Botswana 

Welcome to beautiful Botswana!

One of Africa's most popular safari destinations, the land-locked country of Botswana is home to some of the most incredible and plentiful wildlife on the continent. Almost 80% of the country is covered by the vastness of the Kalahari desert, but in the middle of this mostly parched and arid landscape is one of the wonders of the natural world - a river that never reaches the sea but that instead spills its waters into the Kalahari basin, flooding it with life-giving water and creating one of the most iconic and beautiful places on Planet Earth - the Okavango Delta.


Fed by rainfall in the Angolan highlands, the Kavango River empties into a distinctive alluvial fan that can be seen from space. This seasonal flood - which reaches the Delta between March and June each year, peaking in July, coincides with the height of the dry season, creating a pristine 15,000 sq km wilderness that's also one of the world's greatest wetlands and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


The rising waters bring with them mass migrations of plains game and the Delta is home to huge herds of elephant and buffalo, as well as a diverse array of predator species including lion, leopard, serval, caracal, cheetah and African wild cat, as well as the painted wolf (African wild dog), which move between its islands in search of prey like the red lechwe, puku, zebra and wildebeest.


From Shakawe up on the northern panhandle down to the bustling safari town of Maun at its southern tip, the Delta offers incredible safari lodges and camps allowing visitors to immerse themselves in wild Africa at its very best.


While the Okavango is undoubtedly Botswana's main tourism hotspot, this country also has more to offer the avid Safari goer, providing for a varied and exciting African safari. From the breathtaking Chobe National Park and the marshes of Savuti, Selinda and the Linyanti region in the north to the vast Makgadikgadi Pans, the arid Central Kalahari and the Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park, Botswana is blessed with superlative game viewing and a diverse range of accommodation options, from rustic bush camps to luxury lodges. 


Botswana is also one of the world's leading sustainable and responsible tourism destinations and has pioneered the concept of high-end, low-impact tourism that directly benefits Botswana's people as well as its celebrated, but fragile eco-systems. Whether you are camping out on Kubu Island in the Makgadikgadi or pampering yourself in a luxurious, exclusive lodge in the heart of the Delta, your safari package will be contributing to both conservation and communities.

  • Mokoro ride

    Okavango Delta

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    • Why Go?

    If you are looking for a 100% authentic African safari experience, then Botswana is most definitely the destination of choice. Its wilderness areas are beyond compare and will connect you with the beating heart of the African bush as well as giving you the opportunity to view iconic wildlife species at incredibly close quarters.


    Here at Best African Safaris we specialise in giving our clients unique access to Botswana, thanks to our considerable experience and years of exploring this wonderful African nation. It's this expertise that allows us to offer you unparalleled access to some of Botswana's most unique and unbeatable safari destinations and experiences.


    All of our Botswana tours are personally guided and tailored to include destinations that will give you one of the most extraordinary safaris Africa has to offer. They are filled with incredible activities, from walking safaris and helicopter flips to mokoro adventures and quad-biking across the Makgadikgadi Pans.


    Meet Africa's First People - the San bushmen - with interactive cultural tours that will teach you more about their fascinating heritage and traditions and explore the arid expanses of the Kalahari where the beautiful black-maned lions roam.


    Botswana is a photographer's dream and no matter whether you're a keen amateur, a semi-pro or seasoned professional, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to subject matter. Cruise the waters of the Chobe River capturing yellow-billed storks on their nests and African fish eagles in flight, or zoom in on the enormous herds of elephant and buffalo that make Chobe National Park legendary the world over. Or just sit quietly on an evening in the Okavango Delta and marvel at the billions of stars overhead...


    Talk to us today about putting together your next safari to Botswana...

    Botswana - Want to find out more? 

    Enquire Now

    Where To Go

    Makgadikgadi Pans

    Makgadikgadi Pans

    By Alec Green • 03 Dec, 2020
    The world's largest salt pans are also the most spectacular, the Makgadikgadi stretches beyond the horizon and is dotted with mysterious, other worldly islands that are home to ancient baobabs and dramatic rock formations.
    The Okavango Delta

    The Okavango Delta

    By Alec Green • 03 Dec, 2020
    One of the wonders of the natural world, Botswana's Okavango Delta is an African Eden, filled with a rich diversity of wildlife and beautiful beyond compare.
    Chobe National Park

    Chobe National Park

    By Alec Green • 11 Oct, 2020
    Famous for its huge herds of elephant and buffalo, Chobe National Park is one of Botswana's best-loved safari destinations, offering outstanding game viewing.
    Central Kalahari

    Central Kalahari

    By Alec Green • 11 Oct, 2020
    This vast arid landscape is home to some of the most unique, desert-adapted wildlife species in Africa. The largest national park in Botswana, it's also an ancestral homeland of the San bushmen.

