Trip Planner

Area: 600,370 sq km
Population: 2.4 million (UN 2021)
Capital: Gaborone
Religion: Christian, Animist, Muslim
Time Zone: GMT +2
Languages: English, Setswana
Dialing Code: +267

Botswana, a vast landlocked country bordered by Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Zambia, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Distinguished by its commitment to conservation, approximately 17% of the country is designated national park, with private concessions increasing the figure to an impressive 40%.

Gaining independence in 1966, Botswana, once among the world’s poorest nations, witnessed a transformative shift. The discovery of diamonds proved a turning point, propelling Botswana into a trajectory of continuous and remarkable growth, earning it a place among Africa’s biggest success stories.

Culturally, the nation is a tapestry of ethnic groups, with the San people contributing ancient knowledge and a unique dimension to Botswana’s cultural landscape.

Botswana’s commitment to conservation is evident in its low-impact, high-value tourism approach, safeguarding thriving ecosystems and wildlife populations. This dedication extends to Chobe National Park, known for its large elephant herds, Moremi Game Reserve, and the world-renowned Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s largest inland deltas. Here, the seasonal flooding transforms the delta into a lush oasis teeming with diverse flora and fauna.

Additionally, Botswana boasts the allure of the Kalahari Desert, home to unique desert-adapted species and a canvas for spectacular sunsets and stargazing.

From deltas to deserts, we hope you enjoy the diverse landscapes of Botswana, where cultural richness and wildlife wonders set the scene for the safari of a lifetime!

CLIMATE

Botswana’s semi-arid climate is characterised by hot, dry conditions, with a distinct rainy season from November to March. Rainfall is irregular, unpredictable, and regionally varied, often resulting in localised downpours while nearby areas receive none. The showers are frequently followed by intense sunshine, leading to substantial evaporation and transpiration.

GREEN SEASON: JANUARY - APRIL

This is the time of year when most of the rainfall occurs, but it doesn’t make for an unpleasant experience. Showers are usually brief, lasting only a few hours, so they don’t affect the entire day.

Benefits of visiting Botswana in the green season:

• An ideal time for photographers and bird enthusiasts.
• The landscape is lush, and birdlife is at its peak.
• A great season for spotting baby animals, including warthogs, zebra, and impala.
• Safari camps offer discounts of up to 50% off their usual rates.
• Fewer visitors mean a more exclusive safari experience.
• The desert areas come alive, with large herds migrating through Nxai Pan, the Central Kalahari, and Makgadikgadi.

Downsides of visiting Botswana in the green season:

• Wildlife is more dispersed due to abundant water sources, making game viewing less concentrated.
• Rain can lead to flooding, requiring more flexibility in travel logistics.
• Insects are more prevalent during this season.

SHOULDER SEASON: MAY & JUNE

This period marks the transition from warm, wet weather to cooler, drier conditions, making the climate less predictable. Wildlife begins migrating back to the Okavango Delta and Linyanti, drawn to their permanent water sources.

Benefits of visiting Botswana in the shoulder season:

• If the year has been dry, game viewing can be just as rewarding as in the dry season, but with lower prices.
  Many young animals are still present during this time.

• To make the most of your safari, consider combining a visit to a desert region, such as the Kalahari, with a stop at a permanent water source like the Okavango.

Downsides of visiting Botswana in the shoulder season:

• In a wetter year, wildlife may not have fully migrated back to the permanent water sources, meaning that sightings may be less frequent than in the dry season.

DRY SEASON: JULY - SEPTEMBER

These winter months are the coolest and driest of the year. The Okavango Delta and Linyanti begin to flood, drawing wildlife to these areas and making for excellent game viewing. This is often considered the best time to visit Botswana.

Benefits of visiting Botswana in the dry season:

• A wide range of safari activities is available, including water-based experiences like mokoro excursions as water levels rise.
• The dry conditions in the desert regions allow for activities such as quad biking.

