Botswana

🌎 Introduction

In the heart of Southern Africa, the landscape transforms following the slow rhythm of the seasons. Botswana presents itself as a territory of contrasts, where the arid expanses of the Kalahari coexist with the freshness of the channels that water carves across the land. It is a place of open horizons and vast skies, where time seems to be governed by the cycle of the sun and the natural movement of wildlife that roams freely through its geography.

The country’s identity is perceived in the serenity of its communities and in traditions that place value on the word and the encounter, such as the local assemblies where the day-to-day life of the villages is decided. Setswana culture is interwoven with daily life through simple and comforting gastronomy, with seswaa as a shared dish, and craftsmanship that narrates stories of generations. Here, respect for the environment is a shared heritage that is felt both in rural areas and in its urban centers.

Depending on the time of year, the experience in these lands changes color. While the drier months offer clear nights under blankets of stars and cloudless skies, the rainy season renews the green of the vegetation and completely transforms the landscape. It is a destination that invites a pause, allowing the environment itself to guide the visitor through its silences, its genuine hospitality, and the richness of its most deep-rooted customs.

🛡️ General Safety

Botswana is widely considered one of the most stable and safe countries on the entire African continent. The country enjoys a consolidated democracy and a solid economy based largely on high-quality tourism, which fosters an environment of tranquility for the international visitor.

The general level of risk is low, especially compared to other regional destinations.
The context for the traveler is one of great hospitality; Botswanan society is, in general, peaceful and respectful towards tourists.
Most visits pass without any type of security incident, as long as basic rules of prudence are followed.

Crime and Common Risks

Although violence is not common, the traveler should be aware that minor risks exist, mainly linked to opportunity.

Pickpocketing and petty theft (wallets, phones, or cameras) are the most common crimes, especially in crowded areas.
In recent years, isolated cases of thefts from vehicles (known as “smash and grab”) have been reported, where windows are broken to steal objects in plain sight during stops at traffic lights.
Scams are not frequent, but it is advisable to be wary of people offering tourist services or currency exchange outside of official channels.
More serious incidents are very unusual and rarely affect tourists who stay within established routes and areas.

Safety in Cities and Tourist Areas

Safety varies slightly depending on whether you are in an urban environment or in the wild, where the main risk is usually the fauna and not the people.

Gaborone and Francistown: These are generally safe cities during the day. However, it is recommended to avoid walking in poorly lit areas or peripheral neighborhoods after sunset.
Maun and Kasane: Being the main entry points to the national parks, they have increased surveillance and an atmosphere very focused on tourism, making them very safe and relaxed areas.
On public transport (such as minibuses or “combis”), the risk is minimal, although it is the place where you should most watch your backpack or bag due to crowding.
Practical recommendation: Always use hotel safes to store original documents and large amounts of cash.

Transport Safety

Moving around Botswana is simple, but requires attention to specific details of the geographic environment.

Driving is on the left side of the road.
The condition of main roads is acceptable, but secondary roads are often sand or gravel, requiring 4x4 driving experience.
The most critical danger on the road is the presence of wild animals or livestock, which cross without warning. For this reason, it is strongly recommended not to drive at night under any circumstances outside of urban centers.
If you opt for car rentals, ensure the car is in perfect condition and always carry extra supplies of water and fuel.
Taxis must be official (easily identifiable by their blue license plates). It is preferable to request them through the hotel or use recognized transportation apps.

Natural and Climatic Risks

Botswana has a predominantly arid climate, which conditions the main environmental risks.

Extreme heat is the most persistent risk, especially between October and March, when temperatures can exceed 40°C. It is vital to maintain constant hydration and use sun protection.
Seasonal flooding occurs in the Okavango Delta and the Chobe region during the rainy season. This can cause the temporary closure of some access tracks or camps.
There are no significant risks of earthquakes or hurricanes, but thunderstorms in summer can be very intense and sudden.

Local Legislation and Norms

Compliance with the law is strict, and authorities do not usually make distinctions for foreigners.

Photography of government buildings, military installations, police stations, or border posts is strictly prohibited.
Botswana has extremely severe laws against drug trafficking and consumption, with long-term prison sentences.
Laws related to wildlife protection are rigorous. Possessing or attempting to export any product derived from wild animals (ivory, skins, bones) without specific permits carries high fines and jail sentences.
It is important to respect national park rules: getting out of the vehicle in unauthorized areas is illegal and extremely dangerous.

