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Travel Tips

Practical advice and local know-how for first-time visitors.

Everything you need before you go: money, visas, transport, culture, safety, and planning tips for a better trip.

Travel style

Safari, City & Road trips

Best season

May - October

Currency

Botswana pula (BWP)

Language

English, Setswana

Driving side

Left

Emergency

999 Police, 997 Ambulance

Guide

What every first-time visitor should know before arrival.

This page helps you plan your trip with practical advice for transport, money, visas, and local customs.

Start with current travel advisories, know your route, and book key transfers early - especially in peak safari season.

Top tip

Book safari and transfers in advance during May-October.

Local phrase

Dumela means hello.

Stay flexible

Road conditions and weather can change plans quickly.

Money

How to handle currency, payments, tipping, and budget planning.

Botswana uses the pula. Credit cards work in hotels and major lodges, but cash is essential in remote areas.

Carry some local currency for markets, tips, and smaller vendors. ATMs are available in Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and larger towns.

Backpacker

$40-80 per day

Mid-range

$100-250 per day

Luxury

$500-2,000+ per day

Visa

Entry requirements, eVisa, and current rules to check before travel.

Some nationalities travel visa-free for short tourist stays, while others need a visa before arrival.

Always confirm current requirements with your nearest embassy before booking flights.

Check first

Verify your passport requirements at least 8 weeks before travel.

eVisa

Available for eligible nationalities via government portal.

Travel documents

Carry passport, visa documents, and return ticket details.

Sights

Top destinations and the experiences visitors love most.

Botswana is famous for the Okavango Delta, Chobe, and the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.

Plan your itinerary around safari, river cruises, cultural visits, or remote wilderness camps.

Okavango

World-class wildlife and mokoro canoe trips.

Chobe

Elephant herds and river safaris.

Salt Pans

Vast landscapes and starry nights.

Hotels

Where to stay, from luxury lodges to budget guesthouses.

Luxury lodges are a signature safari experience, but there are also comfortable hotels and guesthouses.

Book early for peak season and ask whether transfers are included.

Luxury

Okavango lodges and private concessions.

Mid-range

Hotels in Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone.

Budget

Guesthouses and hostels in towns.

Food

Eating well: local specialties, markets, and trusted restaurants.

Restaurants in cities serve international cuisine, while camps offer fresh local menus.

Try local dishes like seswaa, pap, and morogo.

Try

Seswaa beef stew and pap.

Drink

Bottled water outside major hotels.

Markets

Buy snacks and local crafts in town markets.

Transport

Flights, road travel, taxis, and local transfer tips.

Domestic flights connect key safari gateways, but road travel is often most flexible.

Use registered taxis in towns and pre-book lodge transfers.

Flights

Fast connections between Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone.

Car rental

4x4 recommended for remote areas.

Taxis

Agree the fare before travel if meters are unavailable.

Culture

Local customs, languages, and respectful travel behavior.

Botswana is known for warm hospitality and respect for community values.

English is widely spoken in tourism areas, and Setswana is the national language.

Hello

Dumela.

Thank you

Ke a leboga.

Respect

Ask before photographing people.

Safety

Staying safe in cities, safari areas, and during travel.

Botswana is generally safe, but stay vigilant with valuables in towns.

Follow lodge guidance in wildlife areas and avoid isolated places after dark.

Wildlife

Never leave your vehicle in parks without permission.

Cities

Be careful using ATMs and avoid isolated areas at night.

Insurance

Purchase travel insurance with evacuation coverage.

Health

Vaccines, malaria risk, and emergency medical planning.

Bring prescription medications in original packaging.

Consult a travel clinic before your trip for recommended vaccinations.

Insurance

Cover medical evacuation and safari care.

Water

Drink bottled or filtered water outside major hotels.

Insects

Use repellent and close windows when mosquitoes are active.

Emergency

Numbers, contacts, and what to do if you need help.

Keep emergency numbers and your embassy contacts handy.

Many remote lodges provide a medical liaison service.

Police

999.

Ambulance

997.

Fire

998.

FAQs

Common travel questions answered quickly.

These quick answers cover the most common questions for first-time visitors.

Cash

Bring enough pula for remote areas.

Tipping

Yes, it is appreciated in lodges and restaurants.

Getting around

Use flights, private transfers, or 4x4 rentals.