Downsides of visiting Botswana in the dry season:

• As peak season, this is the most expensive time to visit.
• Migratory wildlife in desert areas such as Nxai Pan, the Central Kalahari, and Makgadikgadi has moved on, making game viewing in these regions less productive.

Shoulder Season: October, November and December

This is a second shoulder season in Botswana, a time when conditions are less predictable, transitioning from cool and dry to warm and wet. Benefits to visiting Botswana in the shoulder season:

• Game viewing in the Delta and Linyati is as fruitful as in the dryer months.
• The prices are lower than in the dry season.

Downsides of visiting Botswana in the shoulder season:

• October and November are very hot months.
• Many lodges are closed in December.
• The weather is changeable and unpredictable.

DO I NEED A VISA TO TRAVEL TO BOTSWANA?

At this time, no visa for Botswana is required for travellers on Australian for the most up to date information, please visit Smart Traveller.

Please note, we do not provide advice on specific visas as regulations are subject to change and can vary from person to person. Please refer to Smart Traveller for the most up-to-date information. Therefore, we advise checking visa requirements at the time of booking and again before travelling to stay informed about any changes that may have occurred.

Visa requirements vary between countries, and it is essential that you acquire the appropriate visa for your journey and ascertain whether it can be applied for in advance or on arrival, in which case you will need the exact physical money.

Often, your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay, with a minimum of two blank pages (a double page). You will also be required to have onward travel documents and sufficient funds.

It is advisable to carry photocopies of all important documents.

It is your personal responsibility to confirm that your passport is valid, contains the necessary visa, and that you have all required travel documents.

TRAVEL TO BOTSWANA WITH CHILDREN

Effective from the 1st October 2016 minors travelling through the country’s borders will be required to produce the following:

• Valid passports
• Certified unabridged birth certificates for all minors below the age of 18
• A letter of consent from the other parent should the minor be travelling with one parent

Effective from 1st October 2016, new regulations were implemented for travellers arriving with children up to the age of 18 years. Parents are required to produce an unabridged birth certificate for each child travelling, or a certified copy, to be presented at immigration with the passports. If only one parent is travelling, they must also carry consent from the second parent registered on the birth certificate in the form of an affidavit, authorising the child to travel, or a court order granting full parental responsibilities. In the case of children travelling with other relatives or family friends and no parent, an affidavit must be carried to confirm permission from the parents. Please note the majority of families travelling to Botswana are arriving through South Africa which currently have similar border requirements. Families should therefore have all the required documentation in place.

BOTSWANA TOURISM DEVELOPMENT LEVY

As of June 1st, 2017, Botswana has introduced a mandatory Tourism Development Levy (TDL) for all visitors, except for residents and citizens of SADC member states. The levy, set at USD 30, aims to raise funds for conservation and national tourism development. It is payable at all ports of entry, including airports and border posts, in US Dollars. After payment, a receipt will be issued, which is valid for 30 days and can be used for multiple entries. For more information, visit www.botswanatourism.co.bw/tourismlevy.

CURRENCY

The official currency in Botswana is the Pula (BWP), divided into 100 Thebes (cents). Full banking services are available in major towns, although a commission may apply. During safaris, US Dollars are widely accepted, but make sure the notes are post-2007 to avoid any issues. It is recommended to carry small-denomination cash for convenience.

CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN

• Botswana is not malaria-free.
• Travel distances in Botswana can be long which proves to be a challenge for families with small children.
• Families will often need to reserve a private vehicle and guide if they want to take their children on game drives, which increases costs considerably.
• Young children will have to sit out a lot of the less child-friendly game viewing activities.

ACCOMMODATION

• Some lodges and camps will have child-friendly activities and clubs to entertain and educate the youngsters.
• Although there are many camps and lodges that are not set up for children, there are some that were designed with children in mind. If you speak to one of our consultants they can tailor an itinerary specifically for you and your family.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Effective from 1st October 2016, new regulations were implemented for travellers arriving with children up to the age of 18 years.

VOLTAGE & FREQUENCY

The standard voltage in Botswana is 220-240V, with a frequency of 50 Hz. Most camps rely on generators for electricity. Batteries can usually be recharged during the day, but it is best to confirm with the camp manager.

