Africa
Botswana
Low-volume, high-cost safari country: the Okavango Delta, Chobe and the Kalahari, mostly by fly-in lodge or self-drive 4x4. Safe and stable, but expensive and hard without a car.
- US travel advisoryLevel 2Exercise increased cautionDetails
- Visa103 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyBWPUS$1 ≈ P14.16Details
- Price level38%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English4/5Widely spokenDetails
- PlugsType D, G, M230 V, 50 HzDetails
- Emergency999Police 999 · Ambulance 997 · Fire 998
- Tap waterFilter or boilTown tap water is treated and locals drink it, but supply cuts and old pipes vary; lodges provide filtered water.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalDecriminalised by the courts in 2019 and upheld in 2021, with workplace protections; attitudes remain conservative, so public affection draws attention.Details
- Internet52 MbpsMedian fixed broadbandDetails
- DrivingOn the leftLicences in English with a photo are valid for up to 90 days; rental firms may still require an IDP.
Where to go in Botswana
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
When to visit Botswana
May–October is dry and best for game, with the Okavango flood peaking June–August. November–April brings heat, rain, green landscapes, birds and the Kalahari's best wildlife.
Good to know
Entry
- Passport must be valid 6 months with 3 blank pages; make sure it gets an entry stamp, as unstamped passports raise suspicion.
- Minors need full birth certificates, plus a consent affidavit from any parent not travelling.
- Bring a yellow fever certificate if arriving from a risk country; Ebola health screening applies to arrivals from affected regions.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Drug offences carry fines up to P500,000 and up to 25 years in prison.
- Photographing military or government installations is illegal.
- Hunting, buying or trading protected wildlife products brings severe sentences.
Etiquette
- Greet with 'Dumela' and a handshake before any request
- Give and receive things with the right hand, or both hands
- Ask before photographing people, especially in villages
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants; lodges usually have a shared tip box plus a separate tip for your guide.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Botswana
- Botswana Tourism Organisation
- Speedtest Global Index: Botswana
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.