Botswana Travel Guide

Botswana Travel Guide: Plan Your 2026 Safari Adventure

Botswana holidays take you on a journey to some of the world's most ecologically diverse areas, from the wet, flooded plains of the Okavango Delta to the bone-dry savannah in the Makgadikgadi Pans. Through your exploration via 4×4, mokoro canoe or walking safari, your time here will typically be spent searching for the 'Big Five' or seeking out smaller wildlife species.

To help you make your way around this magnificent country, our experts have put together the below Botswana travel guide, where we answer the following questions:

– What are the top things to do?
– When is the best time to visit?
– Is Botswana safe to visit?
– What are the most essential travel tips?
– How do you get there & travel around?
– What should you pack?
– What should you know about responsible travel?
– Is Botswana right for you?
– Why book a Botswana holiday with Rainbow?
– What are the most frequently asked questions?

Top Things to Do in Botswana

Some of the best things to do in Botswana include:

– Exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro, the world's only inland delta;
– Going game viewing by boat on the mighty Chobe River;
– Learning how to survive in the bush in the Kalahari Desert;
– Discovering ancient Stone Age tools on the Makgadikgadi Pans;
– Searching for aardvark, bat-eared fox and bushbaby on a night game drive.

You can experience some of the most spectacular wildlife viewing in southern Africa across these vast, untouched wilderness areas. Botswana activities are unique, with opportunities to see a host of animals and birds, including most of the 'Big Five' (such as lions), undisturbed in their natural habitat.

Wildlife and tourism are key to Botswana's economy; nearly one-sixth of the country is dedicated to permanent, well-managed private (unfenced) reserves and national parks. The most famous of these is the Moremi Game Reserve, at the centre of the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park. Also, tourism employs about 45% of all the people who live in northern Botswana.

Browse our selection of Botswana safari holidays for more ideas.

When to Visit Botswana: Weather & Wildlife by Season

You can visit all year round. July to October is the dry season and the best time to visit Botswana for viewing large herds as they gather at water sources, particularly in Chobe National Park. Expect clear skies from north to south, whether you're in the remote wilderness or more lush areas of the country.

December to March is the green season, and the country looks beautiful. Plus, birding is at its best due to the arrival of the migratory birds. Although Botswana's weather can be a little rainy, it's a good time to go as prices are generally lower, and the game viewing is still good. This is also the best time to visit the Makgadikgadi and the Kalahari, as game migrate south from the Okavango Delta in search of water.

The floodwaters from Angola usually reach the Okavango in May and last until September.

Is Botswana Safe to Visit?

Botswana is safe to visit. Our highly knowledgeable and experienced Travel Specialists have spent a lot of time in the country and have always felt safe and welcomed.

There are no compulsory health requirements; though there are Botswana malaria risk areas, so you should take precautions. Always consult your doctor at least six weeks before travel and refer to this useful NHS Website for details of recommended vaccinations for Botswana. Additionally, when it comes to drinking the tap water in rural areas, we recommend you drink bottled water instead.

Essential Botswana Travel Tips

Currency & ATMs

The local Botswana currency is the pula (BWP). While most places accept US Dollars (USD), we recommend Pula (BWP) for smaller local purchases, such as curios. USD is more widely accepted.

Tipping etiquette

There are no requirements for tipping in Botswana. Although optional and at your discretion, it all depends on your level of satisfaction with the services provided, which is always top-notch here. As a general rule of thumb, you should tip lodge staff, drivers and guides.

Internet & electricity

However, connectivity in Botswana is limited. Not many places have Wi-Fi, and if they do, it’s limited and unreliable. It’s best not to expect Wi-Fi or phone signal. There are always satellite phones for emergencies, though.

Most lodges and camps are solar powered, and with that, there are limits to the electricity you’ll have access to. Particularly in rooms, there will be ports for phone chargers, but things like hair dryers are not easily accessible in Botswana.

What language is spoken in Botswana?

The official language of Botswana is English. Setswana and Ikalanga are also widely spoken.

Getting to Botswana & How to Travel Around

How to get to Botswana

Although you can travel to the capital of Botswana, Gaborone, via the country's main airport (Gaborone Airport), there are easier ways to travel directly to your safari camp or lodge of choice.

Daily overnight flights on British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to Johannesburg (South Africa) connect with daily flights to and from Maun, Livingstone (Zambia) or Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) for the start or end of your safari. Plus, Ethiopian Airlines now operates a flight into Maun via Addis Ababa.

Once you're in Botswana, you'll fly on a light aircraft to your lodge or camp.

How to travel around

Game drives in Botswana are done by open 4×4 safari vehicles.

Between camps, you'll either be transferred by road or via light aircraft, depending on the distance. And with the water (for example, in the Delta), you’ll need to fly from most camps on a light aircraft.

What to Pack for Botswana

Here's our Botswana safari packing list:

1. Layers are essential. While during the day it can get quite hot, you’re often on activities early in the morning and late in the afternoon when the temperature can drop. So, a fleece and a hat can make a big difference.
2. Comfortable walking shoes or trainers for any walking activities.
3. Personal toiletries, sunscreen, anti-malarial tablets, Imodium, anti-histamine and insect repellent.
4. Sunglasses, glasses and binoculars for contact lens wearers, as dust and dry air may affect your contact lenses or eyes. Plus, binoculars are great for birders.
5. A buff/scarf can be very handy with multiple uses on game drives.