Safety for Specific Groups

Female travelers: Botswana is a safe destination for women traveling alone. Nonetheless, it is recommended to avoid walking unaccompanied in isolated areas of cities at night as a precaution.
LGTBIQ+ travelers: Although laws have evolved positively and homosexuality was decriminalized, society remains conservative. Public displays of affection (for both heterosexual and homosexual couples) are not common and could attract unwanted attention. Discretion is recommended in public areas.
Children and the elderly: It is an excellent destination for families, although on safaris, children must be constantly monitored due to the proximity of wild animals in unfenced camps.

Emergencies and Assistance

The emergency response system is efficient in cities but can be slow in remote safari areas.

999: Police.
997: Ambulance and medical services.
998: Fire department.
In case of an incident in a national park or remote area, the first point of contact should be the accommodation staff or the guide, who have radios and aerial evacuation protocols if necessary.
It is recommended to always travel with comprehensive medical insurance that includes international rescue and medical evacuation.

”> Tip: If you are driving a rental vehicle, always keep the fuel tank above half and carry enough drinking water, as the distances between gas stations in the desert are enormous.”

📝 Entry Requirements

To undertake a trip to Botswana, the fundamental requirement is to have a valid passport with a minimum validity, generally recommended to be at least six months from the date of arrival in the country. It is convenient for the document to have some blank pages so that authorities can stamp entry and exit seals without issues during border controls.

Regarding access permits, a large portion of international visitors traveling for leisure reasons do not usually require a prior visa for short-term stays. Usually, a stay permit as a tourist is granted which can be extended up to a maximum of ninety days within a one-year period, although it is prudent to verify the permitted duration at the time of arrival.

At entry points, whether airports or land borders, immigration officers may request the presentation of a return ticket or onward travel ticket to a third destination. Likewise, it is frequent to be asked to prove that the traveler has sufficient financial funds to cover their expenses during the time they remain in the territory, thus guaranteeing their financial autonomy.

Customs controls are routine processes in which the entry of certain items is supervised. There are standard restrictions on products of plant or animal origin, such as fruits, meats, or plants, to protect the local ecosystem. For those travelers who need to transport prescription medications, it is highly recommended to carry the original medical prescription or a report justifying their personal use, thus avoiding misunderstandings with customs authorities.

From a health point of view, complex requirements are not usually demanded universally, although it is common to recommend being up to date with basic vaccines. In certain cases, depending on the traveler’s origin or if a previous layover was made in specific areas, an international vaccination certificate against some tropical diseases might be requested. It is advisable to consult with a travel medicine center about the most appropriate preventive measures according to the planned itinerary.

Travel documentation: Passport with a minimum validity of six months and sufficient space for stamps.
Stay permits: Many nationalities enjoy visa exemption for standard tourism purposes.
Maximum period: Permitted stay is usually limited to ninety days per calendar year.
Solvency and departure: Possible request for proof of financial means and a return transport ticket.
Customs regulation: Limitations on the entry of fresh food and agricultural products to preserve local health.
Personal luggage: Personal medications must be accompanied by their corresponding medical documentation.
Health and prevention: Recommendation to check the status of vaccines and possible certificates according to the travel route.

🏥 Basic Health Considerations

When preparing for your trip to Botswana, it is normal to have doubts about how its health system works or what precautions you should take. In the main cities, such as Gaborone or Francistown, you will find private clinics with a fairly good level of care and modern standards. However, you must keep in mind that in rural or safari areas, access to complex medical centers is limited. Healthcare staff usually communicate regularly in English, which is the official language, so it will be easy for you to communicate with them if you have basic knowledge. Regarding costs, private healthcare for foreigners has a high price, so any consultation or treatment can represent a significant expense if you do not have support.

Taking out travel medical insurance is not a legal requirement to enter the country, but in practice, it is absolutely essential. When moving through remote areas, your policy should mandatorily include emergency medical air evacuation, as in case of a serious emergency in a national park, transfer to an equipped hospital is usually done by light aircraft. Also ensure it covers hospitalization, surgical interventions, and repatriation to your country of origin. You will find that traveling with this peace of mind will allow you to enjoy the experience in nature much more.

Regarding vaccines, the only one that may be mandatory is the yellow fever vaccine, but only if you are coming from a country where this disease is endemic. For most travelers, the most important thing is to be up to date with the standard vaccination schedule, which includes tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis. Recommendedly, depending on the type of trip you are going to take, you could consult with your doctor about vaccines against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. It is not necessary to undergo complex processes; simply a visit to your international health center before departing will be enough for peace of mind.

