Botswana

Overview of Botswana

Botswana is an African success story. Transformed since independence into one of the world's fastest growing economies, the country also houses Africa's oldest continuous democracy. However, tourists venture to this expanse of Southern Africa for one reason: the great outdoors.

Synonymous with Botswana is the Okavango Delta, carrying life-giving flood waters from the Angolan highlands down countless waterways and lagoons. The abundance and variety of wildlife to be found in this oasis is astonishing. Chobe National Park has the world's largest herds of Elephant, and Moremi Game Reserve is renowned for having some of the densest populations of wildlife on earth. The delta is all the more breathtaking for being on the edge of the barren Kalahari Desert.

The Kalahari is home to the largest unbroken stretch of sand on the planet. These great dunes give way to the remarkable salt plains of the Makgadikgadi and Nxai pans, and the 3,000-year-old baobab trees on Kubu Island. On the southern edge of the Kalahari lies the characteristic red dunes and sparse scrub of the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park. 'Place of thirst' in the local tongue, the rains are said to fall here just once a century. However, the park is home to iconic predators and huge herds of Springbok, Gemsbok, Wildebeest and Eland. The enormous Central Kalahari National Park is ruled by black-maned lions, and still witness to the hunter-gatherer lifestyle of the indigenous San people.

All the wildlife and wilderness leaves little foothold for people in this sparsely populated country. Gaborone, the capital, houses around ten percent of the total population and is fast-growing, with blossoming attractions of its own. Botswana promises the ultimate safari adventure, and visitors can be sure of the trip of a lifetime.

map of Botswana

Key Facts

Language:
English is the official language but Setswana is the most widely spoken language.
Passport/Visa:

All visitors require return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Botswana. Visas are generally not required for stays of under 90 days. It is highly recommended to have six months' validity remaining on your passport, as border agents occasionally apply different guidelines to those stated.

Currency:

The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and foreign currency is accepted at most large hotels and lodges. There are banks and bureaux de change in all the main towns, as well as ATM machines.

Electricity:
230 volts, 50Hz. Round three-pin plugs are used.

Travel to Botswana

Overview

Visitors can choose to experience Botswana's incredible wildlife and scenery in many ways, from self-drive four-wheel-drive journeys to chartered five-star safari packages.

Maun is the country's main tourist hub and gateway to the Okavango Delta. A popular way to explore is a guided journey in a mokoro(dugout canoe). Visitors can stay in tented camps in Moremi Game Reserve, enjoying some of the world's densest concentrations of wildlife, or take a four-by-four trip through Chobe National Park, encountering predators at Savuti, and large herds of Elephant at the Linyanti marshes. The delta is also world-renowned for its freshwater fishing safaris, October being the best time to visit. Just south of Moremi and Chobe lies the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park where visitors can overnight at Boteti River before exploring the astonishing scenery of the salt flats.

Botswana's north east corner houses the border town of Kasane, the meeting point with Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Head across the border to see Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A scenic flight over the falls is an unforgettable experience. North west is home to the Tsodilo Hills, a spectacular example of ancient rock art and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For those seeking some peace and quiet, the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert awaits. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest reserves in Africa, roughly the size of Denmark. Here, visitors can encounter iconic black-maned lions, camp in Deception Valley to see the rare brown hyena, and go for guided walks with the indigenous San hunter-gatherers. Right in the south, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is home to huge red sand dunes and large migratory herds. Visitors will encounter few other tourists down here in the raw heart of Africa.

Climate in Botswana

Botswana weather is generally quite enjoyable. The hottest time of year in Botswana is also the wettest. The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April. Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 77ºF (25ºC). The months between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing. This is the time when the wildlife is most prolific and easily spotted around the natural watering holes and dams.

Health Notes when travelling to Botswana

Malaria is a particular risk in Botswana between November and June in the northern parts of the country. Visitors who are camping or walking in the bush should be cautious of tick bites. There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over the age of one coming from infected countries.

Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital. Tap water in towns is generally safe to drink, and all foodstuffs are safe to consume.

Safety Notes when travelling to Botswana

The majority of visits to Botswana are trouble-free, but visitors should be aware of the increasing incidence of crime, particularly armed robbery and rape, in the main towns. Wildlife and livestock make driving hazardous, so driving at night should be avoided.

Customs in Botswana

Homosexuality is illegal. Taking photos or videos near government or military buildings is prohibited, and permission should always be sought before taking photos of local people.

