Botswana Planning & Practical Guide

Passport Requirements

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Botswana, with a minimum of three blank pages for entry and exit stamps.

It's advisable to renew early if your passport is nearing expiration, as some airlines enforce stricter rules for African travel.

Photocopies of your passport are recommended for safaris in remote areas where originals might be left at lodges.

Visa-Free Countries

Citizens of the US, UK, EU countries, Australia, and many Commonwealth nations can enter visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism purposes.

This includes most SADC (Southern African Development Community) members, facilitating easy regional travel.

Always confirm with your embassy, as exemptions can change based on diplomatic relations.

Visa Applications

For nationalities requiring a visa, apply online through the Botswana e-Visa portal ($30-50 fee), providing proof of accommodation, return tickets, and sufficient funds (around $100/day).

Processing typically takes 5-10 business days; apply at least a month in advance for peace of mind.

Supporting documents like yellow fever vaccination certificates may be needed if arriving from endemic areas.

Border Crossings

Major entry points include Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone and Maun Airport for the north; expect efficient immigration with biometric scanning.

Land borders with Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are straightforward but can involve waits; use authorized crossings like Kazungula for seamless access to Chobe National Park.

Visas on arrival are available at select ports for $30, but pre-approval is recommended to avoid queues.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for activities like game drives and mokoro safaris, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas) and trip interruptions.

Policies should include coverage for adventure sports; costs start at $5-10/day from global providers.

Declare pre-existing conditions and ensure coverage for malaria prophylaxis and wildlife-related risks.

Extensions Possible

Visa extensions for up to 90 additional days can be applied for at the Department of Immigration in Gaborone, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason like extended safaris.

Fees are approximately $20-40, with processing in 7-14 days; overstay fines are $10/day, so plan ahead.

For longer stays, consider a residence permit if combining tourism with work or study.

Book Flights Early

Find the best deals to Maun or Gaborone by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.

Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially for peak dry season travel.

Eat Like a Local

Opt for roadside stalls and markets serving traditional dishes like pap and vleis for under BWP 50, avoiding upscale lodges to cut food costs by up to 60%.

Stock up on groceries in Gaborone for self-catering during overland trips, where fresh produce is affordable and authentic.

Public Transport Passes

Use combi minibuses for inter-city travel at BWP 100-300 per leg, or rent a 4x4 for self-drive safaris to share costs with companions.

Group tours via operators can bundle transport and entry fees, saving 20-30% compared to private arrangements.

Free Attractions

Explore natural sites like the Makgadikgadi Pans or Tsodilo Hills on foot or by public access, which are free and provide stunning wildlife viewing without guided fees.

Many community-based conservation areas offer low-cost or donation-based entry, immersing you in local culture affordably.

Card vs Cash

Credit cards are accepted in major lodges and cities, but cash (BWP) is essential for rural areas, markets, and tips.

Use ATMs in banks for the best rates, avoiding airport exchanges; notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.

Park Entry Discounts

Purchase a Botswana Parks annual pass for BWP 500, granting access to multiple reserves like Chobe and Moremi, ideal for multi-park itineraries.

It covers your vehicle and passengers, recouping costs after just two park visits and encouraging deeper exploration.

Clothing Essentials

Pack neutral-colored, lightweight cotton clothing in earth tones (khaki, beige) to blend with the bush and avoid attracting insects during safaris.

Include long sleeves and pants for sun protection and malaria prevention, plus a wide-brimmed hat and quick-dry layers for variable temperatures.

Laundry services are available at lodges, so pack for 7-10 days with versatile pieces for both urban Gaborone and remote camps.

Electronics

Bring a universal adapter for Type D/G plugs (South African style), solar charger for off-grid safaris, binoculars (8x42 ideal), and a dust-proof camera.

Download offline maps of parks like Okavango and apps for wildlife identification; a power bank is crucial for multi-day bush trips.

Consider a satellite phone for remote areas where cell coverage is spotty.

Health & Safety

Carry comprehensive travel insurance docs, malaria prophylaxis (consult a doctor), a full first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, and high-SPF sunscreen (50+).

Include DEET insect repellent, rehydration salts for hot weather, and any vaccinations like hepatitis A/B and typhoid certificates.

A basic water purification system is handy for emergencies in areas where bottled water isn't always available.

Travel Gear

Opt for a durable daypack with rain cover for game drives, a reusable water bottle (1L+), lightweight sleeping bag for camping, and a torch/flashlight with extra batteries.

Pack multiple copies of your passport, visa, and insurance; a money belt or secure pouch protects valuables in crowded markets.

Duffel bags are preferred over suitcases for easy handling on small planes to remote airstrips.

Footwear Strategy

Choose closed-toe hiking boots or trail shoes for dusty park trails and mokoro excursions, ensuring good grip for uneven terrain in the Kalahari.

Include lightweight sandals for lodge relaxation and waterproof options for seasonal rains; break in shoes before travel to avoid blisters.

Socks in neutral colors help with camouflage and moisture-wicking during long walks in hot conditions.

Personal Care

Pack travel-sized, biodegradable toiletries including moisturizer for dry air, lip balm with SPF, and wet wipes for dust-free freshness on safaris.

A compact umbrella or poncho handles sudden showers, and eco-friendly sunscreen prevents environmental harm in sensitive ecosystems.

Include personal medications in original packaging, plus a small sewing kit for minor clothing repairs in remote locations.

Dry Season (May-October)

Peak time for wildlife viewing with temperatures of 20-30°C (68-86°F) and low rainfall, concentrating animals around waterholes in Chobe and Okavango.

Ideal for photography and game drives; book early as lodges fill up, but expect higher prices during July-August high season.

Mild nights make stargazing magical, with fewer mosquitoes for comfortable outdoor experiences.

Green Season (November-March)

Rainy period with lush landscapes and birdwatching at its best, temperatures 25-35°C (77-95°F), and dramatic storms creating newborn wildlife.

Lower crowds and rates (20-40% off) make it budget-friendly for mokoro trips and exploring the Delta's flooded plains.

Afternoon showers are short, leaving sunny mornings for activities; pack for humidity and potential road closures.

Shoulder Season (April)

Transition month with moderate 22-28°C (72-82°F) weather, balancing dry conditions and emerging greenery for optimal hiking in the Kalahari.

Fewer tourists mean better deals on camps and personalized guides; wildflowers start blooming, enhancing scenic drives.

Water levels in the Delta are ideal for water-based safaris without peak-season crowds.

Cool Dry Season (June-September)

Cooler days at 15-25°C (59-77°F) with crisp mornings, perfect for extended game viewing as animals congregate at rivers like the Chobe.

Prime for luxury safaris and photography; clear skies offer unobstructed views of the Big Five.

Nights can dip to 5°C (41°F), so layers are essential for early morning bush breakfasts.