If you need to carry personal medication, I recommend that you always transport it in its original container and accompanied by its corresponding medical prescription translated into English. Botswana is strict about the entry of certain drugs, especially those containing psychotropic substances or opiate derivatives. To avoid any inconvenience at customs, carry only the amount necessary for the days of your stay and keep the medical report handy. Do not forget to include in your basic first aid kit items such as disinfectant, bandages, and some common analgesic that you already know works for you.

One of the health risks you will find in the northern regions, such as the Okavango Delta or Chobe, is malaria, especially during the rainy months. Ideally, you should consult with a professional about the advisability of taking preventive medication. Additionally, Botswana’s climate can be extreme, so heat exhaustion and dehydration are factors you must constantly monitor. The sun is very strong, so the use of hats and high-factor sunscreen will be your best ally. In freshwater areas, it is better to avoid swimming to prevent parasitic diseases like schistosomiasis, although in tourist accommodations they will always tell you if swimming is safe.

Regarding water and food, in urban areas, the water is usually potable, but to avoid any stomach upset that could ruin your day, it is best to always consume bottled or filtered water. In luxury camps and hotels, you will see that hygiene levels are excellent, so you can try the local food with confidence. If you decide to venture with street food, simply apply common sense and look for places where you see that the food is cooked to order and has a lot of customer turnover.

In the event that you suffer a medical emergency, the phone number you should dial is 997 to request an ambulance. You should know that, outside of the cities, response times can be long due to distances and the state of the sand tracks. Therefore, most tourists visiting animal reserves have emergency services coordinated directly by their accommodations, which are usually in contact with private rescue services.

As final tips for your well-being, remember to drink water frequently even if you don’t feel thirsty and use insect repellent at dawn and dusk, which is when mosquitoes are most active. If you follow these simple guidelines and protect yourself adequately from the sun, your time in Botswana will be an incredible experience without health setbacks.

🚌 Transport Within the Country

Moving around Botswana requires understanding that distances are vast and the territory has a low population density. Travelers usually combine different modes according to the area they wish to visit. For long-distance travel between urban centers, there is a network of buses and minibuses, while access to the most remote natural areas is usually done via internal flights in small light aircraft, which function as the main link to isolated camps. Although there is a train line connecting some main cities, its use is less frequent for international tourism seeking agility in their transfers.

The ease of using public transport varies notably. In the main cities, English is the official language, which simplifies interaction and the purchase of tickets. However, signage and information about schedules can be scarce outside of main stations, so it is common to have to ask staff or other passengers directly. Tickets are usually purchased on the spot, and the system lacks the automation found in other destinations, maintaining a more traditional and direct character.

There are marked differences between urban and rural environments. In large cities, mobility is simpler thanks to the presence of taxis and shared transport services that operate constantly. In rural areas, on the other hand, public transport is very limited or non-existent, which forces dependence on private 4x4 vehicles or organized transfer services. Main roads are paved and in good condition, but when venturing into nature, the terrain becomes sandy and requires specialized vehicles.

The taxi service is a common option at airports and urban centers. These vehicles do not always have meters, so it is standard to confirm the fare before starting the trip. Regarding reliability and punctuality, collective ground transport services do not usually follow strict schedules, but often depart when the vehicle is full. Therefore, the general feeling is of mobility that requires patience and flexibility on the part of the visitor.

Tip: If you are going to make road trips, it is fundamental to plan travel to coincide with daylight hours, avoiding driving at night due to the frequent presence of wildlife on the roads.

🤵 Culture and Etiquette

Social interaction in Botswana is founded on a deep sense of courtesy and mutual recognition. The greeting is an essential pillar in daily life; it is considered appropriate to always greet people before starting any transaction or conversation, as ignoring this step can be perceived as a lack of interest in the interlocutor. A simple “Dumela” followed by the gesture of shaking hands in a slow manner is usually the norm. A characteristic detail in interpersonal dealings is the use of both hands when giving or receiving an object, such as a card, a gift, or payment in a store, as this gesture symbolizes respect and transparency.

In public spaces and social gatherings, a moderate and calm tone of voice predominates. Excessively high volume or overly effusive gestures can be interpreted as a sign of agitation or lack of decorum. Respect for hierarchy and the elderly is fundamental in the social structure of the country, so it is customary to show an attitude of deference toward them. When visiting villages or attending a kgotla (the traditional council or meeting place), it is important to observe serene behavior and dress discreetly, keeping shoulders and knees covered to harmonize with local customs.

