Botswana holidays

Botswana has long held travellers’ imaginations with its wild landscape of deserts, wetlands and endless savannas perfect for that bucket-list African safari. But a holiday to Botswana isn’t all about spotting the Big Five. From seeing conservationism up close to enjoying action-packed sports and exploring ancient rock art, this landlocked country in Southern Africa guarantees unforgettable thrills.

Top destinations in Botswana

Gaborone

Botswana’s capital is an ideal base for wildlife encounters. Once you’ve explored its awesome nature reserves, experience the local food and traditional handicrafts.

Maun

Dreaming of a safari adventure? Welcome to Maun, where dusty deserts meet the lush greenery of the Okavango Delta, and you’re never far from an epic wildlife reserve.

Kasane

With the elephant capital of the world on its doorstep, Kasane is a safari hotspot. But don’t miss its river cruises, waterfalls and epic sunsets.

Botswana: fast facts

Language

English, Tswana

Currency

Botswana pula (P)

Time zone

UTC+2 (CAT)

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Botswana holiday highlights

Botswana

Wild safaris

One of the best things to do in Botswana is to go on a safari. See herds of elephants in Chobe National Park, and admire the Okavango Delta’s hippo, lion and bird populations. Conservation is at the heart of the country’s wildlife tourism. Avoid operators selling experiences like lion walks or jeep chases that interfere with animals’ wellbeing.

Outdoor thrills

Safaris aren’t the only thrills Botswana has in store. Ride a 4x4 across the vast Makgadikgadi Pans and explore the Okavango Delta by canoe. You can expect action-packed adventures at every turn, with hikes through the Tsodilo Hills, cruises down the Chobe River and mountain biking across the Mashatu Game Reserve.

Local crafts

Pottery and woven baskets are some of the country’s most famous handmade items, especially in villages like Nxamasere and Sepopa. If you’re visiting markets and shops in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane, keep an eye out for ostrich shell bead necklaces, traditionally worn by the San people of the Kalahari Desert. While you shouldn’t negotiate prices in shops, feel free to haggle in the markets.

Things to do in Botswana

Botswana

Top attractions

Take in the serene beauty of the Okavango Delta’s wetlands from a traditional ‘mokoro’ canoe. And spot the world’s largest concentration of elephants in Chobe National Park. For a different side of the country, head to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans to learn about its uniquely wild landscape from local Indigenous people, some of the earliest hunter-gatherers in Southern Africa.

Nature

From deserts to deltas, Botswana’s wild landscapes play host to a staggering variety of wildlife and natural wonders. See the country’s conservation efforts firsthand at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary. And explore the Moremi Game Reserve with its leopards, lions and lagoons. Visiting during the rainy season? Don’t miss the otherworldly Makgadikgadi Pans to see thousands of grazing zebras.

Culture and museums

Eager to explore the museums in Botswana? Start with the Botswana National Museum, showcasing local art and heritage exhibits. But the country’s rich culture isn’t restricted to museums and galleries. The Tsodilo Hills are a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing one of the world’s highest concentrations of rock art. The 15th-century Domboshaba ruins are also known for their rock paintings.

Cuisine

Botswana’s speciality is beef, traditionally salted and slow-cooked to make the country’s national dish, ‘seswaa’. Other dishes to look out for when visiting restaurants in Botswana are ‘matemekwane’ (fried dumplings), ‘mogatla’ (oxtail stew) and ‘morogo’ (spinach stew). In between bites, sip on ‘bojalwa jwa Setswana’ (sorghum beer) or ‘maheu’ (a fermented maize drink).

Free things to do

Some of Botswana’s most breathtaking natural and cultural attractions are free. Stroll through Gaborone’s Main Mall markets, then hike Kgale Hill for sweeping city views. Or visit the Thapong Visual Arts Centre to see local artists at work. Explore the fringes of the Okavango Delta with self-guided walks in public areas, and spot wildlife along the Chobe Riverfront’s public roads.

