About Botswana

Botswana is world-famous for its prime game reserves and rich natural splendor. With a range of activities and attractions available, Botswana budget travel offers the best of Africa's top game areas.

Botswana Budget Travel

Below is a list of Botswana's top destinations, click on the link to view all details and tours.

Chobe National Park, Gaborone, Moremi Wildlife Reserve, Okavango Delta, Savuti National Park

Fast Facts

Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)

Dialing Code
267

AIDS

With a shocking 23% of the adult population facing Botswana HIV/AIDS, this disease is Botswana's biggest health threat and is increasing each year. Travellers to Botswana only face risk of HIV or AIDS exposure through sexual relations with an infected partner, or through a blood transplant with infected blood or needles.

Airports

Botswana airports include:
• Sir Seretse Khama International - Gaborone Airport
• Maun International Airport
• Kasane Airport
• Francistown Airport

Birdlife

Botswana birdlife includes a diverse range of mostly non-endemic species spanning across the country's diverse habitats. Bird safaris are highly popular in Botswana, and the country offers some of the best bird watching experiences in Southern Africa. Binoculars are essential to ensure that you spot some of these beautiful birds on your Botswana travels!

Conservation

Botswana conservation projects are progressive and numerous, and the country widely regarded as one of Africa's best examples of optimal conservation management. With a large percentage of land set aside for conservation areas, and careful management and planning, Botswana’s strong conservation efforts ensure that the environment is protected and that visitors to the country have the best possible safari experiences.

Culture

Botswana cultures include the following:
• Literature plays an important role in current and historical cultures
• Sports is an important current culture
• Arts and crafts also plays a large role in Botswana culture
• Music and drama have been a part of Botswana culture for centuries

Customs

Botswana customs allows for free import of the follow for travelers over 18 year old:
• 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
• 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits
• 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette
• Cameras must be declared on arrival
• Currency must be declared on arrival

Health

Botswana health concerns are largely restricted to malaria and AIDS, and with clean drinking water, modern cities with a range of pharmacies, doctors and healthcare facilities, minor ailments can be easily treated on your Botswana holiday. Smaller rural areas may not offer these facilities and standards however, so it is best to be cautious on your travels through the country.

Innoculations

The following inoculations are required when visiting Botswana:
• Diphtheria
• Hepatitis A & B
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Typhoid
• Yellow Fever

Languages

Botswana languages include the following:
• English 2.1%
• Tswana 78.2% (official language)
• Ikalanga 7.9%
• Sekgalagadi 2.8%
• Other/unspecified 9%

Malaria

Botswana malaria medication includes:
• Mefloquine (Lariam)
• Atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone)
• Doxycycline

Money

Botswana money and banking information is as follows:
• The currency is the Pula and Thembe
• Credit cards and debit cards are widely acceptable in bigger cities
• There is a range of places to exchange money, especially in the cities
• There are a number of banks within the larger towns and cities
• Travellers cheques are widely accepted at most restaurants, lodges and shops

People

Botswana people include the following groups:
• Tswana 79%
• Kalanga 11%
• Basarwa 3%
• Kgalagadi 3%
• White African 3%
• Other 1%

Phrase

Botswana local phrases in Tswana include:
• Hello - Dumela
• How are you? - O kae?
• I am fine - Ke teng
• Please - Tsweetswee
• Thank you - Ke a leboga

Plants

Botswana plant life is fairly diverse, with a large majority of desert vegetation and savannas to be found as well as denser plant species near water sources. Many plants are edible, and the Kalahari San tribes have been using many species for centuries to treat illnesses and ailments. Never attempt to eat any plant without a knowledgeable guide however, as some may be poisonous.

Population

A 2006 UN estimate puts the population in Botswana at 1,639,833.

Religion

Religious groups in Botswana include:
• Christian 71.6%
• Badimo 6%
• Islam 2%
• Other/None 20.6%

Safety Tips

Botswana safety tips include the following:
• Botswana is a safe country to travel but it is best to follow basic precautions
• Do not walk around with valuables or leave valuables unattended
• Avoid walking around alone at night, especially in the cities
• Watch out for cattle and wildlife on the roads when driving
• Be careful on safari and do not wander away from camps alone in primary game areas

Transport

Botswana local transport options include:
• Car
• Bus
• Train
• Taxi
• Hitchhiking

Travel Books

Recommended travel books for Botswana include the following:
• Botswana Globetrotter Travel Guide by Alan Brough
• Botswana and Namibia by Lonely Planet
• Botswana: Bradt Travel Guide by Chris McIntyre
• Botswana: The Insider's Guide by Ian Michler

Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for Botswana are fairly basic, and a large number of international countries will not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Visitors who do need to arrange a visa can do so fairly easily before travelling to Botswana, and visas take a short time to be processed.

What To Buy

What to buy for Botswana safaris:
• Good sturdy backpack and a decent moneybag
• Plug adaptor (especially UK and US travelers)
• Malaria medication and vitamins
• Guide book and map for Botswana
• Insect repellent

What To Pack

What to pack for Botswana safaris:
• Lightweight, loose clothing with long sleeves to keep out mosquitoes
• Comfortable walking shoes as well as sandals
• Swimming costume and towel
• Camera and binoculars, plus spare batteries and film or memory card
• Warm jacket for winter months
• Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

When To Go

When to go to Botswana:
• Botswana is a year-round travel destination
• Dry winter (May to October) is best for game viewing
• Wet summer (November to April) is best for bird watching
• Wet summer is best for Kalahari areas with calving antelope
• November to April is best for photography, with new babies and beautiful fresh scenery

Wildlife

Botswana is one of Southern Africa's premier game viewing destinations, and for good reason. This beautiful country has a wide diversity of ecosystems spanning from deltas to desert, and offers some of the most abundant game areas in Africa. Botswana wildlife viewing and safaris remain one of the highlights of any African overland experience.