Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
Planning on visiting Botswana for the first time? Get ready for a trip unlike any other. From luxury safaris to other-worldly landscapes, Botswana is one of Southern Africa’s most unique destinations.
Traveling to Botswana can feel a little intimidating at first - it's not the kind of place where you just wing it (trust us- we learned the hard way). But with the right info on things like getting around, where to stay, and when to go, it’s totally doable (and so worth it). Plus, the country’s commitment to low-impact, high-quality tourism means you’ll experience something truly special.
If you're wondering what to pack, how much things cost, or what to expect as a first-time visitor, you're in the right place. Let’s dive into everything you need to know before heading to Botswana - from money-saving tips to bucket-list experiences and everything in between.
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Visiting Botswana for the First Time: a Brief Intro
If you're thinking about visiting Botswana for the first time, you're in for something truly special. This southern African gem is known for its untouched wilderness, iconic wildlife, and warm, welcoming people.
Whether you’re looking for thrilling safari adventures or peaceful moments in nature, Botswana delivers the kind of experience that sticks with you forever. Before getting into the details though, let's go over some of the basics.
What is Botswana Most Known For?
Botswana is most famous for its breathtaking safaris and vast protected wilderness areas. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the most iconic safari destinations in the world, where you can spot elephants, lions, hippos, and more - often from a traditional mokoro (dugout canoe).
The country is also known for the Chobe National Park, which boasts one of the highest concentrated number of elephants in Africa. Add to that the remote beauty of the Kalahari Desert and the surreal salt flats of Makgadikgadi Pans, and it’s easy to see why nature lovers fall head over heels for Botswana.
Finally, it's the country that is home to where it's believed humanity began! (This is where Fede actually proposed!).
Why Do Tourists Visit Botswana?
Tourists visit Botswana for the first time for the unique wildlife encounters that they get to experience. It's a more remote and unique destination for tourism, and is chosen by those with a bit more money or adventure in their soul.
Botswana has wildlife encounters you can't experience elsewhere!
Where is Botswana?
Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Its central location makes it a great jumping-off point if you're exploring more of the region, especially if you're pairing it with nearby destinations like Victoria Falls or Kruger National Park.
Visiting Botswana for the First Time: How to Get There
Now that you know a bit about why people travel to Botswana, let's look at the different options for getting there!
What is the Best Way to Get to Botswana?
The easiest and most common way to get to Botswana is by flying. Most international travelers fly into one of the country’s major airports and then connect to smaller cities or safari camps by charter plane or regional flights.
If you’re visiting Botswana for the first time, flying into the country is the most convenient option. However, if you're planning on visiting other nearby countries as well, then flying into South Africa will be the most budget-friendly option.
Where Do You Fly Into for Botswana?
Botswana has a few international airports, but the two most common gateways are:
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE) in Gaborone
- Maun International Airport (MUB) in Maun - the hub for safaris in the Okavango Delta
If you're heading straight for a safari experience, Maun is often the best choice, though Gaborone might offer more flight options if you're arriving from outside of Africa.
Which Countries Fly Direct to Botswana?
Direct international flights into Botswana are somewhat limited, but you can fly nonstop from:
- South Africa (Johannesburg is a major hub)
- Zimbabwe
- Namibia
- Zambia
- Qatar (from Doha to Gaborone, depending on the season)
If you're coming from the U.S. or Europe, you'll likely need to connect through Johannesburg or Doha, then take a short regional flight into Botswana.
Flight Tip: Using Skyscanner you can put from "your city" to "Everywhere". This way you can see which is the cheapest airport in the area to fly. Also, you can check the calendar to see which are the cheapest dates for flights right into Botswana!
Search for a flight to Botswana or a surrounding country:
Other Ways to Get to Botswana
You can also reach Botswana by land if you're traveling through southern Africa. Popular border crossings include:
- From South Africa via the Ramatlabama or Tlokweng border posts
- From Namibia via Mamuno
- From Zimbabwe via Kazungula (especially if you’re coming from Victoria Falls)
Traveling overland can be a fun and scenic way to enter the country, especially if you're on a road trip or guided tour. We drove from Namibia to Botswana, and from Botswana back to South Africa - it was a super exciting way to experience the region!
Just make sure to check border hours and visa requirements ahead of time, and have a 4x4 if you plan on visiting some of the national parks on your own.
Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Entry Requirements
In order to enter Botswana you'll have to bring the following:
- Passport
- Port Health Screening
- Yellow Fever Vaccine (if you have previously been to Angola or another country where yellow fever is prevalent)
Passport Requirements for Visiting Botswana
Your passport has to have at least 6 months of validity to enter Botswana, and you should have at least two blank pages inside. Luckily even though I didn't have any left, they did let me in - granted we wouldn't recommend risking it.
You should also have a flight leaving (or in the case of road tripping, one that clearly shows you flying out of a neighboring country).
Do I Need a Visa to Enter Botswana?
Many American and European countries are not required a visa for entering Botswana, and can stay for up to 30 days without one. The nationalities that require a visa will need to apply at their nearest embassy, and visas typically take 1-2 weeks, but can take up to 3.
Here are the nationalities that need a visa for Botswana - Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Croatia, Czech Republic, Democratic Republic of Congo, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Ethiopia, Gabon, Georgia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Hungary, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Madagascar, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Niger, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Panama, Philippines, Poland, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Somalia, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Taiwan, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Health Requirements for Entering Botswana
If you plan on visiting Botswana for the first time by land, you'll need to stop by port health screening before actually going through customs and getting your stamp into the country.
It's a small office you'll pass before arriving at border control, so look out for it and make sure you stop there first.
You'll just need to fill out a form stating you're healthy, and show that you have not been to Angola (or if you have you'll need to show proof of a yellow fever vaccine -we'd recommend having the physical copy just in case).
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Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Local Adjustments
If you plan on visiting Botswana for the first time, you'll want to be prepared for some local adjustments, such as the change of language, currency, or tipping culture. Here are a few things that you should know before you go.
What Language is Spoken in Botswana?
The official language of Botswana is English, which is used in government, schools, and most formal settings. That makes things a lot easier when visiting Botswana for the first time, especially when it comes to signs, menus, or getting help.
However, the most widely spoken native language is Setswana (also known as Tswana). You’ll hear it used in everyday conversations and among locals. While most people in cities and tourist areas speak English well, learning a few Setswana phrases like "Dumelang" (hello) or "Ke a leboga" (thank you) are really appreciated amongst locals.
What is the Best Currency to Take to Botswana?
The official currency in Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). If you're traveling from outside southern Africa, the best currency to bring for exchange is US dollars, though South African Rand (ZAR) is also widely accepted in border areas.
Avoid bringing Euros or British Pounds, as they may be harder to exchange outside of major banks or cities. If you're visiting Botswana for the first time, it’s smart to exchange a small amount in a local bank or in a city before heading into more remote areas.
Is Botswana Expensive to Visit?
Botswana can actually be really pricey! It surprised us a lot when we went, so we actually wrote a full article about what to expect.
What Socket is in Botswana?
Botswana uses the same plug types as many other countries in Southern Africa, which are types D, G, & M. The standard voltage in Botswana is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
Can You Drink Tap Water in Botswana?
You can absolutely drink the tap water in Botswana. It is considered safe around the country, and is fine to ask for while in restaurants. We recommend hydrating frequently, and to bring a reusable water bottle with you to be a more eco-friendly traveler.
Is it Customary to Tip in Botswana?
Tipping isn’t mandatory in Botswana, but it is appreciated, especially in the tourism and hospitality industries. For example:
At restaurants, a 10% tip is pretty standard.
Safari guides or lodge staff often receive $5–$10 USD per day, depending on the experience.
Porters or drivers may be tipped a few pula or the equivalent in USD/ZAR.
If you're visiting Botswana for the first time and going on a guided safari, check if tips are already included or pooled amongst the staff - some lodges have a tipping box for this purpose.
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Visiting Botswana for the First Time: The Best Places to Visit & Things to Do
Now that you know all of the basics for visiting Botswana for the first time, let's check out the top places in the country to add to your bucket list!
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The Best Places to Visit in Botswana
When visiting Botswana for the first time, deciding where to go can feel overwhelming. From vast salt pans to lush river deltas teeming with wildlife, Botswana is full of bucket-list-worthy places that truly showcase its natural beauty and unique culture. Here are the top places you'll want to check out:
- Okavango Delta: A lush inland delta known for its wildlife-filled wetlands and mokoro canoe safaris. (This is the number one highlight of Botswana!)