Socket types in Botswana:

• Type D
• Type G
• Type M

Road surfaces range from tarmac and gravel to sand, with some routes requiring off-road travel. In remote areas, national parks, and reserves, roads can be rough and bumpy, sometimes in poor condition and affected by weather.

ROAD SAFETY

Established in 1969, Bench Africa has decades of experience in planning safaris with safety as a priority. We recommend travelling with a reputable ground operator that follows strict speed and road safety guidelines. Booking through Bench Africa ensures you are in capable hands throughout your journey.

• City of the Kalahari by Mark and Delia OwensThe Lost World of the Kalahari by Laurens van der Post
  Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia
  101 Things to Know When you go on Safari in Africa by Patrick Brakspear
  Whatever You Do, Don’t Run by Peter Allison
  The Bushmen – A Changing Way of Life by Anthony Bannister
  Place of Reeds by Caitlin Davies

Tipping is customary in Botswana, though not as widespread as in the United States or Europe. It is discretionary, a way of expressing gratitude for exceptional service. To assist with budgeting, the following guidelines are provided in US Dollars:

Driver (per person per full day): $5.00
Guide (per person per full day): $10.00
Camp Staff (per person per full day): $5.00
Hotel Porters (per bag): $1.00

HIGH COMMISSION OF THE REPUBLIC OF BOTSWANA

130 Denison Street, Deakin, ACT 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 2 6234 7500

AUSTRALIAN EMBASSY (SOUTH AFRICA)

292 Orient Street, Arcadia Pretoria, South Africa
Tel: +27 12 423 6000

AUSTRALIAN CONSULATE IN GABORONE

The post is headed by an Honorary Consul Australian Consulate

Plot 16C1, Mmokolodi 1, Gaborone, Botswana
Tel: +267 776 00002 WhatsApp: +267 76909454

ADVENTURE CAMPING

We recommend this for the more intrepid travellers who want to get their hands dirty! Guests will put up their own tents and may be required to help around the campsite. The basics are catered for, as well as two-man tents and sleeping mats and campsites preselected to stay at along the journey. The amenities at these campsites can vary quite drastically depending where you are in Africa and what you pay. For example in the Serengeti there is no running water at the campsites, however in other parts of Africa the campsite may have a swimming pool.

FULL SERVICED CAMPING

For those that want to experience a traditional safari, under canvas but would still like the chance to relax and take time to enjoy their environment we would recommend fully serviced camping. On arrival the mobile camp is set up and ready to go. The tents are spacious and can be really quite luxurious, often with camp beds and en-suite bathrooms, as well as a full staff of chefs, waiters and other helping hands. Here you will have lighting, hot water and cold drinks but you still have that amazing feeling of being at one with nature!

LUXURY TENTED CAMPING

Luxury tented camps are a very popular choice on safari because these camps are very intimate, usually with no more than 20 tents on site. These luxury tents offer spacious rooms with electricity, proper beds, as well as en-suite bathrooms with running hot and cold water. The cuisine and service is of a very high standard and you will eat like a king, with 3 decadent meals a day, as well as snacks. All luxury tented camps offer an all-inclusive package to incorporate meals, local drinks and game viewing activities. At night you can still go to sleep, under canvas with the sounds of the African wilderness around you. This is how you do safari in style!

SAFARI LODGES

Safari Lodges vary considerably in size and architectural design but essentially these are much more permanent structures, often with many more rooms than luxury tented camps. They will often have a swimming pool and conferencing facilities. A lodge will celebrate the nature surrounding it and will usually blend in with its surrounds and built making natural, locally sourced materials.

HOTELS

This would commonly be the largest of all the accommodation types but again can vary quite dramatically in style, size and the amenities that it offers. There is typically a reception area, with rooms opening directly onto a hallway. They would be less exclusive that the aforementioned accommodation types, with restaurants and other facilities open to the public.

