Botswana is one of the world’s best wildlife destinations, with over a third of the country dedicated to conservation in the form of national parks and reserves. Those who visit Botswana experience a place like no other. Its breathtaking landscapes cover a vast variety of unspoilt habitats, from the sands of the Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, teeming with wildlife and birds.
Regardless of whether they need a visa or not, all travelers must have a passport with a minimum validity of 6 months upon arrival to gain entry to the country.
Travelers who require a visa for Botswana must now apply online. The electronic visa (e-Visa) system allows foreign nationals to obtain authorization to enter the country for tourism, business, and other purposes.
Botswana currently identifies around 100 nationalities who do not need a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days within a 12-month period. Visa exemption is granted for purposes of tourism, business, or transit purposes.
To gain visa-free entry, these visitors are simply required to present a valid passport upon arrival at a Botswana border checkpoint.
In some cases, a foreign traveler may not be able to obtain a certain type of visa online. In this situation, they will have to make an appointment at an embassy or consulate of Botswana in the traveler’s country of residence.
Botswana is a very safe country to travel and crime targeted at tourists is minimal. But, as in most places around the world, care should be taken when walking around the towns and cities.
Safety precautions in the bush will be explained to you by your guide and it must be remembered that Botswana has some of the wildest parks and reserves in Africa and with no fences to prevent wild animals moving freely, there is always the chance of an incident. However, if you obey the basic rules and guidelines set down for you, safety will not be an issue.
Botswana is a malaria risk area in some parts. You should consult your doctor with regard to anti-malaria medication which should commence at least a week before leaving for your trip.
Precautions such as long-sleeved shirts and jeans for wearing in the evenings will reduce your chances of mosquito bites. Pack some mosquito repellent, cream or spray, for applying to your hands, face and neck. This will help keep the mosquitoes at bay.
If you are travelling to Botswana from areas infected with Yellow Fever, you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certificate.
Botswana is a huge country, roughly the size of France, and extends through 9 degrees of latitude. This suggests considerable variation in climate. Being landlocked and in the centre of the southern African subcontinent, on an elevated plateau of approximately 1000 metres, tends to cause low annual rainfall.
The seasons in Botswana are indistinct. Rains generally start in October or November and persist through to March or April. Within that period there may be long dry spells. In April, temperatures begin to fall and May is generally regarded as the first month of the dry, cool winter, characterized by clear sunny days and cold nights.
Spring begins in August and temperatures rise rapidly during the hot, dry period of September, October and November until the rains arrive again.
The main airport of Botswana is the Sir Seretse Khama in Gaborone. However, most of our safari tours start in Maun or Kasane which have their own airports. Your travel agent would suggest the best connections depending on your tour.
There are 15 entry points into Botswana by road. The major entry points are in the south for access from South Africa. Other main access points are from Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Access from Harare is via Victoria Falls and through Kasane or the Kazangula border point. All roads to Botswana are good, and the primary roads of the country are paved and well maintained.
The national language is Tswana (also called Setswana or Sechuana) although the official language is English. Several other local African languages are also spoken in the country.
Your game drives and other activities will be conducted in the English language.
Botswana has religious freedom and all faiths are embraced. About one-half of the country’s population is Christian, predominantly independent Christian, with some Protestant. Some one-third adhere to traditional beliefs as their primary religious orientation.
Botswana is a truly wild destination, so many camps are unfenced. Children need to be of an age where they can be trusted not to run around outside alone, or at night. Our recommended age for children on safari in Botswana is 12.
The water in Botswana is not safe to drink. The locals drink it but they are accustomed to it. This means you must ensure that ice cubes, drinking water and even the water for brushing your teeth is bottled.
During your safari, bottled water is readily available.
As long as your devices can be charged by USB car charging, we will have this available in your safari vehicle.
On safari, luggage should be limited to one, preferably soft, bag per person. Please bring all items of personal nature, ie toiletries and medications.
Hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and lightweight, comfortable clothing. Also something warm for chilly evenings and early mornings. The vehicle is open sided for the best game viewing experience but this also means that you are exposed to the wind.
ABSOLUTELY ! We love it when clients take the reins and decide where they want to go. Of course we will guide you to the best places possible, depending on your time allowed and budget.
There are a few factors to consider here but the longer lead time before your tour, the better. Some of the Parks have limited campsites so as to keep them exclusive and these can book up quickly.
Should you wish to book last minute, that is always possible but we would be dependent on campsite availability when we decide our routing.
Contact us. We are here to help.
