🐾 Traveling to Botswana with Pets
Pet-Friendly Botswana
Botswana offers unique wildlife experiences but has strict regulations for pets to protect its ecosystems. Urban areas like Gaborone are more accommodating, while safari lodges outside national parks may allow well-behaved pets. Always check specific venue policies as pets are prohibited in national parks and game reserves.
Entry Requirements & Documentation
Import Permit
All pets require an import permit from Botswana's Department of Animal Production, applied for at least 14 days before travel.
Include details of pet's breed, age, and vaccination history; processing fee around 100 BWP.
Rabies Vaccination
Mandatory rabies vaccination administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry.
Vaccination certificate must be endorsed by a government veterinarian in the country of origin.
Microchip Requirements
Pets must have an ISO 11784/11785 compliant microchip implanted before rabies vaccination.
Bring proof of microchipping; scanners are available at entry points like Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.
Health Certificate
Veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming pet is free from infectious diseases.
Include treatments for external parasites; no quarantine if all documents are in order.
Restricted Areas
Pets prohibited in national parks like Chobe and Moremi to avoid disturbing wildlife.
Some breeds may face additional scrutiny; contact authorities for guidance on exotic or fighting breeds.
Other Pets
Birds and exotic animals require CITES permits if applicable; rodents and reptiles have specific quarantine rules.
Consult Botswana's Ministry of Agriculture for non-dog/cat entry requirements and potential restrictions.
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Book Pet-Friendly Hotels
Find hotels that welcome pets across Botswana on Booking.com. Filter by "Pets allowed" to see properties with pet-friendly policies, fees, and amenities like fenced gardens and walking areas.
Accommodation Types
- Pet-Friendly Hotels (Gaborone & Maun): Urban hotels like Avani Gaborone and Riley's Hotel welcome pets for 150-300 BWP/night, with gardens and nearby parks. Chains like Protea are often accommodating.
- Safari Lodges Outside Parks (Okavango & Chobe Areas): Select lodges like Xugana Island Lodge allow pets in certain units at extra cost, with secure enclosures. Ideal for families combining urban and wildlife stays.
- Vacation Rentals & Apartments: Airbnb listings in Gaborone and Francistown frequently permit pets, offering space for pets to roam in private gardens.
- Farmstays & Guesthouses: Rural properties in the Tuli Block welcome pets and often have animals on-site. Perfect for authentic experiences with space for pets.
Campsites & RV Parks:Many campsites like those in the Makgadikgadi Pans are pet-friendly with designated areas, but check for wildlife proximity.- Luxury Pet-Friendly Options: High-end resorts like The Grand Palm in Gaborone provide pet amenities including walking services and special beds for 500 BWP/night extra.
Pet-Friendly Activities & Destinations
Urban Parks & Trails
Gaborone's Game Reserves and City Park offer leashed walks with scenic views and birdwatching.
Keep pets on leash to protect local wildlife; avoid areas near game reserves where pets are restricted.
Rivers & Water Areas
Chobe Riverfront lodges have pet-friendly gardens; designated swimming spots in urban areas like Maun.
Check for crocodile warnings; pets must be supervised near water bodies.
Cities & Parks
Gaborone's River Walk and Maun's wetlands welcome leashed dogs; outdoor eateries often allow pets.
Kasane's markets permit pets on leash; respect local customs in rural areas.
Pet-Friendly Cafés
Urban cafés in Gaborone provide outdoor seating with water bowls for pets.
Ask before entering; well-behaved pets are generally welcome in shaded patios.
Guided Walking Tours
Urban cultural tours in Gaborone and historical walks in Tsodilo Hills allow leashed pets.
Avoid wildlife areas; focus on cultural sites where pets are permitted.
Boat Trips
Some mokoro (canoe) excursions from Maun lodges allow small pets in carriers; fees 200-500 BWP.
Check operator policies; pets prohibited on game-viewing boats in the Delta.
Pet Transport & Logistics
- Buses (Urban): Intercity buses like those from Gaborone to Maun allow small pets in carriers for free; larger dogs 50-100 BWP with leash/muzzle.
- Taxis & Shared Rides: Gaborone taxis accept pets with notice; fees 20-50 BWP extra. Use apps like Bolt for pet-friendly options.
- Taxis: Ask driver before entering with pets; most accept with advance notice. Bolt and Uber rides may require pet-friendly vehicle selection.