Botswana Responsible Travel

At Rainbow, we strongly advocate for responsible travel in Botswana and support as many initiatives as possible. This section will include a collection of lodges working to ensure our holidays are responsible. Please don't hesitate to contact our team of Africa specialists for additional information.

Desert and Delta Safaris - Chobe Game Lodge; Camp Moremi; Leroo La Tau; Camp Okavango; Xakanaxa Camp; Chobe Savanna Lodge; Savute Safari Lodge and more.

Kwando Safaris - Kwando Lagoon Camp; Kwando Lebala Camp; Kwando Kwara Camp; Nxai Pan Camp; Pom Pom Camp; Tau Pan Camp and more.

&Beyond Lodges and Safaris - &Beyond Sandibe Safari Lodge and many more.

Letaka Safaris – who run our Northern Botswana Highlights Safari operations on the ground.

Botswana is one of the most well-known conservation success stories. With almost a fifth of the land covered by wildlife reserves, it has one of the largest areas of remaining wilderness in Africa.

The country's conservation bodies understand that for nature to thrive, people's carbon footprint must decrease. So, lodge and safari operator sizes are limited, and they're subject to stringent regulations for recycling, grey water, waste disposal, the materials used to build lodges and daily electricity use.

Conservation, though, involves three elements - animals, the environment and people. Preserving Botswana's wilderness closely depends on the local people's ability to generate sustainable income.

Is Botswana Right for You? Traveller Types Explained

Botswana for solo travellers

There are various ways to go on safari in Botswana for solo travellers.

We can put together a tailored tour that suits you, choosing everything from the superb safari camps and lodges to the different habitat types and activities, depending on your interests and budget.

Or consider a small group mobile with no more than eight people. Some have set departure dates, and others can be run as a private safari if there are enough of you to form your own group. These are excellent for both solo travellers and extended families. For more information, don't hesitate to ask.

See our selection of ideas for tailored Botswana tours.

Botswana for families

There are some great safari trips in Botswana for families.

Children are welcome, with age restrictions at some camps—we've added details on a camp-by-camp basis in our accommodation sections. &Beyond camps (Nxabega and Sandibe) offer inventive children’s programmes. Kwando camps (Kwara, Lagoon and Labala) have a specialist children's guide, which benefits their enjoyment. Some camps have family units (Chitabe, Duma Tau, Jao, Vumbura Plains).

For mobile safaris, children must be 12 or over. However, younger children will be considered if you book a private departure. Mobile safaris entail a fair amount of travelling, though, and younger children need to be able to cope and enjoy the adventure, as they may find themselves out of their comfort zone.

Discover our range of Botswana family holidays.

Plan Your Botswana Holiday with Rainbow

For expert advice on planning your Botswana holiday, speak with one of our Travel Specialists. We don’t just visit our portfolio destinations – we live and breathe them. So, you can rest assured knowing that every little detail is taken care of by someone who’s as passionate as you are for our natural world.

Botswana Travel FAQs

Head of Rainbow, Candice Buchan, has travelled extensively throughout Botswana and loves the fun of a tented mobile safari just as much as the top-class lodges. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) sections are intended to help you decide if a particular destination is what you're looking for.

Do I need a visa for Botswana?

“Nationals from most European and Commonwealth countries don't require a visa. But passports must be valid for six months from the date of travel and have two blank pages.”

Are the Makgadikgadi Pans worth visiting?

“Exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans is a joy. After experiencing the lush, game-rich swathes of the Okavango Delta, this lunar landscape makes for a refreshing change of pace. Sleep out under the stars, enjoy spectacular sunsets and learn survival skills from local San bushmen. Comfortable, responsibly minded camps are the perfect retreat for the evenings, and game drives and bush walks are all on offer.”

What's the food like on safari?

“You'd be amazed at the quality of food that can be cooked even when deep out in the bush. Wherever you choose to stay, you'll eat very well. Fresh ingredients are flown in and trained chefs prepare meals from scratch in the lodge's kitchens. Food is primarily European, with African influence, and some lodges will cook local dishes in addition to the main dishes. For the most part, it's good wholesome food which keeps fresh 'on the road' and your safari experience doesn't have to be cut short.

“Life on safari follows a similar pattern at most camps. You're up at dawn and are served a hot drink and a snack before setting off on the early morning game drive. Once back at camp, you'll find a delicious brunch waiting. This is usually a traditional cooked English breakfast with lots of other options like breads and fruits, as well as cheeses and cold meats. A high tea is served before the late afternoon game drive, and during the evening activity, drinks and snacks are offered – you never get a chance to get hungry on safari! A three-course evening meal back at the lodge brings the day to a close, and this may be served around the campfire or in the dining room, or mess tent if you're on a mobile. Dinner is always a fun and sociable event where people sit around a central table and share safari stories.”

Can the lodges cope with my special dietary requirements?

“Despite their remote settings, the lodges aim to cater for everyone's needs. So, if you have specific dietary requirements, allergies or medical conditions, it's best to give us this full information, no matter how small, in advance. The lodges really pride themselves on getting every little detail right.”

Can I add on extra pre- or post-safari activities?

“Victoria Falls is easy to get to, giving you a lovely, relaxed end to a safari and lots of things to do in the area. The cosmopolitan city of Cape Town, whilst it's a bit of a contrast, is a perfect choice for some superbly indulgent wining and dining, dramatic scenery and cultural activities. For beach lovers, Mauritius and Mozambique are ideal. The Seychelles works too, but only on certain days of the week.”