    When To Go

    A handy guide to what to expect from the weather, daily temperatures and information to help you plan the perfect Botswana safari with us...

    • December, January and February (Summer)

      What to expect


      January is very hot all over Botswana, to the point of being almost uncomfortable. You can expect average temperatures of between 30°C and 40°C. Summer is also the rainy season so expect heavy downpours.


      January is low season and not so crowded. Bring a hat and extra sunscreen, it will be essential during the summer months. Mosquito activity is very high, please seek medical advice on malaria prophylaxes before your trip.


      If it’s a last-minute thing, we can recommend some travel clinics that will be able to accommodate your requests.


      The summer rains attract large grazing herds to the suddenly verdant grasslands of the Central Kalahari, Makgadikgadi pans and the Savuti plains. Wildlife viewing in these areas can be spectacular, with plenty of predator activity against a stunning backdrop of grassy, water-filled pans and towering thunderclouds. It’s also the prime birding season. February is lamb and calf season, and you will see some beautiful baby antelope.


    • March, April and May (Autumn)

      What to expect


      Temperatures drop to around 30°C with night-time temperatures around 15°C. From April onwards the rain will taper off. The cooler nights are much more comfortable and also give you the opportunity to snuggle down!


      Accommodation might become a problem as autumn school holidays in Southern Africa tend to swell tourist numbers. There is still a fair amount of mosquito activity, so prevention is highly advised.


      The April/May shoulder season is an excellent time to visit Botswana. By April, rainfall has almost completely ceased across the country. There may still be a few scattered showers.


      It’s lush and green in most places and the pans still hold some water, but what is available is getting scarcer, forcing both predators and prey to stay near the waterholes. 


      Average daytime temperatures are now about 30°C and nights hover around 15°C, which is pleasant enough for long evenings around the campfire, while also allowing for a comfortable sleep.


      By mid-April, water levels in the Okavango Delta panhandle are beginning to rise, although it takes a few months for them to filter down to the Moremi. 


      The Delta itself feels fresh and alive, with fruit-laden trees and tall, green grass as far as the eye can see. April is the start of the antelope breeding season and the well-fed male impala begin fighting it out for females.


      If you’re keen on fishing, the deeper waters of the panhandle offer bream (tilapia) from April to August. Tiger fishing is a more likely option from late August/September.


      The Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari are at their best in April. A combination of cooler weather, prolific game and lush, leafy landscapes makes this a photographer’s dream. Game is also still plentiful at the Nxai pan.


    • June, July and August (Winter)

      What to expect


      In winter and temperatures drop significantly. You can expect cooler temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. Winter is the dry season in Botswana with cool to cold weather across the country. 


      The days are comfortable, but at night the mercury plunges often to below 0°C and mornings are very chilly.


      Make sure to pack warm and bring layers, because the middle of the day can still be warm. 


      The risk for malaria is low but please consult a travel clinic before visiting. 

       

      Winter is an excellent time to visit Botswana, although the parks get busier during school holidays. These usually run from the last week of June to mid-July and campsites across Botswana book up quickly.


      Late June marks the start of the high season in Botswana and July to October is the busiest. For accommodation in the prime locations be sure to let us know your travel plans so we can make your arrangements well in advance.


      By June the pans have usually dried, forcing the animals to find more permanent water sources. They begin to congregate in large numbers along the fridges of the Okavango Delta and on the northern waterways of the Savuti channel and Chobe Linyanti river system.


      June is a great time to see African wild dogs, as they begin to search for dens for their pups.

      In the Kgalagadi and Central Kalahari, lion and other predators are never far from the permanent waterholes, and large herds of springbok and gemsbok, which can survive with limited water, can still be seen on the drying, golden plains.


    • September, October and November (Spring)

      What to expect


      September marks the start of spring but it's still dry as a bone until the rains arrive (usually in November). Temperatures slowly start to rise, with averages between 25°C and 30°C. The nights are still cool, but by November things are cooking as the heat builds up until the start of the rains.


      This is one of the busiest times for tourism in Botswana, so make sure to book your Botswana safari at this time of year well in advance.


      September is when the barbel (catfish) run in the northwest panhandle. From now to November is also the best time to catch tiger fish and the panhandle’s lodges and houseboats are at their busiest.


      In the Kalahari and Moremi, water is extremely scarce and the wildlife gravitate to the few man-made waterholes. The Kgalagadi and Nxai pans both offer oases in a dry and desolate land.


      The Kgalagadi is known for its black-maned Kalahari lions. No visit is complete without a thirsty elephant trundling through the campgrounds. 


      Northern Botswana stays completely dry during September, but the central and southern parts may receive a few scattered showers. 


      Temperatures climb rapidly throughout the month and no longer drop below 0°C, even in the Kalahari. Average lows are between 10°C and 15°C, a bit cooler in the south and warmer in the north. 