Duty Free in Botswana

Travellers to Botswana over the age of 18 can enter the country with 400 cigarettes; 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette without incurring customs duty. Gifts and personal goods to the value of P500 can also be imported without incurring customs duty.

Doing Business in Botswana

Business is fairly relaxed in Botswana and dress is generally smart casual. Handshakes begin and end meetings, which are usually held in private. Women are often viewed with a certain amount of sexism, but will be politely treated. Office hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday between October and April.

Communication in Botswana

The international access code for Botswana is +267. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Gaborone's area code is 31, 35, 36 or 39; there is no NDD prefix for calling within Botswana. Mobile phones operate on a GSM 900 network and are limited to urban areas; most North American cell phones will not work. Wifi is available at large hotels and shopping malls, however the speeds are unlikely to match those that travellers from North America and Europe are accustomed to.

Tipping in Botswana

Tipping is expected in tourist hotels and restaurants. Many automatically add a service charge, but where not, a 10 to 15 percent tip is appreciated. Taxi drivers, porters and golf caddies should also be tipped a relative amount. Tour guides, trackers and game rangers rely largely on tips for their income and should be paid accordingly.

Passport/Visa Note

All visitors require return or onward tickets and sufficient funds to cover their stay in Botswana. Visas are generally not required for stays of under 90 days. It is highly recommended to have six months' validity remaining on your passport, as border agents occasionally apply different guidelines to those stated.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:

US nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Canadians:

Canadian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Australian nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Irish nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

New Zealanders require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South African nationals require a passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival, but do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days.

Tourist Offices

Department of Tourism, Gaborone: +267 395 3024 or http://www.botswana-tourism.gov.bw

Botswana Embassies

In the United States:

Botswana Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 244 4990 (also responsible for Canada).

In the United Kingdom:

Botswana High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7499 0031.

In Australia:

Botswana High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 7500.

In South Africa:

Botswana High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 430 9640.

Foreign Embassies in Botswana

American Embassy

United States Embassy, Gaborone: +267 395 3982.

Canadian Embassy

Consulate of Canada, Gaborone: +267 390 4411.

British Embassy

British High Commission, Gaborone: +267 395 2841.

Australian Embassy

Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 12 423 6000.

Irish Embassy

Irish Honorary Consul, Gaborone: +267 390 5807.

New Zealand Embassy

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 12 435 9000

South African Embassy

South African High Commission, Gaborone: +267 390 4800/1/2.

Travel Advisories

Health Information for Travelers to Botswana

Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Map - Botswana

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Vaccines and Medicines

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.

 

  Find Out Why Protect Yourself

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

 get_vaccinated hygiene

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Botswana, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

 get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Botswana. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

 get_vaccinated eat_drink

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

 get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Malaria

When traveling in Botswana, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Botswana, see malaria in Botswana.

 antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Botswana, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Botswana
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
 get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Botswana. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

All travelers

You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.

get_vaccinated hygiene
Routine vaccines

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.

Most travelers

Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Hepatitis A

CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Botswana, regardless of where you are eating or staying.

get_vaccinated eat_drink
Typhoid

You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Botswana. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.

Some travelers

Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.

get_vaccinated avoid_body_fluids avoid-non-sterile-equipment
Hepatitis B

You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.

antimalarial_meds avoid_insects
Malaria

When traveling in Botswana, you should avoid mosquito bites to prevent malaria. You may need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria, depending on your travel plans, such as where you are going, when you are traveling, and if you are spending a lot of time outdoors or sleeping outside. Talk to your doctor about how you can prevent malaria while traveling. For more information on malaria in Botswana, see malaria in Botswana.

get_vaccinated animals hygiene
Rabies

Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Botswana, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:

  • Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
  • People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
  • People who are taking long trips or moving to Botswana
  • Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
Yellow Fever

There is no risk of yellow fever in Botswana. The government of Botswana requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.

For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Botswana. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.

Key
  • Get vaccinated
  • Take antimalarial meds
  • Eat and drink safely
  • Prevent bug bites
  • Keep away from animals
  • Reduce your exposure to germs
  • Avoid sharing body fluids
  • Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment

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Stay Healthy and Safe

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Botswana, so your behaviors are important.

 

Eat and drink safely

Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.

Eat
  • Food that is cooked and served hot
  • Hard-cooked eggs
  • Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
  • Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
  • Food served at room temperature
  • Food from street vendors
  • Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
  • Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
  • Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
  • Unpasteurized dairy products
  • ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
  • Bottled water that is sealed
  • Water that has been disinfected
  • Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
  • Carbonated drinks
  • Hot coffee or tea
  • Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
  • Tap or well water
  • Ice made with tap or well water
  • Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
  • Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine

Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.

