Botswana Travel Guide

Discover the culturally rich, nature-abundant, and adventure-packed Botswana with our comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best places to visit, things to do, food to try, and much more.


Introduction to Botswana

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa. The country is known for its rich cultural heritage, wildlife, natural beauty, and adventure activities. With its vast expanse of savannahs, wetlands, and deserts, Botswana offers travelers an unparalleled experience of African wilderness.

List of Places to Visit in Botswana

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The National Museum - Housed in the capital city of Gaborone, the National Museum offers visitors an insight into Botswana’s cultural and natural heritage. The museum displays a range of artifacts, including traditional wood carvings, musical instruments, and archaeological specimens.
  • Kgale Hill - Located in Gaborone, Kgale Hill is a popular cultural landmark offering scenic views of the city. It is a significant place for a hike, a picnic, or simply enjoying the sunset.
  • Tsodilo Hills - A UNESCO World Heritage site, Tsodilo Hills is a collection of rock paintings dating back to the Stone Age. The site holds significant cultural and spiritual value for the indigenous people of Botswana.

Natural Attractions of Botswana: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Okavango Delta - The Okavango Delta is a wetland paradise offering scenic boat rides, bird watching, and wildlife safaris. It is one of the largest inland delta systems in the world and an important habitat for a wide range of wildlife species, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and hippos.
  • Chobe National Park - Located in northern Botswana, Chobe National Park is home to Africa’s largest concentration of elephants. The park offers a range of activities, including game drives, boat safaris on the Chobe River, and hot air balloon rides.
  • Kalahari Desert - Covering much of Botswana’s landmass, the Kalahari Desert is a vast and arid landscape that is home to a range of wildlife, including lions, gemsbok, and meerkats. The desert offers visitors an opportunity to explore its unique ecology and experience the local culture through guided tours and visits to traditional communities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Botswana

  • Tuli Block Nature Reserve - Tuli Block Nature Reserve offers visitors a chance to explore the rugged terrain and diverse wildlife of eastern Botswana. The reserve offers a range of hiking and biking trails, including the Limpopo River Trail and the Mashatu Mountain Bike Trail.
  • Makgadikgadi Salt Pans - The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are a vast network of salt pans offering a unique landscape that changes dramatically with the seasons. Visitors can explore the pans on foot or bike, taking in the stunning views of the surrounding desert and wildlife.

Best Things to Do in Botswana: Activities and Tours

  • Game Drives - Game drives are a popular way of exploring Botswana’s wildlife and natural beauty. Guided game drives can be arranged in most of the country’s national parks and game reserves.
  • Mokoro Safaris - A mokoro is a traditional canoe used by the locals to navigate the Okavango Delta. Visitors can take a guided mokoro safari to explore the delta’s waterways and wildlife.
  • Cultural Tours - Botswana is home to several indigenous communities that offer visitors a chance to experience local culture, traditions, and lifestyle. Visitors can arrange guided tours to visit villages and interact with locals.

Week-Long Itinerary for Botswana

Day Activity
1 Arrival in Gaborone and visit National Museum
2 Hiking at Kgale Hill and city tour
3-4 Safari in Chobe National Park
5-6 Explore Okavango Delta and Mokoro safari
7 Visit Tsodilo Hills and departure from Gaborone

Food and Drink Scene of Botswana

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seswaa - A traditional dish made with beef, lamb, or goat meat that is slow-cooked with onions and salt until it is tender and served with pap (a thin porridge made from maize meal).
  • Morogo - A type of spinach that is boiled and mixed with peanut butter, tomato sauce, and onions.
  • Vetkoek - A type of fried dough served with curry or meat fillings.

Local Beverages

  • Chibuku - A traditional beer made from fermented maize and sorghum.
  • Bojalwa - A traditional alcoholic drink made from sorghum and served at social gatherings and celebrations.

Where to Stay in Botswana: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Cresta Lodge Gaborone - A luxury hotel located in the heart of Gaborone offering stunning views of the city.
  • Chobe Safari Lodge - A comfortable lodge located in Chobe National Park offering visitors an authentic African experience.
  • Botswana Butchery Guesthouse - A cozy guesthouse located in Maun, offering visitors a chance to explore the Okavango Delta.

What to Buy in Botswana: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Basketware - Botswana is famous for its beautifully handcrafted baskets made from palm leaves and other natural materials.
  • Wood Carvings - Visitors can buy traditional wood carvings from local markets and souvenir shops.
  • Diamonds - Botswana is the world’s largest producer of diamonds, making it an ideal place to buy them.

Local Culture and Customs of Botswana

  • Greetings - In Botswana, it is customary to greet people with a handshake or a nod of the head. It is also considered polite to greet elders and community leaders first.
  • Etiquette - It is important to be respectful and courteous when interacting with locals. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a sacred space.
  • Attire - Dress conservatively and appropriately when visiting public places and cultural sites.

Best Time to Visit Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season from May to October. This is the best time for wildlife viewing, as animals are easier to spot near watering holes and rivers. The weather is also mild during this time, making it ideal for outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Botswana

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Pack appropriate clothing for the season
  • Carry enough water and sunscreen

Don’t:

  • Litter or damage the environment
  • Harm wildlife
  • Ignore safety precautions

Safety and Health

Safety in Botswana

Botswana is generally a safe country for tourists. Visitors are advised to take standard precautions against petty crime, such as pickpocketing.

Health in Botswana

Visitors are required to have a yellow fever vaccination certificate if they are traveling from a yellow fever-endemic country. Malaria is also prevalent in Botswana, so visitors are advised to take antimalarial medication and use insect repellent.

Getting to Botswana: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Botswana

  • Sir Seretse Khama International Airport - Located in Gaborone, this is the main airport for Botswana.
  • Kasane International Airport - Located in northern Botswana near Chobe National Park.

Bus Stations Near Botswana

  • Francistown Bus Station
  • Gaborone Bus Station

Other Options

  • Private Car Hire
  • Taxi Services

How to Get Around in Botswana

The best way to get around Botswana is by car. Visitors can rent a car or hire a taxi. It is also possible to take a taxi, bus, or bike to explore the cities and surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Botswana: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Victoria Falls - Located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and a popular destination for visitors to southern Africa.
  • Namibia - Botswana shares a border with Namibia, a country known for its stunning landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
  • South Africa - Visitors can also explore South Africa’s cities, beaches, and wildlife reserves.

Conclusion

Botswana is an enchanting country with its rich cultural heritage, nature-abundant landscapes, and adventure-packed activities. The country caters to all types of travelers, whether you are looking for a cultural experience or a wilderness adventure. Our comprehensive travel guide provides visitors with valuable information to help them plan their perfect trip to Botswana.

Kalahari desert Kalahari desert Visa policy of Botswana Visa policy of Botswana River ferry from Kazungula, Zambia to Kazungula, Botswana River ferry from Kazungula, Zambia to Kazungula, Botswana Street scene in Gaborone Street scene in Gaborone Wading elephant spotted in the Okavango Delta Wading elephant spotted in the Okavango Delta Zebra in Botswana Zebra in Botswana Seswaa with bogobe porridge Seswaa with bogobe porridge


    Kalahari
    Okavango-Chobe
    Southeast