- Chief's Island: A prime safari spot in the heart of the Okavango Delta with high chances of spotting the Big Five.
- Moremi Game Reserve: A diverse area combining swamps and dry land, perfect for both land and water game viewing.
- Khwai: A community-run area offering great wildlife and more flexible safari experiences.
- Chobe National Park: Home to Africa’s largest elephant population and best explored by boat at sunset.
- Nxai Pan National Park: Open salt pans and ancient baobabs where you can see seasonal zebra migrations.
- Makgadikadi Pans: Vast, white salt flats great for stargazing, quad biking, and meerkat encounters.
- Planet Baobab: A quirky lodge surrounded by giant baobabs, near the Makgadikgadi salt flats.
- Nata Bird Sanctuary: A seasonal flamingo haven set in the northeastern salt pans. (This is where we got engaged!)
- Orapa Game Park: A small, lesser-known game reserve perfect for a quiet wildlife experience.
- Kubu Island: A mystical granite island in the salt pans with sacred cultural significance.
- Khama Rhino Sanctuary: A community reserve where you can easily spot black and white rhinos.
The Best Things to Do in Botswana
Apart from some of the best hot spots in the country, here are some activities you'll want to add to your bucket list for your first time visiting Botswana:
Game Drives: Classic safaris offering close-up views of lions, elephants, and other wildlife.
Meerkat Safari: A chance to get up close with wild meerkats in the Makgadikgadi region.
Sunset Cruise: A peaceful river safari in Chobe to see hippos, crocs, and elephants at dusk.
Helicopter Tour: A bird’s-eye view of the Okavango Delta’s winding waterways and animal herds.
White Water Rafting: An adrenaline-filled activity on the Zambezi River near the Botswana-Zimbabwe border.
Manyana Village Visit: A cultural stop with ancient rock art and local traditions near Gaborone.
Day Trip to Victoria Falls: A popular add-on when visiting Botswana for the first time, just a short hop from Kasane.
The Best Places to Base Yourself in Botswana
Here are some of the main areas in the country worth basing yourself:
- Gaborone: The capital city, ideal for cultural visits and easy border access.
- Maun: The gateway town to the Okavango Delta and many safari camps.
- Kasane: A small town on the edge of Chobe, perfect for river safaris and day trips to Victoria Falls.
Other Cool Places to Stay in Botswana
Here are a couple of cool and unique stays to add to your bucket list!
- Savute Elephant Lodge: A luxury lodge offering premium safari experiences in the wild.
- Elephant Sands: A rustic camp where elephants wander right past your room.
Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Getting Around
Botswana isn’t huge, but the distances between towns and parks can be pretty long, especially if you're heading to remote regions like the Okavango Delta or the Kalahari Desert.
You can get around by either taking guided tours, using buses, or renting a car and self-driving around the country.
Is it Safe to Drive Around Botswana?
Yes, it’s generally safe to self-drive around Botswana, especially for confident and experienced travelers. The roads between major towns are paved and well-maintained, but once you get into the national parks, expect thick sands that you'll absolutely need a 4x4 for.
If you’re visiting Botswana for the first time and planning a self-drive safari, it’s essential to rent a 4x4 vehicle, know how to change a tire, and avoid driving at night due to wildlife on the roads.
Watch out for wildlife while driving around!
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Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Local Food & Drink
Botswana has similar food to some of the surrounding countries, and has excellent barbecued meats, and flavorful hearty dishes. Here are some of the top foods you should try while visiting Botswana for the first time:
- Seswaa: Botswana’s national dish - slow-cooked shredded beef served with thick pap.
- Pap (Bogobe): A staple side dish made from maize or sorghum, often served with meat or stew.
- Vetkoek: A deep-fried bread roll usually filled with mince or jam, great as a snack on the go.
- Morogo: Wild spinach, often sautéed and served as a nutritious side.
- Dikgobe: A mix of beans and maize, traditionally served at celebrations or funerals.
- Biltong: Dried cured meat, perfect as a high-protein snack on long safaris.
Botswana has some really great meats.
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Visiting Botswana for the First Time: Safety
If you're visiting Botswana for the first time (or anywhere new really), you'll want to make sure that you know about the safety situation. Here's what you should know!
Is Botswana Safe for Travellers?
Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travelers. Crime rates are low, especially outside of the capital city. Most issues tourists encounter are very minor, like petty theft- so standard precautions (locking your belongings, not flashing valuables) are simple steps to ensure you stay safe.
Is Botswana Friendly to Foreigners?
Some of our favorite people we have ever met were during our travels around Botswana. The people of Botswana are known for being friendly, respectful, and super welcoming, and we made amazing friends while traveling through the country, especially in the town of Gweta!
Our serve invited us to a football game, and we ended up partying the night away with her and all her friends - it truly was our favorite part of being in Botswana!
Is Botswana Safe for Solo Travellers?
Solo travel in Botswana is very safe, especially if you're joining guided tours, safaris, or organized excursions. Lodges and camps tend to be communal and social, which makes it easy to meet other travelers.
One thing to note that is that Botswana is not a country that is super easy to navigate on your own, or one where you'll find hostels and a lot of travelers in general.
If you are a solo traveler, we'd recommend joining organized tours.
Animal Safety in Botswana
When we were driving from Namibia into Botswana, we got stopped at a checkpoint. The man working told us to be careful because it was dangerous to drive at night - not because of safety in general, but because of animals! Botswana is the one country where you can actually find wild animals roaming the highways.s
You don't have to be in a national park - you can very literally come across elephants, ostriches, zebras, and a ton of other wildlife roaming at their leisure. At night it can be really hard to see them, which is why it's super important to keep this in mind while driving in Botswana!
Other Things to Know About Visiting Botswana for the First Time
Now you know almost everything you need to know for visiting Botswana for the first time - but don't go just yet! Here are a few other things you may want to keep in mind.
Weather in Botswana
Botswana has a semi-arid climate, meaning hot, sunny days and cooler nights, especially in the desert. The dry season (May to October) is the best time to visit for wildlife, with clear skies and almost no rain.
The wet season (November to April) brings lush landscapes and baby animals, but also muddy roads and some closed camps.
What is the Best Month to Visit Botswana?
The best months to visit Botswana are June to August, during the dry, cooler part of the year. Wildlife viewing is at its peak, especially around water sources like the Okavango Delta and Chobe River. We had nice warm and sunny days, with chilly nights in August, but much warmer than when we were in Namibia and South Africa.
July is also an awesome time to visit because there is the Makgadikgadi Epic - a festival in the second week of July that has amazing activities like parachutes, helicopter rides, camel riding, bike riding, and hot air balloons! The next time we go back, it will certainly be at this time.
If you're visiting Botswana for the first time and you want fewer crowds and don't mind a bit of rain, October/November and April/May can be great options too. These are the shoulder seasons, offering better deals and fewer tourists.
Packing For a Trip to Botswana
If you're visiting Botswana for the first time, packing right is key, especially for safaris and rural adventures. Here are some things you should consider bringing:
- Neutral-colored clothing for game drives (avoid bright colors and camouflage)
- Bathing suit for the pools
- Light layers for hot days and cool nights
- A good sun hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen
- Insect repellent (especially for the wet season)
- Binoculars and a telephoto lens (we use the Sony GM F2.8 70-200) if you're into wildlife photography
- Tripod to get pictures while no one is around (We use the Rangepod Tripod)
- Drone for epic shots of the landscapes from above (We use the DJI Mavic Mini 4 Pro)
- Reusable water bottle and travel-friendly snacks
- Travel insurance (we recommend Safety Wing) and any necessary medications
- Power Bank (we use Anker power banks, as they are the best in the market and last super long)
Don't forget that many bush flights have strict luggage weight limits, so soft-sided bags are preferred.
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Is it Worth Going to Botswana?
Botswana is a really cool country, with some of the best wildlife experiences in Southern Africa! However, it is only really worth going to if you are willing to spend a good amount of money, or if you have a good 4x4 and a lot of time to spend.
If you are shorter on time or on a tighter budget, then we'd recommend opting on a trip to one of the surrounding countries instead.
How Long Should I Spend in Botswana?
We'd recommend spending 10-14 days, as it is a big country, and many of the top places to visit in Botswana are much farther apart then they look on the map.
We recommend at least 10 days to be able to experience all that Botswana has to offer.
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So, are you excited for visiting Botswana for the first time? We hope our Botswana travel guide has answered all of the questions you may have had. If not, feel free to drop us a comment below!
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