BOUTIQUE HOTELS

A boutique hotel is a 5-star establishment providing all the features and facilities of a standard hotel but is always unique and very stylish. These properties are usually smaller and more intimate than a hotel and offer a very high-end service.

Hotels, lodges and tented camps in Africa range from good tourist standard to award- winning deluxe properties. On occasions it may be necessary to change a hotel, lodge or camp due to various reasons, which would be out of the control of Bench Africa. In this situation we will make every effort to give you as much advance warning as possible. In the event of this happening we may not be able to send out up-to-date information on this substitute property. For more information on the individual hotels, lodges or tented camps where you will be staying please refer to your itinerary or speak to one of our Africa experts.

GUIDELINES

• Please ask the local operator at your hotel/lodge to reconfirm all onward flights prior to departure to ensure the flight timings are still correct.
• Most departure taxes (domestic and international) are included on tickets, however some regional and private airports have taxes to be paid for locally.

LUGGAGE & WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS ON LIGHT AIRCRAFT

• The maximum baggage allowance on the light aircraft utilized for transfers between game lodges is 20 kg per person in a soft bag. This includes photographic equipment and hand luggage.
• Only soft bags will be accepted – no wheels, frames or rigid structures can be transported, as they physically cannot fit into the aircraft.
• The maximum dimensions of the soft bags, that can be accommodated, are as follows: 25 cm wide x 30 cm high and 62 cm long. Please note that the baggage compartments on light aircraft are only 25 cm high, so pilots must be able to manipulate the bag into the compartment.
• A collapsible-wheeled luggage frame/trolley (separate to the bag) is allowed, as long as basic dimensions are similar to that of the bag.
• If you need to bring additional luggage (not included in the weight restriction), an extra seat can be purchased. Excess luggage needs to be in soft bags as per the above dimensions.
• Please inform us in advance if your personal body weight exceeds 100 kg, as an extra seat must be purchased for safety and comfort.

GENERAL INFORMATION

In most of Africa, formal attire is typically unnecessary; therefore, we recommend limiting your luggage to the basics. However, more formal attire may be necessary in prestigious city hotels or during luxury rail journeys, such as Rovos Rail or the Blue Train in South Africa.

On a wildlife safari, casual cotton clothing is the most practical. Opting for calm, neutral colours like tan or khaki is advisable, although a specific bush outfit is not essential. It is recommended to wear some form of sun-protective headgear, and sunglasses are essential.

To cope with colder evenings and early mornings, it’s advisable to bring a warm fleece or jacket. Additionally, a lightweight raincoat may prove useful, considering the possibility of seasonal rains. While heavy footwear is unnecessary, it’s advisable to wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes or boots for nature walks. It’s also recommended to bring a change of shoes, like trainers, for the camp setting.

The dress code is informal at all camps but bring long-sleeved shirts and trousers for the evenings to minimise exposure to insect bites.

Many hotels, game lodges, and camps provide laundry facilities, often as a complimentary service, especially when luggage space is limited. However, if you have a busy itinerary, it is advisable to check in advance that your clothes will be ready before your departure.

SAFARI CHECKLIST

Essentials

• Soft-sided bag for easy storage in safari vehicles and light aircraft
• Hat for sun protection
• Reusable water bottle
• Good quality, preferably polarized sunglasses
• Binoculars
• Torch
• Camera, charger, and adaptor
• Travel adaptor for charging devices
• Spare glasses (if you wear contact lenses)
• Comfortable walking shoes, trainers, and sandals
• Shorts/skirts
• Long trousers/slacks
• T-shirts/long-sleeved cotton shirts for cooler evenings
• Sweater/fleece/raincoat for early morning and late afternoon game activities
• Warm jacket, beanie, gloves, and scarf for winter months
• Swimming costume

Health and Safety:

• Basic medical kit (aspirins, Elastoplast, Imodium, antiseptic cream, etc.)
• Malaria tablets and antihistamine cream
• Insect repellent containing DEET (though many lodges provide sprays)
• Protective suntan lotion, especially for pale and sensitive skin
• Tissues or ‘wet wipes’
• Lip balm

GENERAL GUIDELINES

• Most lodges and safari camps have restaurants and licensed bars, and the food offered ranges from good basic meals to gourmet style. The standard of food in lodges and camps is generally very good.
• Bottled water is available in all tourist centres. It is advisable to drink at least 2-3 litres of water per day whilst on safari as dehydration can occur quickly, especially in the summer months.
• It is best to assume that water is NOT safe to drink unless it has been boiled. 
It is always wise to double check locally if in any doubt.

