BOTSWANA
COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
ABOUT
BOTSWANA
Botswana gives you luxury safaris and the Okavango Delta - it doesn’t need hype. It has elephants, and they handle the introductions.
Botswana is where wildlife still rules, where five-star tents sit under a billion-star sky, and where silence speaks louder than any tour guide. This isn’t your basic safari-in-a-jeep experience.
It’s where game drives feel like private screenings of National Geographic, where the mokoro is the original luxury cruise, and where conservation comes with Champagne.
Here’s the thing about the wild. It’s rarely this exclusive.
Camps that disappear into the landscape. Locals who read the land like a novel. And yes, those lions really are just outside your canvas walls.
From the floodplains of the Delta to the dry drama of the Kalahari, Botswana doesn’t just show you Africa.
It redefines it.
Botswana is for travelers who seek depth, not drama. Safaris here are intimate, immersive, and often silent—just you, your guide, and the moment.
Lodges blend luxury with sustainability, offering comfort without disrupting the wilderness.
You might glide through narrow waterways in a mokoro canoe, track lions on foot, or watch stars fall across a sky unspoiled by light.
This isn’t a bucket-list stop—it’s a humbling reminder of our place in the wild world. For those who listen more than they speak, Botswana delivers an experience that’s grounding, graceful, and deeply moving.
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
BOTSWANA
PLACES TO SEE
Okavango Delta
Iconic inland delta with mokoro rides and world-class wildlife viewing.
Chobe National Park
Famous for elephant herds and sunset boat safaris on the river.
Moremi Game Reserve
Diverse landscapes and predator-rich territory within the Okavango.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Endless salt flats offering otherworldly scenery and stargazing.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Vast wilderness with desert-adapted animals and San bushman heritage.
Tsodilo Hills
Sacred site with prehistoric rock art and panoramic views.
Nxai Pan National Park
Baobab-dotted plains with seasonal zebra migrations.
Maun
Bustling safari gateway for flights, guides, and delta adventures.
QUICK FACTS
GETTING AROUND
Between Cities
Botswana’s wilderness is remote and spread across vast distances. Most travel between safari regions—like the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and the Kalahari—is done by small bush plane. Flights offer breathtaking aerial views and save time over long, rugged drives.
Around Cities
Outside the bush, cities like Maun and Kasane are small and easy to navigate with a transfer or local driver. On safari, movement is handled entirely by your lodge—game drives, boat safaris, and walking excursions are arranged daily with expert guides.
CRUISING & ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation
Botswana’s safari lodges are discreetly tucked into the wild—canvas suites, plunge pools, and open-air lounges where nature sets the pace. These camps prioritize sustainability, seclusion, and an intimate connection to the land.
Cruises
While traditional cruises aren’t available, Botswana offers exceptional water-based safaris. In the Okavango Delta, glide through reeds in a mokoro (dugout canoe), or take a small-boat river cruise along the Chobe River for a front-row seat to elephants, buffalo, and crocodiles in their natural habitat.
SHOP, EAT & DRINK
Shop
Hand-carved wooden animals, basketry from the Okavango, and colorful fabrics make thoughtful souvenirs. Many safari lodges work with local cooperatives to offer ethical, handmade crafts.
Eat
Cuisine in Botswana is hearty and traditional—expect dishes like seswaa (shredded beef), maize porridge, and beans. Safari lodges often blend local flavors with international menus, creating comforting and creative meals under the stars.
Drink
Enjoy local beer brands, imported wines from South Africa, or ginger-spiced soft drinks. At luxury lodges, sundowners are a ritual—often enjoyed with panoramic views of the savannah or delta.
TIME ZONE
Botswana operates on Central Africa Time (CAT), which is GMT+2, with no daylight saving time observed.
RIDE SHARE & TAXIS
No Uber. Local taxis (especially minibus taxis) are common, plus some private transfer companies in cities like Gaborone.
ELECTRICITY & PLUGS
No Uber. Local taxis (especially minibus taxis) are common, plus some private transfer companies in cities like Gaborone.
CLIMATE
Botswana’s dry season (May–October) is ideal for safaris, offering cooler temps and great wildlife visibility. November to April brings lush green landscapes and dramatic afternoon rains.
FILM/TV & FAMOUS FACES
Botswana gained cinematic fame with The Gods Must Be Crazy and the BBC series The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, filmed in and around Gaborone. The country is also home to award-winning actress Connie Ferguson and Olympic medalist Nijel Amos.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Emergency Services: 997
Tourism Botswana: +267 391 3111
Country Code: +267
POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN
BOTSWANA
EXPERIENCES TO HAVE
Okavango Delta
World's largest inland delta with pristine waterways and abundant wildlife.
Chobe National Park
Africa's premier elephant sanctuary with massive herds and river safaris.
Moremi Game Reserve
Exclusive wildlife area combining delta wetlands with dry savanna.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans
Vast salt flats creating otherworldly landscapes and zebra migrations.
Nxai Pan National Park
Ancient lake bed with baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Massive wilderness area with traditional San culture and desert wildlife.
Savuti region
Predator capital with lions, leopards, and dramatic seasonal changes.
Maun gateway town
Safari hub with mokoro trips and access to delta experiences.
Tsodilo Hills rock art
UNESCO World Heritage site with 4,500 San paintings spanning millennia.
Linyanti wetlands
Remote wilderness with exceptional wildlife viewing and luxury camps.
Tuli Block safari lodges
Private reserves offering walking safaris and cultural experiences.
Gcwihaba Caves
Limestone cave system with stalactites and archaeological significance.
YOU MIGHT BE WONDERING ABOUT
BOTSWANA
FAQ's
Is Botswana safe for tourists?
Botswana is one of Africa’s most stable and safe destinations. Safari areas are well-managed, and crime is low. Follow wildlife protocols and guide advice.
How many days do I need in Botswana?
8–10 days is ideal for combining the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and the Kalahari. More time allows for slower luxury safaris or cross-border extensions.
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
May–October is dry season and best for wildlife viewing. November–April is green season—lush, quieter, and ideal for birdwatching.
LEARN MORE ABOUT
TRAVELING IN
BOTSWANA
Tracks, Traditions, and Tribal Wisdom: The Human Side of a Botswana Safari
Beyond the game drives lies a culture rooted in storytelling, craft, and connection to the land. Meet San elders, learn basket weaving, and hear how Botswana’s people live in harmony with nature.
More Than Wildlife: Where Culture Roams Free in Botswana
Sit under the stars with local guides who share songs, legends, and laughter beside the fire. This is a country where hospitality is as memorable as the elephants.
From Mokoro Rides to Village Rhythms: Finding the Soul of Botswana
Glide through the Okavango by canoe, then join a village celebration with music, dancing, and warm smiles. Botswana’s real magic is in its people—and the stories they’re proud to tell.
Unplugged and deeply connected
We traveled with a small group through the Okavango Delta and Chobe. No Wi-Fi, no distractions—just wildlife, stargazing, and meaningful conversations.
Marcus & Lila C
Prefer to hand the planning over to a professional who has been to this destination and sent their clients there?
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