Botswana
Southern Africa · Africa
- Capital
- Gaborone
- Currency
- Botswana Pula (BWP P)
- Language
- English (official) and Setswana
- Timezone
- UTC+2
- Safety rating
- 8/10
- Best time to visit
- The dry season from May to October offers prime game viewing as animals gather at water, with the Delta flooding peaking around June to August.
Overview
Botswana is a safari icon defined by the watery wilderness of the Okavango Delta, the elephant herds of Chobe and the haunting salt expanses of the Makgadikgadi Pans. Its high-value, low-impact tourism model means pristine, uncrowded reserves and superb guiding. Stable, peaceful and diamond-rich, it offers some of the continent's finest wildlife experiences.
Visa requirements
Many nationalities including the US, EU and UK enter visa-free for up to 90 days; check the latest entry-fee rules for tourists.
Safety information
Botswana is one of Africa's safest and most stable countries, with low crime in tourist areas. The main hazards are wildlife encounters on self-drives and remote roads, so respect park rules and carry plenty of water.
Travel tips
Safaris are premium-priced, so book lodges and mokoro trips well ahead. Cards are widely accepted in towns but carry pula cash for rural areas, and buy an Orange or Mascom SIM for data. Self-drivers need a sturdy 4x4 and offline maps for the parks.