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Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Botswana. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?
  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
    • DEET
    • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
    • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
    • IR3535
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.

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Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Botswana include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
    • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Schistosomiasis and leptospirosis, infections that can be spread in fresh water, are found in Botswana. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

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Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

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Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
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Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
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Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Botswana’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Botswana. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

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Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Walking

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Botswana may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Botswana, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Botswana.

  • Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
  • LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
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Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave
  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Botswana for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

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Travel Health Notices

There are no notices currently in effect for Botswana.

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After Your Trip

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.

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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

Currency

The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. Major credit cards are widely accepted, and foreign currency is accepted at most large hotels and lodges. There are banks and bureaux de change in all the main towns, as well as ATM machines.

Exchange rate for 1 BWP - Botswana Pula
0.09 BMD
Bermudan Dollar 		0.08 EUR
Euro 		0.09 USD
U.S. Dollar 		0.06 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling 		9.74 JPY
Japanese Yen 		0.12 CAD
Canadian Dollar
0.09 CHF
Swiss Franc 		0.12 AUD
Australian Dollar 		2.24 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia 		30.19 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge 		134.62 LBP
Lebanese Pound 		0.06 LYD
Libyan Dinar
0.61 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano 		9.64 NPR
Nepalese Rupee 		0.03 OMR
Omani Rial 		0.33 QAR
Qatari Rial 		0.12 SGD
Singapore Dollar 		0.74 SEK
Swedish Krona
0.59 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar 		0.89 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar 		4.10 DOP
Dominican Peso 		0.60 HRK
Croatian Kuna 		1.67 MXN
Mexican Peso 		52.42 XOF
West African CFA Franc
0.28 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina 		0.09 BSD
Bahamian Dollar 		0.19 FJD
Fiji Dollar 		2.02 HNL
Honduran Lempira 		9.88 DZD
Algerian Dinar 		106.50 MMK
Myanma Kyat
0.30 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol 		62.00 CLP
Chilean Peso 		42.74 AMD
Armenia Dram 		2.16 CZK
Czech Koruna 		1.79 MDL
Moldova Lei 		11.11 ISK
Icelandic Krona
262.72 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum 		0.34 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel 		0.06 JOD
Jordanian Dinar 		0.03 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar 		2.80 UYU
Uruguayan Peso 		3.18 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
2.55 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba 		0.75 NOK
Norwegian Krone 		0.35 PLN
Polish Zloty 		0.34 SAR
Saudi Riyal 		13.05 LKR
Sri Lanka Rupee 		3.18 THB
Thai Baht
0.33 AED
U.A.E Dirham 		0.32 BRL
Brazilian Real 		0.36 RON
Romanian New Leu 		0.69 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar 		52.53 XAF
Central African CFA Franc 		2,009.24 VND
Vietnamese Dong
1.25 ARS
Argentine Peso 		0.24 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar 		0.70 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal 		0.87 MAD
Moroccan Dirham 		0.03 BHD
Bahrain Dinar 		0.09 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
0.13 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat 		278.73 COP
Colombian Peso 		6.11 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som 		25.01 HUF
Hungarian Forint 		0.70 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble 		1,223.27 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
0.79 EGP
Egyptian Pound 		106.48 KRW
South Korean Won 		506.85 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní 		0.37 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit 		48.16 CRC
Costa Rican Colón 		0.13 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
9.36 PKR
Pakistani Rupee 		5.97 RUB
Russian Rouble 		1.39 ZAR
South African Rand 		0.19 TND
Tunisian Dinar 		0.18 BBD
Barbadian Dollar 		0.16 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
0.26 TRY
Turkish Lira 		4.17 PHP
Philippine Peso 		2.92 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar 		17.57 NGN
Nigerian Naira 		9.58 XPF
CFP Franc 		0.35 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
11.17 JMD
Jamaican Dollar 		0.16 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder 		0.12 BND
Brunei Dollar 		9.88 RSD
Serbian Dinar 		0.59 CNY
Chinese Yuan 		1,778.92 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
0.59 DKK
Danish Krone 		0.31 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat 		6.01 INR
Indian Rupee 		     
Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Botswana Pula

1 USD = 11.19 BWP

Exchange Rate for
Euro to Botswana Pula

1 EUR = 12.50 BWP

Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Botswana Pula

1 CAD = 8.55 BWP

Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Botswana Pula

1 GBP = 16.13 BWP

Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Botswana Pula

1 AUD = 8.10 BWP

Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Botswana Pula

1 NZD = 7.63 BWP

Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Botswana Pula

1 ZAR = 0.72 BWP

Gaborone International Airport (GBE)
Sir Seretse Khama International Airport

Location: Gaborone The airport is located nine miles (15km) north of Gaborone.

map of Gaborone International Airport

Time: GMT +2.