      By the end of September, the days are hot everywhere, averaging over 30°C and approaching 40°C in Maun and Kasane.


      September is another busy month in Botswana, and the popular northern camps should be booked well in advance.


      The Chobe and Linyanti rivers are especially spectacular during October and September. Thousands of animals rely on these waters for survival, especially elephants, which can drink up to 200 litres a day.


      After a long, hot day foraging for food, hundreds of elephants gather along the river, often running the last few meters, trumpeting wildly in their excitement.


      Moremi is also excellent in September, although by now the days are getting very hot. The dry, thin vegetation makes for excellent wildlife viewing and the cooler mornings and evenings are best for predator spotting as they come to the channels to drink. 


      In September, the Kalahari and pans are almost at their driest, but the October heat has yet to arrive. Wildlife viewing across the central and southern parks can be hit and miss, but the endless golden grasslands have their own beauty.


      Lurking in the grass are the Kalahari’s black-maned lions, stalking the large herds of springbok, gemsbok and red hartebeest that still roam the plains. 


      While many visitors focus on the north, the south and central parks still have a lot to offer and can be much quieter and it’s much easier to make reservations during this time.


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    Travel Advice

    Botswana Visa Requirements

    All visitors to Botswana must be in possession of a passport that is valid for at least six months, with the exception of those with outgoing travel documents and sufficient funds for the duration of their stay.


    Valid entry visas for the countries that require them can be obtained from the various Botswana embassies and high commissions abroad. Allow at least 21 working days for visa processing.


    Travellers should ensure that there are at least two blank visa pages in their passport for entry and exit stamps.


    Entry visas obtained from the border posts are valid for a maximum of 30-90 days. These border issued visas are for selected countries only so it is advisable to obtain visas before travelling.


    Extensions may be obtained from any migration office in Botswana.


    No visitor to Botswana is allowed to stay for longer than 90 days a year, unless special permission is given in the form of a waiver pending the outcome of a residence permit application.


    Passport holders of certain countries do not need a visa to enter Botswana, and exempt countries have been listed by the Embassy of the Republic of Botswan. Click here for more information.


    Travelling with children:  Minors travelling through Botswana's borders are required to produce certified copies of unabridged birth certificates in addition to their valid passports. 


    If the child is travelling with one parent, the other parent's affidavit consenting to such travel should be presented. An affidavit is not required if the father's name does not appear on the child's birth certificate. 


    Here is a summary of requirements for parents travelling with children below the age of 18:


    Valid passports;

    Certified unabridged birth certificate for all minors;

    A letter of consent from the other parent should the minor be travelling with only one parent.


    Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. It is best to consult with the high commission of the country being travelled to in the country being travelled from as requirements vary and change constantly.


    * Please note: Best African Safaris will not be held responsible for any incomplete or incorrect information regarding the visa process gathered by the traveller.

    What To Pack

    When it comes to your Botswana safari, packing your bag with everything you need is perhaps the biggest brain teaser of all! 


    What do you take with you and what do you leave behind? An easy place to start is with your luggage and making sure it's going to be right for the job...


    Bags: The ideal bag for travelling in Africa is a soft, lightweight duffel-type bag, especially if you are going to be using small charter-type planes between destinations when luggage weight is going to become an issue. 


    With small planes the usual weight allowance is between 12kg and 15kg per person. That's between 26lbs and 33lbs. 


    For your African  adventure we will tell you if there are any such restrictions on any of your connecting flights. If you are using standard commercial aircraft, or self-driving, then weight is not such an issue and a normal suitcase or travel bag will be fine. Check with your airline of choice on any limitations that may apply or ask us for advice.


    Try and choose hardy, well-made luggage that will withstand the often rough handling that airline ground handlers dish out these days. Ensure that locks conform to airport and airline security requirements and make sure that items like scissors, nail clippers and pen knives are packed in your check-in luggage. 


    Check the security requirements for cosmetics and any fluids you require for your journey. Do not pack cameras or anything valuable in your check-in luggage but rather bring valuables in your carry-on baggage. 


    Choose a lightweight, back-pack type carry-on bag and check weight restrictions with your airline.


    Clothes for the bush: There's an old saying that clothes maketh the man (or woman). Well, when it comes to Africa, clothes maketh the safari! It's important that you select the right clothing to bring with you on your safari so that you are both comfortable and dressed appropriately. 


    The main rule of thumb for safari gear is neutral colours. That generally means any shade of khaki, beige or brown! Try and avoid bright colours and white, which although cool, can make you stand out a little too much when it's important to blend in. 


    Long pants are good for walking as they protect your legs. Shorts and cut-off or "cargo" pants are also excellent choices. T-shirts, vests and long-sleeved shirts are also must-brings, as are a sweater and a fleece or wind-breaker. 


