Tips When Traveling in Botswana, Botswana Travel Tips, Traveling Tips to Botswana Guide
The Botswana travel tips will require that you guide yourself through this beautiful country in southern Africa. Although the destination has had a troubled past, it is now one of the top safari destinations on the African continent.
This tourism area is among the richest in Africa, with a beautiful landscape, a variety of wild animals, and a beautiful population of people.
There are various attractions in the country, for example, Chobe National Park and Makgadikgadi Pan, which protect huge numbers of wild animals around the world.
With the right Botswana travel advice, you can enjoy the best safaris in this place, especially if you are going on an incredible wildlife safari in Africa.
Your safaris in the tourist destination can be combined with other safaris in Southern Africa, for example, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Namibian dunes, and other places in the country’s main towns.
Below, we discuss important travel advice for this place, considered to be one of the top safari destinations in the world.
Where to go for your Botswana Safari
Botswana has very beautiful places to go for a safari adventure in Southern Africa, and among the most amazing places to go for your tour are.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is the most famous park in Botswana and one of the national parks conserved for harboring some of the largest varieties of animals in Africa.
Chobe National Park has huge numbers of animals to watch during your trip, for example, impala, elephants, fish eagles, lions, and warthogs.
There are over 120,000 elephants in Chobe National Park, making it one of the most famous places to watch huge herds of elephants in their natural habitat.
Linyati, found in this national park, is one of the incredible game-viewing destinations in Botswana, with a few safari lodges and usually a few people, meaning that world nomads will enjoy exclusive game viewing of various leopards, wild dogs, and different other animals and migratory birds.
Okavango Delta
Okavango Delta is among the top safari destinations in Northern Botswana to visit as you explore.
Neighboring the Okavango Delta are the Khwai Game Reserve and the Linyanti Concession, which both also have incredible wildlife.
Okavango Delta is also a great place for game viewing of various elephants as they drink around the bodies of water. It is also the best place to watch migratory birds.
The Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Makgadikgadi salt pans are found in Northeastern Botswana, and it is one of the largest salt pans in the world, bringing visitors one of the most peculiar experiences during their tours.
Kalahari Desert
The Kalahari Desert protects the Black Maned Lions, and they are considered to be one of the oldest animals to live in the expansive desert. They have adapted to the conditions of the desert, thus bringing visitors incredible game-viewing encounters.
Also, there are places in the neighboring areas that you can visit, for example, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Namibian dunes, the white sand beaches of South Africa, or the extensive wildlife of East Africa.
Botswana Safari: Botswana Travel Tips and Things to Do Before You Go on Safari in Botswana
There are various things to consider for your Botswana trip, and below, we look at some of the most important Botswana travel tips.
1. The Economy of Botswana
Botswana is one of the richest economies on the African continent, with a highly growing economy among the countries in the world. The country’s economy has also grown tremendously because of the high amount of minerals that have been mined since independence, for example, diamond mining.
2. The Currency of Botswana
Botswana’s national currency is “Pula” which means “rain” in the Setswana language. It is used all over the, but visitors can also use foreign currencies like US dollars, Euros, and Pounds, among others which are widely accepted.
Major credit cards are also accepted in some places, like hotels, lodges, other accommodation options, and supermarkets, among others.
3. Cost of Travel to Botswana
This destination is considered one of the most expensive countries to travel to. This is because of the high costs that the government incurs in conservation costs, and thus, tourists will also contribute to paying for the conservation fees to protect the country’s beauty.
The average cost of a Botswana safari adventure per day will be about $350–$500, and this is exclusive of the entrance fees to the national parks.
4. The People of Botswana | Botswana Has a Small Population
The destination has a small population and is considered among the least populated countries in the world, with about 2 million people. 40% of its land is used as conservation land for wildlife. It is thus the ultimate place to find some peace among the few.
The local people are friendly and accommodating to visitors during their tourism adventures, showing how much they value their visitors and culture.
5. Is Botswana Safe to Travel to? | Is it Safe to Travel to Botswana Right Now?
This destination is one of the safest African countries, even for independent travelers. The nation ranks higher in terms of the Global Peace Index.
The peace contributes to the fact that it is among the fastest-growing countries on the continent. Rescue service is always available in case of any emergencies as you explore your tour destinations.
Other Botswana travel tips to consider before your Botswana Safari include
- Booking your international and charter flights and accommodation both before and after your tour
- Getting your vaccinations at least 10 days to 3 months before your travel
- Keep some money for traveling to this destination
- Apply for your visa at least 1 to 2 months before your travel
- Ensure that your passport has a validity of at least 6 months before your travel
- Check the time and date your program starts and finishes as various activities begin in the early morning
- Ensure that your airport transfers are part of your Botswana safari
Packing Tips for Your Safari in Botswana
One of the most important pieces of Botswana travel advice includes packing tips for your Botswana safari.
Travel Insurance:
Travel insurance is among the most important documents to carry for your Botswana safari in Africa. Much as the nation is safe, moving with travel insurance covers unnecessary expenditures in case of any accidents.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate:
Without a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card, you cannot enter Botswana or apply for a visa to the country. It is also necessary for your adventure so that you do not contract the yellow fever disease.
