Botswana: Expert tips and practical information
Set in the heart of Southern Africa, Botswana may well have more wildlife than it has people! The country is home to some of the most stunning landscapes in the world – the Kalahari Desert and Okavango Delta, where travelers flock every year. But Botswana is not like other African nations, it has a unique vibe and traditions of its own.
If you have visited classic safari destinations such as Kenya, Tanzania or South Africa, Botswana is perfect thanks to the unique experiences it offers: think mokoro safaris in the flooded Okavango, horse riding in private concessions or even sunset cruises in Chobe. Before you set out, here are some essential tips to help you along the way, and local customs.
In addition to the information in this article, you will also find our guide on the best time of the year to visit Botswana to be helpful when planning your trip.
Experience authentic encounters during your safari in Botswana
Currency
US Dollars are widely accepted in Botswana. However, it is important to carry local currency preferably in smaller denominations during your trip, for small payments, tips, etc. Most African countries only accept USD notes printed from 2013 onwards. Money can be exchanged at international airports, Bureaux de Change, authorized dealers, and banks.
Giving to Beggars
We recommend that you do not give money to beggars or children; it is better to give donations to established charities that help the homeless, street children or schools. Exercise books, pens and pencils are useful gifts but please don’t give them out as they create a dependency culture. We can make arrangements to visit schools and orphanages on request.
Language and Religion
English is the official language spoken in most of the tourist sites. All guides and, in general, employees in hotels and lodges have good command over English.
Religious affiliations based on a census held in 2001: Christian 71.6%, Badimo 6%, other 1.4%, unspecified 0.4%, none 20.6%
Popular Trips to Botswana
Prepare for the safari vacation of a lifetime as you journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana. From game drives in Southern Kruger to boat safaris in Chobe National Park and village visits around Okavango Delta, there’s an enthralling set of experiences in store for you. The icing on the cake? A trip to Victoria…
Traverse sprawling deserts, the world’s largest inland river delta and thundering waterfalls as you explore some of Southern Africa’s finest wildlife destinations. Savor the assorted urban charms of Johannesburg before heading to the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. Enjoy enthralling game drives and walking safaris with expert Bushmen guides to spot lions, leopards, elands and more….
Discover the magic of the Victoria Falls and unearth Botswana’s wildlife treasures on this ten-day tour. Get a bird’s-eye-view of The Smoke That Thunders as you soar up above Victoria Falls in a helicopter. Go on exciting game drives, boat cruises and bush walks in Zambezi National Park, before experiencing Botswana’s wonderful waterworlds. With mokoro…
This is the quintessential African safari vacation. The 15-day tour takes you across some of the continent’s best game reserves in Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia. Buckle up as you set out on the safari journey of your dreams, with stops at Arusha, Ngorongoro Plains, Northern Serengeti, Chobe National Park, Okavango Delta and more. Bask in…
Journey into the wilderness and traverse a series of diverse landscapes – from swamps and marshes to grasslands and rivers – as you delve deeper into Botswana. Tread off the beaten track and discover the untouched beauty of Savuti and Linyanti. Forming a natural link between Chobe National Park and Okavango Delta, this remote region…
Would you like to go on a sunset cruise down the Chobe river? Or spend a day exploring the mighty Victoria Falls? Turn your dreams into reality with this customized tour of Zimbabwe and Botswana that packs in a whole gamut of experiences. Get up close with African elephants at an elephant sanctuary by the…
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Best Places To Visit
Okavango Delta
Chobe National Park
Savuti & Linyanti
Central Kalahari
Kalahari Salt Pans/Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Botswana Mobile Safari
From the Blog
For a memorable trip to Botswana, choosing the best luxury safari camps is key. To help you find the perfect accommodation for your safari, here’s our list of properties recommended by our experts.
Tucked away in the heart of Africa, this landlocked nation is Southern Africa’s best-kept secret. Here are some fabulous reasons to pack your suitcases and set off for Botswana right away!
Experience the best of Botswana on your Africa safaris. Okavango Delta, an enchanting oasis in the north-west of beautiful Botswana and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the largest freshwater inland drainage systems of Africa.
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Best Time To Visit Botswana
READHistory
The history of Botswana began with many migratory ethnic groups, including the Bantu, San and Khoikhoi, from as early as AD200. Learn more about the history of Botswana.
Culture
Discover the cultural heritage of Botswana and traditions that back thousands of years. Learn more about ethnic groups and everyday customs from experts.
Cuisine
Like most African countries, Botswana bases its cuisine on meat and maize. Most Batswana eat their main meal at lunchtime. Here’s an overview of the food in Botswana
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