- Rental Cars: 4x4 agencies like Avis allow pets with deposit (500-1000 BWP); essential for rural travel with air-conditioned vehicles.
- Flights to Botswana: Air Botswana and regional carriers allow cabin pets under 8kg for 300-600 BWP. Book early and review import requirements. Compare flight options on Aviasales to find pet-friendly airlines and routes.
- Pet-Friendly Airlines: South African Airways and Ethiopian Airlines accept pets in cabin (under 8kg) for 400-800 BWP each way. Larger pets in hold with health certificate.
Pet Services & Veterinary Care
Emergency Vet Services
24-hour clinics in Gaborone (Botswana Veterinary Association) and Maun provide care; consultations 200-500 BWP.
Carry international pet insurance; rural areas have limited services.
Pharmacies & Pet Supplies
Chains like Pick n Pay in major towns stock food and basics; specialized shops in Gaborone.
Bring medications; pharmacies carry common items but stock varies in remote areas.
Grooming & Day Care
Gaborone salons offer grooming for 150-300 BWP; limited daycare in urban centers.
Book ahead; lodges may recommend local services for pet care during outings.
Pet-Sitting Services
Local services in Gaborone via Facebook groups or hotels; rates 100-200 BWP/day.
Lodges offer in-house sitting; inquire with concierge for trusted providers.
Pet Rules & Etiquette
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be leashed in urban areas and near settlements; off-leash allowed in private fenced properties.
- Muzzle Requirements: Not generally required but recommended for larger dogs on transport; carry one for compliance.
- Waste Disposal: Carry and dispose of waste properly; bins available in cities, fines up to 200 BWP for littering.
- Beach & Water Rules: Supervise pets near rivers; no designated beaches but urban parks have safe areas.
- Restaurant Etiquette: Pets welcome outdoors; keep quiet and away from food service areas.
- Protected Areas: Pets strictly banned in national parks and reserves; violations can result in fines or expulsion.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly Botswana
Botswana for Families
Botswana captivates families with its stunning safaris, interactive wildlife encounters, and adventure activities. Safe guided experiences, luxury lodges with kids' programs, and cultural immersion make it ideal for all ages. Facilities include family tents, pools, and child-friendly game drives.
Top Family Attractions
Chobe National Park
Iconic elephant safaris with boat and game drive options suitable for kids 6+.
Entry 200-300 BWP/adult, 100 BWP/child; family packages available for full-day adventures.
Okavango Delta Mokoro Trips
Gentle canoe rides through waterways spotting birds and hippos; calm for young children.
Trips 500-800 BWP/person; lodges provide life jackets and guides for safety.
Moremi Game Reserve
Diverse wildlife viewing with family-friendly 4x4 drives and picnic spots.
Permits 250 BWP/vehicle; combine with birdwatching for educational family fun.
Makgadikgadi Pans
Salt pan quad bike rides and star-gazing camps for adventurous families.
Activities 400-600 BWP/child; meerkat encounters delight kids.
Tsodilo Hills
UNESCO rock art sites with easy walks and cultural stories for children.
Entry 100 BWP/adult, 50 BWP/child; guided tours add historical excitement.
Victoria Falls Day Trip (from Kasane)
Border-crossing adventure with rainforest walks and helicopter views for families.
Fees 1500 BWP/family; thrilling yet safe with age-appropriate options.
Book Family Activities
Discover family-friendly tours, attractions, and activities across Botswana on Viator. From Delta safaris to cultural experiences, find skip-the-line tickets and age-appropriate adventures with flexible cancellation.
Family Accommodations
- Family Lodges (Maun & Kasane): Properties like Chobe Game Lodge offer interconnecting rooms for 2000-4000 BWP/night. Include kids' pools, game drives, and babysitting.
- Safari Camps (Okavango): Family tents at camps like Jao Camp with private decks and child programs; all-inclusive 3000-5000 BWP/person/night.
- Urban Guesthouses (Gaborone): Family suites at Peermont Mondior for 800-1500 BWP/night with breakfast and play areas.
- Vacation Apartments: Self-catering in Maun ideal for families with kitchens; 1000-2000 BWP/night for larger groups.
- Budget Camps (Kalahari): Family sites at Nata Lodge for 500-1000 BWP/night with shared facilities and wildlife views.
- Luxury Family Resorts: Stay at Sanctuary Chief's Camp for immersive experiences with kids' ranger activities; 4000+ BWP/night.
