Botswana Holidays

What can you find in Botswana that you can’t find elsewhere?

Undoubtedly one of Botswana’s rock-star attractions and the country’s lifeblood – the Okavango Delta offers exquisite animal sightings and is one of the few places on earth where the rain is welcomed. January and February, being the wettest months, offer fruitful sightings of wildflowers, big cats hunting in the lush plains and graceful sable antelopes traversing the landscape. Within the Okavango Delta Game Reserve, you’ll find Moremi Game Reserve, which plays host to white rhinos, African wild dogs and more than 500 species of bird. The variety of landscapes on show is equally impressive, from acacia forests and mopane woodland to shimmering lagoons and expansive grasslands.

For a complete contrast, travel to the Kalahari Desert, which is home to a plethora of desert-adapted species such as brown hyenas and elegant springboks. Further north, Chobe National Park, a safari haven, boasts huge concentrations of elephants, hippos and buffaloes as well as predators. On top of that, memorable adventure beckons – horse riding across the golden Kalahari, sleeping under the stars, sundowners under giant baobab trees and quad biking across the striking Makgadikgadi pans (during the dry season) – the list goes on. Plus, you’ll find some of Africa’s swishest and most comfortable camps here – ranging from romantic pavilions, complete with four-poster beds or old school safari tents decked out with Persian rugs and antique furniture.

Who are Botswana holidays best for?

Botswana holidays are for discerning safari-goers looking to be astounded by enormous concentrations of extraordinary wildlife. The diverse landscapes offer the perfect backdrops for adventure-seekers who can canter on horseback alongside game or embark on thrilling walking safaris. Honeymooners can nestle into some of the most romantic camps imaginable, while enjoying next-level sofa safaris and silver service. Those interested in eco-conscious safaris can get involved with important rhino conservation – learning from experts and helping to release these gentle creatures back into the wild – a truly emotional experience. Conservation is a serious business in Botswana. The country pioneered the ‘high yield low impact’ tourism model, which means the level of exclusivity on offer in this unspoiled landscape is remarkable. It comes with a higher price tag, but it is definitely one worth paying for, in our humble opinion, because the most remarkable Botswana attribute is how truly wild the country is. Botswana holidays are also perfect for families – children can spend the day learning essential bush-craft skills, meeting meerkats and sipping mocktails by the fire pit.

What are the best ways to discover Botswana?

Depending on how much time you have, sweep through the desert and delta, witnessing Botswana’s highlights. Cross the mesmerising Makgadikgadi Pans, camp out on a desert island of baobabs, meet the Zu’hoasi bushmen of the Western Kalahari, and see spectacular game in the Okavango Delta. Botswana can be easily combined with Mozambique, for the perfect beach antidote to a rip-roaring safari. Or perhaps consider pairing South Africa’s Winelands with cosmopolitan Cape Town or why not try a trip to the thundering Victoria Falls for maximum impact.

Special Experiences in Botswana

Looking for something a little different? After exploring the savannah in a 4x4, switch mode of transport to a Mokoro (Dugout) Canoe. An expert guide will paddle you quietly through the Okavango’s winding waterways as you spot game that you wouldn’t necessarily see on land. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants cooling off in the river, crocodiles in the shallows and cheetahs hunting in the marshlands.

Safari with the Kalahari bushmen:

Spend a day with the Kalahari bushmen – a hunter gatherer tribe whose traditional lifestyle has remained more or less intact for thousands of years. Spend half a day to four days meeting village elders, shadowing bushmen trackers and learning various hunting techniques imperative to their survival. You’ll also have the chance to join in sacred ceremonies during your trip, a special experience, especially for families.

Okavango Delta

The highlight of Botswana is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta - one of the primary wildlife hotspots in all of Africa. This is where the traditional mokoro canoe safaris really come into play; you'll be up close and personal with an incredible array of wildlife while being gently punted along a beautiful river… perfection. While we know and rate the superb lodges in the Delta offering the most exclusive safari experience imaginable, the Original Travel team also know good value lodges where you can still enjoy this incredible destination to the full.

The Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Pans

Delta aside, there is so much more to Botswana safari holidays. The parts of the Kalahari that the waters of the Okavango River fail to refresh remain semi-arid but this is still the most species-rich desert in the world. In just as stark and rewarding a contrast are the Makgadikgadi Pans that are the size of Switzerland. We can arrange quad bike safaris across vast salt pans in the dry season, and in the rainy season there is an annual zebra and wildebeest migration to follow (with expert guides, of course), and huge flocks of flamingo congregate in the shallow water.

Our Africa specialists are passionate about the places they sell and are on hand to recommend the best mobile camps or a location where you can offer your head as a lookout platform to a wild meerkat (Makgadikgadi Pans in case you were wondering).

Best Time to Visit Botswana

Botswana’s location on the Tropic of Capricorn affords it a temperate but varied climate, with two distinct seasons. Winter falls between May and August, with sunny, warm days and cool nights. This is also the dry season when almost no rainfall occurs. Summer takes place between November and March, bringing very high temperatures, as well as heavy rainfall and thunderstorms. Winter is therefore the best time to travel to Botswana, particularly during the months of June, July and September, as rainfall is at a minimum, temperatures are pleasant and there’s plenty of sunshine. Visit our guide on the best time to visit Botswana for more information.

FAQs

Things to do

What can I experience in Botswana?

Botswana is known for being home to a huge abundance of flora and fauna, making it the perfect destination for safari tours and nature spotting. In addition to wildlife, the terrain in this amazing country ranges from harsh desert conditions to lush rivers and wetlands.