Wine tends to be imported and may be expensive; however, local beer and local spirits are reasonably priced and easily available as are soft drinks (Pepsi, Coca Cola etc) and bottled water.

• Health requirements vary from country to country. We recommend that you speak to your GP or local Travel Doctor for up-to-date information and advice as requirements do change.
• Malaria: It is recommended that precautions against malaria be taken for travel to most regions in Botswana. We suggest you contact your doctor for advice on which prophylactic is recommended.

Our Tips for Choosing Insurance

Insurance is a mandatory requirement for your travels, and we strongly advise you to secure Comprehensive Travel Insurance at the time of booking your trip. Make sure you have a thorough understanding of the Terms and Conditions outlined in your policy and that you are well informed about your insurance coverage to ensure that you are adequately prepared for any unforeseen circumstances during your travels.

General Safety

• Doors should be locked when driving after dark.
• Don’t walk alone at night in city streets, isolated beaches or remote areas.
• Travellers should not display unnecessary signs of wealth (e.g. mobile phones, money, and expensive jewellery) on the streets.
• Leave all your valuables including passports locked in the room safe where available.

Safety on Safari

• The wild animals are not like those found in theme parks – they aren’t tame.
• Most of the safari camps are unfenced and dangerous animals can (and do!) wander through the camps. Many of the animals and reptiles you will see are potentially dangerous. Attacks by wild animals are rare, however, there are no guarantees that such incidents will not occur. Bench Africa, our staff members, associates, agents, or their suppliers cannot be held liable for any injuries caused during an incident involving the behavior of wild animals.
• Please listen to the camp staff and guides. The safety precautions need to be taken seriously, and strictly adhered to.
• Do not go wandering off on your own without a guide – even to your rooms. After retiring to your rooms at night, do not leave them.
• Observe animals silently and with a minimum of disturbance to their natural activities. Loud talking on game drives can frighten the animals away.
• Never attempt to attract an animal’s attention. Do not imitate animal sounds, clap your hands, pound the vehicle or throw objects.
• Please respect your driver/guide’s judgment about proximity to lions, cheetahs and leopards. Don’t insist that he/she takes the vehicle closer so you can get a better photograph. A vehicle driven too close can hinder a hunt or cause animals to abandon a hard-earned meal.
• Litter tossed on the ground can choke or poison animals and birds and is unsightly.
• Never attempt to feed or approach any wild animal on foot. This is especially important near lodges or in campsites where animals may have become accustomed to human visitors.
• Refrain from smoking on game drives. The dry African bush ignites very easily, and a flash fire can kill animals.

• There is an abundance of wonderful souvenirs and crafts to buy. Look for colourful materials, sisal bags, wood or stone carvings, unusual artwork, handcrafted jewellery, woven goods and attractive basketry are recommended.
• Bargaining is expected at markets and roadside stalls, but not in shops. The locals may start off with highly inflated “tourist prices” and you will need to bargain until you feel you are paying what the product is worth.
• Cash in local currency is accepted, as well as US Dollars, while credit cards may only be accepted in larger shops.
• Do not purchase ivory, rhino horn, animal furs/hides, tortoise shell, coral, game skin, trophies or elephant hair bracelets. These items are prohibited as hunting was banned in 1976.

Smart Traveller advice on travel to Botswana from Australia. Here you can find Botswana’s most up to date COVID-19 health screening requirements for entry, exit and transit, which may include recent COVID-19 test results and/or vaccination requirements.

Subsequently we advise you to subscribe to Smartraveller for updates to stay informed if something changes.