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Botswana, here we come: Your Travel Guide to Flights, Hotels, and Activities
A Botswana travel experience promises breathtaking landscapes, rich wildlife, and unforgettable safari adventures. As one of Africa's top safari destinations, Botswana gives you the chance to spot the Big Five in their natural habitat while exploring unique ecosystems.
Whether you're staying in luxury lodges or budget-friendly Botswana hotels, you'll be immersed in the beauty of Southern Africa. Read on to find out what to see and how to plan your trip.
Practical Botswana Travel Trips
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa. With a population of around 2.5 million spread across 580,000 square kilometers, the country’s capital, Gaborone, lies in the southeast. Before you book your Botswana flights, here are some key travel tips:
Currency: The official currency is the Pula, but US dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Language: English is the official language, alongside Setswana.
Safety: Botswana is considered one of the safest African travel destinations due to its stable political situation.
Best exchange rates: Exchange money at official exchange offices in cities or airports to avoid counterfeit bills.
Is Botswana a Safe Travel Destination?
Yes! Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has been a stable democratic republic. It is considered one of Africa's safest travel destinations due to its political stability. The official languages are English and Setswana, and the currency is the Pula. In major tourist areas, US dollars are also accepted.
Pirate tip: Exchange your money at official exchange offices at airports or in cities. Avoid street vendors, as they may provide invalid bills or other currencies.
Best Time to Go
You can book Botswana flights all year round, but the best time to see wildlife is between May and October during the dry season. With fewer water sources available, animals gather around known watering holes, making them easier to spot on safari tours.
How to get to Botswana
The fastest way to reach Botswana is via flights to Botswana. Botswana flights operate out of several airports, with international flights to Botswana typically arriving at Francistown, Gaborone, Kasane, or Maun. Most flights to Botswana from the USA or Europe include a stopover in Johannesburg, South Africa, with a total travel time of at least 13 hours and 45 minutes.
Alternative Transport Options
If you're planning a Southern Africa road trip, you can also reach Botswana by ferry from Zambia, train from South Africa or Zimbabwe, or long-distance bus from Namibia or South Africa.
Getting Around
Once in Botswana, you have several options to explore the country:
Flights: Domestic and charter Botswana flights are the fastest option but can cost upwards of $200.
Trains: Limited rail services connect Gaborone, Francistown, and Bulawayo.
Buses: Reliable long-distance buses link major cities like Gaborone, Francistown, and Maun.
Mini-bus: Frequent but without fixed schedules, most minibus services only depart when full.
Rental cars: The best option for flexible travel, but you'll need an international driver's license and a credit card.
Entry Requirements
US citizens need a passport valid for at least six months. At border posts or airports, you'll receive a free tourist visa for up to 90 days. Botswana charges a $30 tourism levy, but re-entry within 30 days is free after visiting neighboring countries.
A yellow fever vaccination is only required if traveling from an affected area. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended, especially during the rainy season.
Botswana Travel Highlights
1. Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is one of Botswana’s most famous wildlife reserves, covering over 6,500 square miles. Established in 1967, it is home to a staggering number of animals, making it one of the best safari destinations in Africa. The park is especially renowned for its massive elephant population, with around 120,000 elephants residing here — the largest population of any park in the world. The Savuti Marsh, located in the western part of the park, is known for its high concentration of wildlife, especially during the dry season when animals gather around the few available water sources, offering an exceptional safari experience.
2. Jack’s Camp
Jack’s Camp, located on the edge of the vast Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, is a unique destination for bucket-list adventure seekers. This traditional safari camp offers an authentic experience in the heart of the Kalahari Desert, surrounded by one of the world’s most striking landscapes. The salt pans, once part of an ancient lake, provide a fascinating setting for wildlife watching, especially during the rainy season when the area comes alive with migrating birds and animals. Jack’s Camp offers not just safaris but also the opportunity to explore the desert on foot or by quad, making it a perfect escape for those seeking both tranquility and adventure.
3. The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta, often referred to as the world’s largest inland delta, covers more than 12,425 square miles and is one of the most biologically diverse areas in Africa. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2014, the delta is an extraordinary mosaic of lagoons, islands, and water channels, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Famous for its rich biodiversity, the delta is home to over 400 bird species, as well as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and lions. The delta also offers unique experiences, such as exploring the waterways on a mokoro (traditional canoe) or encountering wildlife on walking safaris.
4. The Tsodilo Hills
Located in the northern part of Botswana, the Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage site known for their ancient rock art. These four massive quartzite hills, rising to nearly 4,950 feet above the surrounding desert landscape, are often called the “Louvre of the Desert” due to the over 4,500 rock paintings found here. These artworks, some dating back to the 8th century, provide a fascinating glimpse into the spiritual and cultural life of the indigenous San people. The surrounding area is home to various traditional communities, including the San and Hambukushu, who have lived in the region for thousands of years.
5. Cultural Exploration in Gaborone
Gaborone, the capital of Botswana, is a lively city where modern development meets cultural heritage. With a population of around 232,000, it offers a variety of cultural experiences, such as visiting the National Museum, which showcases historical and ethnographic collections. Art lovers can explore the National Gallery, which features contemporary African art. A stroll through the city will also lead you to significant landmarks like the “Three Chiefs” statues and the National Assembly Building. For shopping and local goods, the central pedestrian zone is perfect, while the Gaborone Dam provides a scenic spot for relaxation and boating.
National Parks in Botswana
Chobe National Park
Moremi Game Reserve
Nxai Pan National Park
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
Whether you're planning a luxury vacation or a budget-friendly adventure, you'll find plenty of Botswana hotels to suit your needs. Use our guide to find hotels and flights and embark on an unforgettable journey through the wild beauty of Botswana!
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