Regarding punctuality, there is a difference between the service sector and social life. While tourist activities and transport are usually precise, in social encounters schedules tend to be more flexible. During meals, hospitality is valued and the atmosphere is usually relaxed. Regarding tipping, although there is no rigid rule, it has become a common practice in the field of tourism, guide services, and catering, where this gesture is appreciated as recognition of attentive service.

Communication is usually indirect and diplomatic, avoiding direct confrontation to maintain harmony in the group. In traditional contexts, it is preferable to ask permission before taking photographs of people or their properties. Maintaining a patient and receptive attitude will greatly facilitate the traveler’s integration into Botswana’s daily life, allowing them to enjoy the characteristic hospitality of its inhabitants.

“Tip”: Always use the right hand to greet, eat, or hand over objects, preferably supporting the left hand on the right forearm as a sign of great respect and deference toward the other person.

🍛 Typical Gastronomy

Botswana’s cuisine is characterized by its simplicity and the use of local products that reflect the semi-arid climate of the region. Cattle is a fundamental pillar of both the economy and the diet, making high-quality beef the star of many tables. Cereals such as sorghum and maize form the basis of the daily diet, usually presented in the form of thick porridges that serve as an accompaniment to meat and vegetable stews.

In addition to meat, the collection of wild plants and legumes provides important nutritional variety to the national diet. Morogo, a set of green leaves similar to spinach, and various types of local beans are constant accompaniments on the plate. Regarding flavors, the gastronomy is not usually excessively spicy, preferring to highlight the natural taste of the ingredients through slow cooking in cast iron pots over an open fire, a traditional technique still very widespread in rural settings and celebrations.

Eating habits in Botswana are social and communal in nature. Lunch is usually considered the main meal of the day, while breakfast tends to be lighter, based on fluid porridges. In traditional contexts, it is common for food to be shared, although in urban areas, restaurants follow international service protocols. Regarding drinks, tea is an ever-present option at any time, as is artisanal ginger beer, which is prepared at home for events and family gatherings.

Dish	Description	Main Ingredients	Where to Try It	Tip
Seswaa	Shredded meat cooked slowly in an iron pot until tender.	Beef or goat, water, and salt.	Traditional cuisine restaurants and social events.	It is usually served over bogobe (porridge) to take advantage of its texture.
Bogobe	Thick porridge that constitutes the staple food of the local diet.	Sorghum, maize, or millet flour and water.	In any home or typical food restaurant.	Try the fermented version, called ting, if you prefer a more acidic flavor.
Morogo	Wild green leaves similar to spinach, cooked or sautéed.	Local plant leaves, onion, and sometimes tomato.	Local markets and traditional food stalls.	It is the perfect complement to add lightness to meat dishes.
Magwinya	Spherically shaped fried dough, very popular as a snack.	Flour, sugar, yeast, and oil.	Street stalls and markets in urban areas.	Preferably consume freshly made when they are still hot.
Phane	Larvae of a moth collected from mopane trees, a traditional protein source.	Dried, fried, or stewed mopane larvae.	Rural markets and specialized stalls.	The fried and crispy version is usually easier to taste for the uninitiated.

📷 Areas and Places to Visit

Botswana is a destination that stands out for its ability to preserve almost untouched natural environments, offering an experience focused on wildlife observation and the knowledge of unique ecosystems. One of the most globally recognized regions is the Okavango Delta, an exceptional water system where the river does not flow into the sea but disperses into a network of channels, lagoons, and islands in the middle of the desert. In this area, visitors usually choose to travel the waters in a mokoro, a traditional boat that allows a silent approach to the local flora and fauna, providing a different perspective from the usual land tours.

To the north is Chobe National Park, one of the areas with the highest density of fauna on the continent. This environment is divided into several sectors, with the Chobe riverfront being the most frequented due to the concentration of animals that come to drink at its banks. Boat tours at sunset offer a panoramic view of the park’s dynamics, where various species coexist in a relatively small space. The contrast between the riverine vegetation and the more arid inland areas allows for an understanding of species’ adaptation to seasonal cycles.

