Botswana is home to many top tourist attractions centered around safari experiences and outdoor activities, notably the Okavango Delta, one of the largest wetlands in the world – an oasis in a harsh, arid desert; the world’s third-largest safari, Etosha Tours, which offers wildlife experiences and natural beauty; and the popular Chobe National Park.
1. Botswana Quick Facts
Language English / Tswana
Religion Christianity
Currency Botswana Pula (BWP, P)
Visa 90 free visa
Power Plugs 230 V 50 Hz (D/G/M Type)
Capital Gaborone
ATM ATM are also easily found throughout the city, allowing you to withdraw money in local currency using your credit or debit card.
Use card Unlike the rest of Africa, there are many places where you can use your card.
APP
Google Maps
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
New member one-time use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
3. Transportation
Mini Bus Fee P 8.00 per way
Shared taxi P 7.00
Special Taxi P 33.00
Long distance (bitumen road) 35 thebe per km
Long distance (gravel and sandy road) 38 thebe per km
*For more information please contact the Public Relations Office at 3911758 or 73972391.
*100 thebe = 1 Pula
4.Safety
Ranked 31st in the world’s corruption index, Botswana is one of Africa’s most democratic and safe tourist destinations, and unlike other African countries, it is not at risk of civil strife or war.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police: 999
Ambulance: 997
Fire Service: 998
General emergency number: 911
National dialling code: 267
5. Climate
It experiences two distinct seasons. These are the dry and rainy seasons.
The dry season typically lasts from April to October and is characterised by clear skies and very little rain. In the desert regions of Botswana during this season, temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius during the day and drop below freezing at night.The rainy season in Botswana typically runs from November to March, with the highest rainfall occurring from December to February. During this time, temperatures are still relatively comfortable, but the humidity is higher, making it feel hotter.
6. price
Botswana is a middle-income country with a relatively high cost of living compared to many other African countries, so things can be more expensive than in other African countries.
Petrol (1 liter) P 13
McDonald’s Combo Meal : P 78
Water (1.5 liters) : P 12
Milk (1 liter) : P 1
7. Travel precautions
Botswana has good relations with its neighbours, with the exception of Zimbabwe.
Please follow the instructions of your safari guide, it is very dangerous to venture out of the vehicle and you could be killed.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Pointing and using the left hand in general is frowned upon and you will often see people avoiding direct eye contact.
Greeting is an important social event. Greet people by waving or, if you are close to them, hugging them.
Tip
Tipping is not compulsory in Botswana, but it is recommended that you tip around 10% for good service. You can also tip safari guides and camp staff as follows:
US$10 per guest per day for a group guide
US$20 per guest per day for a private guide
US$5 per guest per day for mokoro polers, trackers or a butler
US$5 per guest per day for the general staff
*Mokoro polers refers to people who pilot mokoros, traditional boats used in the Okavango Delta region
10. Holidays
The following are the national public holidays for 2024:
1 Jan Mon New Year’s Day
2 Jan Tue New Year Holiday
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
30 Mar Sat Easter Saturday
1 Apr Mon Easter Monday
1 May Wed Labour Day
9 May Thu Ascension Day
1 Jul Mon Sir Seretse Khama Day
15 Jul Mon President’s Day
16 Jul Tue President’s Day Holiday
30 Sep Mon Botswana Day
1 Oct Tue Botswana Day Holiday
25 Dec Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Wednesday, 1 January : New Year’s Day
Thursday, 2 January : New Year Holiday
Friday, 18 April : Good Friday
Saturday, 19 April : Easter Saturday
Monday, 21 April : Easter Monday
Thursday, 1 May : Labour Day
Thursday, 29 May : Ascension Day
Tuesday, 1 July: Sir Seretse Khama Day
Monday, 21 July: President’s Day
Tuesday, 22 July: President’s Day Holiday
Tuesday, 30 September : Botswana Day
Wednesday, 1 October : Botswana Day Holiday
Thursday, 25 December: Christmas Day
Friday, 26 December: Boxing Day