Thanks to the lack of light pollution, Botswana is also renowned as a world-class destination for stargazing. During March and October, the Milky Way can be easily spotted on clear nights, offering a unique experience that will leave you marvelling at the beauty of the night sky.

What else can I do in Botswana aside from a safari?

While it’s true that going on safari is the primary attraction for most holidaymakers in Botswana, it’s not the only activity on offer. Active travellers can explore the rivers by canoe, taking in the landscape at their own pace, or by riverboat if you prefer to sit back and relax.

One of the most unique experiences on offer is meeting Kalahari bushmen, a hunter-gatherer tribe, for an educational experience. You’ll meet village elders, learn about tracking and join in sacred ceremonies, giving you an unparalleled opportunity to learn about the culture of this amazing country.

There are also multiple national festivals held in Botswana across the year, giving a chance for visitors to experience the spectacle of poetry, dance, music and food.

Culture

What is the capital of Botswana?

The capital of Botswana is Gaborone, located close to the South African border in the south-east of the country. Unlike most cities, which only boast bustling streets, Gaborone is home to the Gaborone Game Reserve, a two square mile park, as well as a visual arts centre, restaurants, hotels and entertainment facilities.

What animals can I see in Botswana?

Botswana is famous for its wildlife, with good reason – it’s home to some of the largest elephant herds in the world, as well as lions, giraffes, cheetahs, zebras, hippos, antelopes, buffalo and more. Despite the extremely dry landscapes in some areas, plenty of bird life lives here as well, supported by the rivers and wetlands. More unusual animals include the aardvark, bat-eared fox, bushbuck, caracal and eland.

To stand the best chance of seeing these animals without disturbing them, make sure to book a tour with a reputable guide. Not only will you be more likely to get a sighting, but you’ll also benefit from a knowledgeable local guide who is highly familiar with these amazing creatures.

What is the most popular food in Botswana?

The national dish of Botswana is seswaa, a type of slow-cooked meat stew that consists of beef, goat, lamb or chicken, as well as onion and pepper. It’s traditionally served with pap, a type of porridge made with ground maize. Alternatively, you can try matemekwane, a dumpling made of meat and vegetables.

Vegetarian dishes include dikgobe, a porridge made with peas, beans and processed maize, or curried black lentils.

Planning your trip

Where is Botswana located?

Botswana is landlocked in the centre of Southern Africa. It is surrounded by South Africa to the south, Namibia to the west, Angola and Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the east. It is 5,615 miles from the UK to Botswana.

When should I visit Botswana?

The best time to visit Botswana is between May and October, but this can also be the most expensive time. If you’re happy to risk a higher average level of rainfall, then travelling in the ‘green season’, November until March, can be a more affordable option. This can be a fantastic time to visit, as the animals come out in search of water and shade that is created by the rapidly growing plant life. You also stand a chance of seeing baby animals at this time, as it’s calving season.

What is the best way to discover Botswana?

The best way to discover Botswana is often by 4x4, as this allows you to cover plenty of terrain and see the wildlife up close. These are best operated by experienced guides, who will know exactly where to go, and how to handle the uneven terrain.

Alternatively, travel by river boat to see hippos, crocodiles, elephants and birds. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can join a guided kayak tour, allowing you to take things at a slower pace and really appreciate the water scenery from as natural a perspective as possible.

Local information

What is the time difference between the UK and Botswana?

Botswana is two hours ahead of the UK in the winter months (GMT) and one hour ahead during the summer (BST).

What language is spoken in Botswana?

It might surprise you to know that the most common written language in Botswana is actually English. However, Setswana is the national spoken language, so it’s polite to try and use a few phrases when you’re on your holiday.

What plugs are used in Botswana?

The most common plugs used in Botswana are type D, G and M. Type G is the same as the UK, but you’ll need an adaptor for the others. The voltage is 220v, slightly lower than in the UK. It’s important to note that electricity is not constantly available, especially in more remote areas, where they may rely on generators.

What currency does Botswana use?

The national currency in Botswana is the pula, which is divided into 100 thebes. You can’t get pula outside of Botswana, so you’ll need to make sure you exchange any cash at an authorised bank. It’s also acceptable to tip using US dollars (smaller denominations are preferred) when you’re on safari or South African rand. You must declare any cash that is equivalent to 10,000 pula or more.

Travel information

Where can I find the latest travel advice for Botswana?

You can find the latest travel information for Botswana on the government website.

How long does it take to fly to Botswana from the UK?

There are currently no direct flights from London to Botswana, so you’ll need to have a stopover. The flight to Gaborone takes around 16 hours and 10 minutes, with flights to Maun and Kasane taking around 14 hours and 30 minutes and 14 hours and 20 minutes respectively.

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?

Holidaymakers can visit Botswana without a visa, provided they’re not staying for more than 90 days. It’s important to note that you’ll need to have an original or certified copy of the birth certificate of any children aged 17 or under with you.

What are the passport requirements for Botswana?

British passport holders will need to have at least six months left on their passport after the date they arrive in Botswana, and at least three blank pages. You must ensure that your passport is stamped to avoid any issues while in the country or when leaving.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Botswana?

It is advisable to be up-to-date with your measles-mumps-rubella and diphtheria-tetanus-polio vaccinations, but these are not compulsory. You will need to have a certificate to prove you’re vaccinated against yellow fever if you’re arriving in Botswana from a country that is deemed a transmission risk. The UK is not currently on the ‘at risk’ list.