    Even in summer, early morning and late-night game drives can prove chilly, so pack for all eventualities and you should be fine. 


    Try and get your clothes to co-ordinate with one another to maximise the number of outfits you can put together and minimise your footwear to a good pair of hardy walking shoes, trainers and flip flops or sandals. 


    There's really no need for heels in the bush! And don't forget your swimsuit and a hat - one of the absolute essentials on any safari.


    When it comes to selecting your clothing think "layers" first, especially if you are travelling to Botswana in the winter months. Select items that can easily be taken off and put on to either cool down or warm up, so that you can easily adjust to the rise and fall in temperatures, particularly when on game drives...


    Equipment:  You're going to need a camera! For the non-serious photographer, choose one that is going to give you zoom capabilities in the bush for those up-close-and-personal wildlife portraits and wide angles for the incredible landscapes you're going to witness. 


    If you're more serious about your photography, then bring a range of lenses and a monopod or tripod, together with batteries or battery charger and lots of memory cards.


    A good pair of binoculars is also desirable. For the bush, something in the region of an 8 x 40 or 10 x 50 focal range should be perfect, especially if you are a keen birder. 


    It's always a good idea to bring a range of plug adapters with you - handy travel kits are widely available offering these. The voltage in Botswana is 230V / 50Hz. Most plugs are 15 amp 3-prong with round pins or 


    Bring your cellphone, tablet and laptop with you too. Cell coverage in urban areas is generally good and Wifi is widely available, but in the bush both can be non-existent! 



    Money Matters

    The currency of Botswana is the Pula. However, US dollars, euros, UK pounds and South African rand are all easy to change. 


    Foreign currency, typically US dollars, is also accepted by a number of lodges and tour operators. Chat to us about what currency is best to bring on your Botswana safari tour, and get some Pula if you can, especially for incidentals at the airports and if you spend any time in Maun or Kasane. 




    Health & Safety

    Your health: Botswana is considered one of the safest travel destinations in Africa but its always wise to take certain precautions before travelling, especially where malaria is concerned.


    Botswana is a malaria risk area. Anti-malaria medication is a must. You should start anti-malarial medication at least a week before leaving for your trip. 


    Added precautions such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants for wearing in the evenings will reduce your chances of mosquito bites. 


    Pack some mosquito repellent, cream or spray, for applying to your hands, face and neck. This will help prevent bites.


    Your safety:  Safety is always our greatest concern and although we will do all in our power to keep you safe, some basic safety elements are always good to follow.


    Crime is a global issue, and wherever you go in the world there are going to be places where criminals have a bigger foothold. 


    The crime rate in Botswana is very low and is restricted to mostly petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft from vehicles. 


    Take the usual precautions when travelling in Botswana - don't carry large amounts of cash, 

    don't leave valuables on display in a car or in your hotel room. Use safes when these are provided and when they aren't, lock them away in your luggage or keep them with you at all times. 


    Watch your valuables when you are out and about. Don't advertise what you have... These are the rules of travel the world over and not particular to Botswana.


    We want you to be safe but more importantly, we want you to FEEL safe and secure wherever you go. Ask any questions or raise any concerns and we will be delighted to set your minds at ease. 


    Safety of another sort comes into question when you are on safari in Africa's amazing wilderness areas and come into contact with wild animals. 


    Please understand that the bush is not a petting zoo and the animals you encounter are wild and each and every one of them is a potential threat if you do not treat them with the respect they deserve. 


    You will have qualified, experienced guides with you on game activities to help you understand the intricacies of wild Africa and to enlighten you on how amazing each species is, and how best to react around them. 


    Please stay to the confines of the lodges or camps you stay in and do not venture out alone. If you choose a self-drive activity, do not get out of your vehicle other than at a clearly designation viewpoint or rest camp. 


    We're on hand to help you understand the rules and get you 100% bush-wise so don't hesitate to ask for help in this regard!


    Tours & Safaris

    Check out some of our great Botswana safari ideas and ready made itineraries that are designed to help you get the best out of your Botswana  adventure...

    Five-Night Botswana Birding

    By Alec Green • 01 Feb, 2021
    Okavango Delta and Shakawe Five nights / Six days

    Six-Night Beauty of Botswana

    By Alec Green • 19 Oct, 2020
    Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park Six nights / Seven days

    Accommodation

    Your Best African Safari tour will take you to some of Botswana's best-loved lodges and camps... Here is a selection of a few of them that we use regularly in our itineraries and safari packages...

    • Camp Xakanaxa, Okavango Delta

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    • Chobe Game Lodge, Chobe National Park

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    • Xaro Lodge, Shakawe

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    Map

    Make use of our convenient and interactive map to explore the suggested hotspots and highlights for your Best African Safaris tour of Botswana!

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