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Botswana

Tourists In Boat Cruise Viewing Elephant

Botswana tours

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Travel tips

Spring

Sep–Nov

Average temperature:

29˚C

Rainfall:

20–60mm/month

Hot and dry with some rain returning in November, bringing fresh greenery and early wildlife activity.

Summer

Dec–Feb

Average temperature:

34˚C

Rainfall:

90–120mm/month

Peak of the rainy season. Lush landscapes and active wildlife make it a vibrant time to visit.

Autumn

Mar–May

Average temperature:

28˚C

Rainfall:

10–60mm/month

Rainfall tapers off, but the land remains green. Excellent for game viewing as animals gather around water sources.

Winter

Jun–Aug

Average temperature:

20˚C

Rainfall:

0–5 mm/month 

Cool and dry. Ideal for safaris with crisp mornings and sunny days.

A couple of boats with people on sailing over a river in Botswana at sunset

Country dialing code

+267

Capital city

Gabarone

Official language

English, Setswana

Currency

Botswana Pula (BWP)

The best time to visit Botswana is during the drier seasons from May to October, when wildlife viewing is at its best. As water sources shrink, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making sightings more frequent in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. June to August offers cooler temperatures and clear skies, ideal for safaris. While the wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and fewer tourists, some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding, particularly in the Delta.

    Highlights

    Okavango Delta

    Glide through the Okavango Delta, a UNESCO gem where life revolves around the waterways. Spot elephants from a mokoro and sleep under stars in Africa’s largest inland oasis. 

    Chobe National Park

    Chobe boasts Africa’s densest elephant population - over 120,000. Cruise the Chobe River at sunset, where hippos yawn and herds gather for a golden-hour spectacle. 

    Central Kalahari Game Reserve

    Vast and untamed, the Central Kalahari is a desert alive with life. Track black-maned lions, meet San bushmen, and witness stars blaze across endless night skies. 

    Nxai Pan National Park

    Nxai Pan National Park is part of the larger Makgadikgadi Pans system. Nxai Pan is a fossil lakebed covered in nutritious grasses and dotted with acacia islands and ancient baobab trees. 

    Moremi Wildlife Reserve

    Moremi blends delta and savannah in one of Africa’s richest ecosystems. Spot leopards in mopane woodlands and glide past lilies in a mokoro through crystal-clear channels. 

    Khwai

    Khwai is a wildlife paradise, teeming with elephants, lions, and hippos. Its stunning landscapes and rich culture make it a top safari destination. 

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    Useful information

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    Communications

    Country Code for Botswana: +267 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Botswana Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Botswana | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

     Ambulance: 997 Fire: 998 Police: 999 

     

    Australian Consulate, Gaborone 

    Plot 16C1, Mmokolodi 1, Gaborone, Botswana Mobile: +267 776 00002 
    WhatsApp: +267 76909454 
    Email: australia.consulate.botswana@gmail.com  

     

    Australian High Commission, Pretoria 

    292 Orient Street, Arcadia, Pretoria, South Africa Phone: +27 12 423 6000 
    Email pretoria.info@dfat.gov.au  
     

    New Zealand High Commission Pretoria, South Africa 

    125 Middel Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, 0181 Pretoria, South Africa 

    Telephone: +27 12 435 9000 

    Email: enquiries@nzhc.co.za  

    Customs

    In Botswana, respect for elders and community is deeply ingrained in daily life. Greetings are important so always greet with a handshake and a smile and use respectful titles like “Rra” (Sir) or “Mma” (Madam). The concept of “Botho,” which emphasises respect, compassion and community, is central to social interactions. Travellers are encouraged to embrace this spirit by being courteous, patient and open to learning from locals.  

     

    Modesty in dress is appreciated. Always ask permission before taking photos of people. 

    Electricity

    Plug types: Type D, Type G, Type M 

    Voltage: 230V, 50Hz

    Health

    If you're travelling from a country where yellow fever is widespread, you'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Botswana. If you can't show proof of vaccination, you may be refused entry. 

     

    Don't swim in lakes and rivers because of the possibility of wildlife attacks or catching waterborne diseases. 

     

    Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. Serious outbreaks sometimes occur. To protect yourself from illness: 

    drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids, avoid ice cubes, avoid uncooked and undercooked food, such as salads and avoid contact with dogs and other mammals. 

     

    Malaria occurs widely throughout Botswana. Other insect-borne diseases also occur, including filariasis. To protect yourself from disease, ensure your accommodation is mosquito-proof, use insect repellent, wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing and consider taking medication to prevent malaria. 

     

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Botswana Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Botswana | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

    How to Get There & Getting Around

    Botswana is accessible primarily through Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone, which receives international flights from regional hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa and Nairobi.  

     

    For travellers heading to the Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, Maun Airport (MUB) and Kasane Airport (BBK) are key entry points, often reached via connecting flights from Gaborone or Johannesburg.  

     

    Once in Botswana, getting around can be challenging due to vast distances and limited public transport. Most opt for guided tours or charter flights to remote safari lodges. In cities like Gaborone and Francistown, taxis and ride-hailing apps are available, but in rural areas, organised transport is essential. 

    Holidays & Festivals

    • Sir Seretse Khama Day (1 July): honours the country’s founding president. 
    • President’s Day (21-22 July): cultural festivals, sports events and community gatherings. 
    • Kuru Dance Festival (August): in the Kalahari Desert at the Dqae Qare San Lodge, this unique festival honours the traditions of the San people, one of Southern Africa’s oldest Indigenous groups. 
    • Botswana Day (30 September): celebrates the country’s independence from Britain in 1966. It is followed by a second day of celebration on 1 October, with cultural events, parades, and national pride on full display.  

    Language

    In Botswana, the official language is English, however, the most widely spoken language is Setswana (also known as Tswana), which serves as the national language and is used in everyday conversation across the country.  

    Money, Tipping & Shopping

    The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP). US Dollars and South African Rand may be accepted in some tourist lodges, but local currency is preferred. ATMs are available in towns, and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and safari lodges. 

     

    Tipping is customary in the tourism industry in Botswana. Safari guides and trackers are usually tipped US$10–$20 per person, per day. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated if not included in the bill. Porters and housekeeping staff may be tipped a few pula per service. 

     

    Bargaining is not common in shops but feel free to haggle in craft markets. Always carry cash when visiting rural areas or markets. Botswana is known for its handicrafts, including basketry from the Okavango Delta, leather goods, jewellery, and San rock art reproductions. Locally made textiles and pottery also make excellent keepsakes. 

    Visas

    The Travel Corporation has partnered with the company Sherpa to provide travellers with the latest government and health restrictions. Simply enter the country you want to travel to for information on safety regulations, border closures, quarantine requirements, your travel visa and more using the Sherpa travel tool: Visa Advice 

    You don't need a visa if you're a tourist visiting for up to 90 days and you have an Australian or New Zealand passport.  

    You'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Botswana if you arrive from a country where yellow fever is widespread. 

    Official Travel advice visit:  

    Botswana Travel Advice & Safety | Smartraveller (Australia) 

    Botswana | SafeTravel NZ (New Zealand) 

    Two Lions Passing in front of a vehicle

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