The country’s geography changes drastically when heading towards the center and south, where the Kalahari Desert dominates the landscape. Far from being a desert of shifting sand dunes, it is a vast expanse of arid and shrubby savanna that houses the Central Kalahari Game Reserve. In this region, interest lies not only in nature but also in the cultural heritage of the peoples who have inhabited these lands for millennia. It is a suitable place for those seeking immensity and silence, far from the most traveled tourist circuits, allowing for a more slow-paced connection with the environment.

Within this arid environment, the Makgadikgadi Pans stand out, one of the largest salt flats in the world. During the dry season, the landscape transforms into a white and shiny plain with an almost lunar appearance, while with the arrival of the rains, the area is covered with grasses that attract herbivore migrations. Near here are Chapman’s baobabs and other centuries-old specimens that serve as historical and geographic landmarks in the immensity of the terrain. These spaces are ideal for guided walks and observing species adapted to extreme conditions.

For those interested in history and culture, the Tsodilo Hills represent an essential stop. This site, declared a World Heritage Site, houses thousands of rock paintings dating back thousands of years, distributed across four main hills that emerge from the plain. It is considered a sacred place by local communities and offers deep insight into the beliefs and way of life of the area’s ancient inhabitants. The tour along its trails allows one to appreciate the evolution of rock art in an environment of great archaeological importance.

Regarding urban centers, the capital, Gaborone, offers a modern counterpoint to the country’s rural environment. It is a fast-growing city where one can visit the National Museum of Botswana, which features exhibitions on natural history, traditional crafts, and local contemporary art. Walking through its neighborhoods allows for the observation of the coexistence between modern administrative infrastructures and local markets, where the daily life of the inhabitants unfolds. Other cities like Maun, although smaller, act as fundamental gateways and service centers, preserving a more traditional and leisurely atmosphere that facilitates the transition to natural reserves.

Finally, the Moremi Game Reserve, located within the Okavango Delta, combines wetlands with dry land, creating a diverse habitat that includes mopane forests and floodplains. It is an area valued for the variety of ecosystems that can be observed within a short distance, allowing for an understanding of the complexity of the ecological balance in this part of Africa. The transition between water and dry land defines much of the traveler’s experience in this region, where nature dictates the rhythms of each day.

Tip: You cannot miss visiting the Okavango Delta, the most emblematic place in the country.

✈️ Best Season to Travel

Botswana is a destination that offers very different experiences depending on the time of year it is visited, conditioned mainly by the water cycle and the behavior of the fauna. Generally, the dry season is considered the most favorable period for those looking to observe large mammals with ease, as vegetation is less dense and animals concentrate around permanent water sources.

Nonetheless, the country also has attractions during the rainy months, when the landscape transforms into a green and exuberant environment. This stage is especially valued by ornithology enthusiasts and landscape photographers, due to the particular light and the birth of the young of various species. The choice will, therefore, depend on whether one prefers fauna visibility or the vividness of a natural environment in full growth.

Season	Months	Typical Weather	What to Expect	Tourist Influx
Spring	Mar – May	Transition from rainy to dry; moderate temperatures and clear days.	Landscapes still green after the rains, with animals beginning to seek permanent water sources.	Medium ⭐⭐
Summer	Jun – Aug	Dry and sunny; mild days but very cold nights and early mornings.	Maximum visibility of fauna in the Okavango Delta and Chobe. Water scarcity facilitates sightings.	High ⭐⭐⭐
Autumn	Sep – Nov	Intense heat and very dry atmosphere; first isolated rains towards the end of the period.	Great predator activity near water holes and excellent visibility of elephants and large herbivores.	Medium-High ⭐⭐⭐
Winter	Dec – Feb	Rainy season; high temperatures, humidity, and frequent storms.	Very green landscapes, observation of migratory birds, and breeding season for many mammals.	Low ⭐

🗣️ Basic Vocabulary

Although English is the official language of Botswana and is used in most hotels and tourist services, Setswana is the national language spoken by most of the population. Knowing some basic expressions will help you show respect for the local culture and facilitate a more cordial connection with the people you meet during the trip.

It is not necessary to master the grammar, but using greetings or words of thanks in Setswana is usually very well received in markets, villages, or when interacting with accommodation staff. Here are some practical terms for your daily life:

Dumela: Hello (to address one person).
Dumelang: Hello (to greet a group of people).
Ke a leboga: Thank you.
Tswee-tswee: Please.
Ee: Yes.
Nnyaya: No.
Go siame: It is fine / Okay (also used for saying goodbye).
A o bua Sekgoa?: Do you speak English?