Contacts: Tel: +267 351 191

Getting to the city: Hotel minibuses and taxis provide transport to the city centre.

Car rental: Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are represented at the airport.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: There is one terminal building which offers a Barclays Bank bureaux de change, bar and restaurant, and duty-free shop for flights outside of the Common Customs Union (South Africa, Lesotho, Swaziland).

Parking:

Departure Tax: None.

Maun Airport (MUB)
Maun International Airport

Location: Okavango Delta 3 miles (5km) from central Maun.

map of Maun Airport

Time: GMT +2

Contacts: Tel: +267 660 238.

Getting to the city: There are shuttle buses and taxis available into town.

Car rental: It is possible to rent cars to and from the airport.

Airport Taxis:

Facilities: There are restaurants outside the front of the airport and the village is within walking distance, offering many more facilities such as banks, shops and a post office.

Parking: There is parking available at the airport.

Departure Tax: None

Overview of the Attractions in Botswana

Visitors can choose to experience Botswana's incredible wildlife and scenery in many ways, from self-drive four-wheel-drive journeys to chartered five-star safari packages.

Maun is the country's main tourist hub and gateway to the Okavango Delta. A popular way to explore is a guided journey in a mokoro(dugout canoe). Visitors can stay in tented camps in Moremi Game Reserve, enjoying some of the world's densest concentrations of wildlife, or take a four-by-four trip through Chobe National Park, encountering predators at Savuti, and large herds of Elephant at the Linyanti marshes. The delta is also world-renowned for its freshwater fishing safaris, October being the best time to visit. Just south of Moremi and Chobe lies the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park where visitors can overnight at Boteti River before exploring the astonishing scenery of the salt flats.

Botswana's north east corner houses the border town of Kasane, the meeting point with Zambia, Namibia and Zimbabwe. Head across the border to see Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world. A scenic flight over the falls is an unforgettable experience. North west is home to the Tsodilo Hills, a spectacular example of ancient rock art and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For those seeking some peace and quiet, the vast expanse of the Kalahari Desert awaits. The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of the largest reserves in Africa, roughly the size of Denmark. Here, visitors can encounter iconic black-maned lions, camp in Deception Valley to see the rare brown hyena, and go for guided walks with the indigenous San hunter-gatherers. Right in the south, the Kgalagadi Transfrontier National Park is home to huge red sand dunes and large migratory herds. Visitors will encounter few other tourists down here in the raw heart of Africa.

Mokolodi Nature Reserve
Gaborone

This 300-hectare reserve is just nine miles (15km) from Gaborone and contains examples of most of the local flora as well as an impressive collection of indigenous animals such as the white rhino, mountain reedbuck, various antelope, zebra, giraffe, hyena, and warthog. The reserve was created by a non-profit organisation for the purposes of conservation and education, and was established in 1994. It offers thatched self-catering chalets for those wishing to spend a night or two, and game drives and guided walks with experienced rangers.

map of Mokolodi Nature Reserve

Website: http://www.mokolodi.com

Moremi Wildlife Reserve
Okavango Delta

Moremi, about 37 miles (60km) from Maun, is a 1,160 square mile (3,000 sq km) reserve in the middle of the Okavango Delta, in one of the world's most pristine wilderness areas. Accessible by air or road from Maun, self-driving is recommended for experienced four-wheel-drive enthusiasts in the dry months. Alternatively visitors can join safari packages from the reserve's luxury lodges. A wonderful way to see the delights of the Delta is on a mokoro (a dug-out canoe), which is poled through the waterways by experienced guides. Stay in unfenced camps and experience nature at its purest in the heart of Africa.

map of Moremi Wildlife Reserve

Website: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/destination/moremi-game-reserve