Find family-friendly accommodations with connected rooms, cribs, and children's facilities on Booking.com. Filter by "Family rooms" and read reviews from other parents.
Kid-Friendly Activities by Region
Gaborone with Kids
Gaborone Game Reserve safaris, Botswana National Museum, and river walks.
Easy urban adventures with playgrounds and ice cream spots for family downtime.
Maun & Okavango with Kids
Mokoro rides, horse safaris, and village visits; educational wildlife spotting.
Family lodges offer junior ranger programs and evening storytelling.
Kasane & Chobe with Kids
Elephant interactions, boat safaris, and border trips to Zimbabwe.
Sunset cruises and picnic lunches keep children engaged in nature.
Kalahari Region
Meerkat tracking, fossil river canyon hikes, and starlit camps.
Quad biking and cultural dances suitable for adventurous young explorers.
Family Travel Practicalities
Getting Around with Kids
- Small Planes: Charter flights to lodges free for kids under 2; 50% off ages 2-12. Family seating on Air Botswana.
- Road Transport: 4x4 rentals with child seats (100-200 BWP/day); distances long, so plan stops.
- Car Rentals: Book child seats (100-200 BWP/day) in advance; required by law for kids under 7. 4x4s offer space for family gear.
- Stroller-Friendly: Urban areas accessible but rural lodges have sandy paths; opt for all-terrain strollers.
Dining with Children
- Kids' Menus: Lodges offer simple meals like pasta or burgers for 100-200 BWP. High chairs available in urban spots.
- Family-Friendly Restaurants: Gaborone's malls have casual eateries; lodges provide bush dinners with kid options.
- Self-Catering: Supermarkets like Spar stock baby food and diapers; fresh markets for local fruits.
- Snacks & Treats: Local bakeries offer biltong and sweets; great for safari energy boosts.
Childcare & Baby Facilities
- Baby-Changing Rooms: Available in airports, malls, and major lodges with facilities.
- Pharmacies: Stock formula, diapers, and meds in Gaborone; English-speaking staff assist.
- Babysitting Services: Lodges arrange sitters for 200-300 BWP/hour; certified for evening care.
- Medical Care: Clinics in towns; Princess Marina Hospital in Gaborone for emergencies. Travel insurance recommended.
♿ Accessibility in Botswana
Accessible Travel
Botswana is improving accessibility with ramps at lodges and guided tours for wheelchairs. Urban areas and select safari camps offer inclusive experiences, though terrain can be challenging. Tourism boards provide info for planning adapted trips.
Transportation Accessibility
- Flights: Air Botswana provides assistance at airports; wheelchair access on small planes to lodges.
- Road Transport: 4x4 rentals with hand controls available; taxis in Gaborone accommodate wheelchairs.
- Taxis: Accessible taxis with ramps in cities; book via hotels. Shared shuttles may need advance notice.
- Airports: Sir Seretse Khama and Maun airports offer assistance, ramps, and priority services.
Accessible Attractions
- Lodges & Camps: Many like Chobe Marina Lodge have ramps, accessible rooms, and adapted game drives.
- Historic Sites: Gaborone museum is wheelchair-friendly; Tsodilo has some accessible paths.
- Nature & Parks: Select viewpoints in Chobe are accessible; boat trips from ramps for Delta.
- Accommodations: Hotels indicate accessible rooms on Booking.com; look for roll-in showers, wide doorways, and ground-floor options.
Essential Tips for Families & Pet Owners
Best Time to Visit
Dry season (May-October) for optimal wildlife viewing and comfortable weather.
Wet season (November-April) offers lush landscapes but more rain; lower prices for families.
Budget Tips
Family safari packages save 20-30%; Gaborone Card for urban discounts.
Self-drive options and picnics reduce costs while enjoying flexibility.
Language
English official; Setswana widely spoken. Guides use simple English for kids.
Locals welcoming; basic greetings appreciated in family interactions.
Packing Essentials
Light layers for day/night temps, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Pet owners: bring food, leash, waste bags, and records; malaria precautions.
Useful Apps
Air Botswana for flights, Maps.me for offline navigation, and lodge apps for bookings.
WhatsApp for communication; limited signal in remote areas.
Health & Safety
Very safe; drink bottled water. Vaccinations for hep A, typhoid; malaria risk in north.
Emergency: dial 997; travel insurance covers evacuations.