Family friendly

Your kids will safely spot elephants, buffalo, hippos and crocodiles up close on a Chobe River cruise. The Khama Rhino Sanctuary offers guided game drives, nature walks and birdwatching expeditions to thrill all ages. Travelling with older kids? Tear across the Makgadikgadi Pans on a quad biking adventure.

Find the best time to visit Botswana

Weather in Botswana

May – October: Game viewing is at its best during Botswana’s dry winter months when animals congregate around watering holes. Days are warm, but nights and early mornings are cold. Temperatures sometimes hover near or just below freezing. Pack layers you can pull off as needed throughout the day.

November – April: Botswana’s rainy summer season is hot and humid, with temperatures often climbing above 38°C. Expect frequent rain showers and heavy downpours, especially in the afternoons and evenings. Because of all the available water, wildlife may be harder to spot. But it’s still a great time for birdwatching and seeing the country’s wildflowers in bloom.

Events in Botswana

Maitisong Festival (March): Botswana’s biggest arts festival welcomes local and international talent. You’ll find theatre, music, dance, poetry and comedy performed for audiences in and around Gaborone.

Tjilenje Cultural Festival (May): Held in the northeastern village of Nlapkhwane, this festival celebrates the culture and traditions of the Bakalanga people. Highlights include ancient games, traditional dances and stalls selling local food and drink.

Botswana Day (September): Celebrations across the country honour Botswana’s independence from British rule. Some of the biggest festivities are in Gaborone. Flag-raising ceremonies kick off the day, followed by cultural displays, parades and street parties.

Know before you go

Local etiquette

A little politeness goes a long way here. Greet people with eye contact and a smile, and always be respectful of any elders you come across. Botswana is a mostly Christian country, so dress modestly, especially in villages and rural areas. You may find yourself eating with your hands in traditional settings. Use your right hand, as the left is considered unclean.

Health and safety

As well as your routine vaccinations, most advisories recommend getting vaccinated against hepatitis A and B, rabies and typhoid before visiting Botswana. There’s a risk of mosquito-borne diseases like malaria, so apply plenty of insect repellent. High temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially in the hottest month of October. Drink lots of bottled water and keep cool by wearing thin, loose-fitting clothes.

Budget

As one of Africa’s more expensive travel destinations, a cheap holiday to Botswana may not seem doable. But planning a trip here doesn’t have to break the bank. Expect to pay about 60 Botswanan pula (P) for an inexpensive meal in a restaurant and around P160 for a short taxi ride.

FAQs about Botswana holidays

Botswana is one of Africa’s most popular safari destinations, with prices to match. Keep costs down by visiting during the shoulder months and opt for small group tours over private excursions.
Botswana is one of Africa’s most politically stable countries and a safe destination for tourists. Even so, exercise caution as petty crimes such as pickpocketing and bag snatching sometimes occur in major cities like Gaborone. On safari, always maintain a safe distance from animals and keep noise to a minimum to avoid startling the wildlife.
Botswana’s currency is the pula (P), but US dollars are widely accepted at hotels and lodges throughout the country. Visa and Mastercard are generally accepted, but American Express and Diners Club tend not to be. ATMs aren’t always reliable in Botswana, so consider arriving with some cash already exchanged.
While Setswana (also known as Tswana) is the national language, English is Botswana’s official business language and is widely spoken in urban areas throughout the country. Knowing and using a bit of Setswana is helpful when travelling. Basics like ‘dumela’ (hello) and ‘ke a leboga’ (thank you) are a good start.
For warm days and prime wildlife sightings, the best time to visit Botswana is during the dry winter months from May to October. Travelling on a budget? Come during the shoulder months of April and November, when lower hotel prices help to make up for the sometimes unpredictable weather.
With its wildlife and water-based activities, the Okavango Delta is ideal for adventure seekers. If spotting the ‘Big Five’ is a priority, try the Moremi Game Reserve. It boasts one of the highest concentrations of animals in Southern Africa.