Chobe National Park
Okavango Delta

The second largest game park in Botswana, Chobe comprises four regions; the river floodplains and teak forest, the Savute marshes, the Linyanti swamp, and the dry hinterland. Chobe is especially well known for its immense elephant population, counting more than 70,000, and it is not uncommon to encounter herds in excess of a hundred members at a time. The Chobe River forms the northern border of the park, and makes for excellent game-viewing by boat. There are a number of game lodges, hotels and camps in the Chobe area and at Kasane, the main town in northern Botswana, which has an airport and good road network. Close to the Zimbabwean border, Victoria Falls lies barely an hour's drive away.

map of Chobe National Park

Website: http://www.chobenationalpark.co.za

Tsodilo Hills
Okavango Delta

To the west of the Okavango Delta area, about 33 miles (53km) from the town of Shakawe, is a mysterious site shrouded in myth, legend and spiritual significance for the local San people, who have inhabited the area for 35,000 years or more. The Tsodilo Hills are believed by the San to be the site of first Creation. The area is festooned with thousands of rock paintings representing a variety of scenes, some of which date back to 1,300 AD. Several trails lead to more than 350 rock painting sites. The area is remote, with no shops or accommodation facilities, but it is possible to camp and draw from borehole water.

map of Tsodilo Hills

Website: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/destination/tsodilo-hills

Gaborone Game Reserve
Gaborone

Although smaller than most, at just under 600 hectares, the Gaborone Game Reserve is the third busiest game reserve in Botswana, providing a very popular venue for city residents in which to unwind. Serving as a popular escape for city dwellers with picnic sites, a bird and game hide, and a network of game viewing roads, Gaborone Game Reserve has a vast array of facilities despite its smallish stature. The park is home to rhino, ostriches, zebra, a variety of antelope and like most game reserves in Botswana, is very popular with bird watchers. Conveniently located just outside Gaborone, the reserve can be an easy day trip for those who land in the capital.

map of Gaborone Game Reserve

Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Okavango Delta

The Makgadikgadi Pans are located in the north-east of the country and are among the largest salt flats on earth, covering 6,200 square miles (16,000km²) of the Kalahari basin. During the annual rains, the pans become a source of fresh water and grass for migratory wildlife, especially the massive wildebeest and zebra herds that move through the area. Self-drive visitors are advised to use only four wheel drive vehicles as the terrain can be testing. A good map and a GPS system are also essential, as getting lost in the desert can be disastrous. Also, as a general rule, it is advised that visitors drive in the tracks of other vehicles and keep to the edge of the pan.

map of Makgadikgadi Salt Pans

Address: About 200 miles (322km) south-east of the Okavango Delta.

Khutse Game Reserve
Gaborone

Established in 1971, the Khutse Game Reserve encompasses 965 square miles (2,500 sq km) of semi-arid Kalahari bush savannah in the Bakwena tribal lands. Boreholes have been sunk into this undulating terrain to provide more water and encourage wildlife to stay in the area year-round. Visitors are now drawn to this undeveloped wilderness to see a wide range of herbivores including giraffe, gemsbok and wildebeest, as well as predators such as lion, leopard and cheetah, and birdlife ranging from wild ostriches to little browns. Visitors may only stay at marked campsites and there are no other tourist facilities available in the reserve.

map of Khutse Game Reserve

Address: 130 miles (210km) north-west of Gaborone.

Website: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/destination/khutse-game-reserve

Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Gaborone

The Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, located in both Botswana and South Africa, extends over 15,000 square miles (38,000 sq km) of the southern Kalahari Desert. About three quarters of the park lies in the extreme south-west of Botswana, locally known as the Gemsbok National Park. Visitors to the park can witness the fragile balance between migratory animals and their predators in this harsh, semi-arid environment - a real African safari experience. There are campsites available for visitors but other tourist facilities are very limited.

map of Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park

Address: Kgalagadi District, about 537 miles (865km) south-west of Gaborone.

Website: http://www.sanparks.co.za/parks/kgalagadi

Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Gaborone

At 20,380 square miles (52,800 sq. km), the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is larger than some European countries, such as Denmark or Switzerland, and is bigger than Lesotho and Swaziland put together! Indeed, the reserve is the second largest on earth and its sand dunes, saltpans, riverbeds, mopane forests and vast open plains are home to an array of fascinating wildlife species, as well as settlements of local Basarwa or San tribes - an exciting combination of both environmental and cultural experiences for visitors.

map of Central Kalahari Game Reserve

Address: Central Botswana, just over 200 miles (322km) from Gaborone.

Website: http://www.botswanatourism.co.bw/destination/central-kalahari-game-reserve

Public Holidays in Botswana

 

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