mokoro day trip from the Maun area.
What is a mokoro safari?
A mokoro is a traditional dugout canoe used to navigate the shallow channels and lagoons of the Okavango Delta. A local poler stands at the back and propels the mokoro with a long pole, while passengers sit low in the boat. It is one of the quietest and most intimate ways to experience wildlife in Africa, gliding past hippos, crocodiles, and elephants at water level.