Apart from Yellow Fever, other diseases to look out for on your safaris in the nation include Malaria, Rabies, Tetanus, Polio, etc.
Eat well-cooked food Stick to bottled water and avoid tap water to avoid water-borne diseases.
In case there is a medical emergency, a medical evacuation by a rescue service to a health care facility in one of the urban areas is possible. Therefore, having travel insurance covers managing costs, as you will not have to spend extra on medical services during your Botswana travel.
Passport:
Your passport validity should be at least 6 months. The passport should also have at least two pages for the visa endorsement.
Visa:
A tourist visa to Botswana can be obtained from an immigration office and it is necessary to enter Botswana. To apply for the visa, you will need to go to the embassy or consulate, where you will submit your form in person and have your visa approved on a passport.
Camera:
You will need a camera for your Botswana safari for taking photos of some of the animals and the wildlife and various great cameras will give you the best wildlife photos.
Adapter:
A travel adapter is among the important gadgets to carry for your Botswana safari. It is best to carry one before you leave so that you do not spend a lot when buying it upon arrival.
Travel Water Bottle:
As much as you may be provided with bottled water for your trip, it is important to carry a water bottle to take safe drinking water so that you are hydrated during your trip to the country.
Drinking safe water will also keep you from getting the waterborne diseases that visitors get from tap water.
Back Bag:
A back bag helps to keep all your belongings safe and sound during your trip on the Botswana safari.
Other things to carry for your trip include insect repellent and sunscreen lotion, among others.
What to Wear for Your Botswana Safari
Having the right clothes to pack for your safari is among the best necessities to carry for your visit. Clothes of neutral colors are much preferred, as bright colors sometimes stress animals.
Shirts:
We always advise travelers to wear long-sleeved shirts so that they are protected from the weather, nature, and insect bites.
Trousers:
Trousers are preferred to shorts so that you are fully covered to protect you from the weather or insect bites.
Boots/Comfortable Shoes
Boots or shoes will make your visit much more enjoyable because it will be easier to trek on the different tracks, thus making your walks much easier.
Hat or Cap:
We give advice to travelers to protect their heads from the scorching sun as they travel.
Can You Wear Shorts in Botswana?
Yes, you can wear shorts for your Botswana tours, especially in the dry season when it is hot in the day. However, we advise you to wear trousers during the rainy season as one of the warm clothes to keep you warmer in this cold, wet season.
Getting to Top Botswana Safari Destination
The primary means of transport to the different destinations is by air transport, especially charter flights even within the nation.
However, you can enjoy road transport, walking safaris, or self-drive tours on day or night game drives while inside some of these unique places, for example, the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Kalahari Desert, and the Makgadikgadi Pans.
Accommodation/Safari Lodges for your Botswana Safari in Africa
Your tour operators can help organize for you the best lodges or hotels for your tours in Botswana. Below are the different safari lodges, accommodations, and camping sites to choose from for the best services and an incredible lodge staff for your tours.
- Khwai Tented Camp
- Jack’s Camp
- Abu Camp
- Letaka Tented Camp
- Feline Field
- Mashatu Tented Camp
- Saile Tented Camp
- Meno A Kwena Tented Camp
- Khwai Private
- Chobe Game Lodge
- Xaranna Tented Camp
Best Time to Visit Botswana
You can visit this destination all year round, even though the dry season is considered the best time to visit the country because it provides easy access for various activities like day and night self-drive tours, game drives, and nature walks. The dry season runs through the May and August months.
On the other hand, the rainy or wet season makes the tracks a bit muddy for expeditions in the country, but it is a good time for budget travelers to get some discounts.
November to April, which covers both the wet season and the dry period, is the best time to watch the migratory birds in the country.
In the dry Kalahari Desert areas, temperatures can sometimes go below freezing point at night.
Visit Botswana
When you visit Botswana, you will be introduced to the different unique destinations for an enjoyable experience during your tour. A visit to Botswana will also allow you to visit other areas in the neighboring countries, for example, Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls and the dunes in Namibia.
Book a Safari to Visit Botswana
To book a Botswana safari, we advise that you book with a tour operator who will help organize your visit and trip to the country. They will help you choose from the best safari lodges, accommodations, and camps.
Tour operators can also create for you tours to other neighboring places, like Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Cape Town wines, and visits to other main towns.
Below are the best tour operators we advise you to choose from for your Botswana safari.
- Prime Safaris & Tours Ltd
- Africa Safaris Tours
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do You Need Malaria Pills for Botswana?
Yes, you will need Malaria pills as a prevention for getting Malaria. It is best to take anti-malarial drugs before you visit the country.
2. Are US Dollars accepted in Botswana?
Yes, US dollars are widely accepted, especially in hotels in urban areas and tourist places. You may also use major credit cards, and we advise that you keep them safe and be discreet when entering passwords, especially at ATMs.
3. How Much Money Should I Bring to Botswana?
A budget traveler will spend about $1,000 to $2500 per visit to this destination. Luxury travelers will spend about $700 to $1500 per day.
Botswana is one of the top safari destinations in Africa, providing some of the best African experiences for travelers on the continent. Visit Botswana to explore the incredible wildlife in the country through the best Botswana travel advice provided above. Contact us today to speak to a professional travel consultant for your tours.