Botswana Travel Guide - Attractions, What to See, Do, Costs, FAQs

Botswana's history is rich and complex, shaped by indigenous peoples, European colonization, and the struggle for independence. The area that is now Botswana was inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the San people, for thousands of years before the arrival of Europeans.

In the 19th century, European explorers, missionaries, and traders began to venture into the region, establishing trade routes and missionary settlements. Botswana's modern history is closely tied to the rise of the Tswana-speaking people and the establishment of powerful chiefdoms, such as the Bamangwato and the Bangwaketse.

Botswana gained independence from British colonial rule in 1966 and became a republic, with Seretse Khama serving as its first president. Since independence, Botswana has enjoyed political stability, economic growth, and social progress, earning it a reputation as one of Africa's success stories.

Discovering the Geography of Botswana:

Botswana is a landlocked country located in Southern Africa, bordered by Namibia to the west and north, Zimbabwe to the northeast, and South Africa to the south and southeast. The country's geography is characterized by vast semi-arid savannas, the Kalahari Desert, and the Okavango Delta, one of the largest inland deltas in the world.

The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, hippos, and crocodiles. The delta's annual floodwaters create a mosaic of channels, lagoons, and islands, making it a haven for wildlife and a popular destination for safari adventures.

Tourist Destinations/Attractions of Botswana:

1. Okavango Delta: The Okavango Delta is Botswana's most iconic attraction, offering unparalleled opportunities for wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and water-based activities such as mokoro (dugout canoe) safaris and boat cruises.
2. Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park is renowned for its large elephant herds and diverse wildlife populations, including buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope. Visitors can enjoy game drives, boat safaris on the Chobe River, and guided walks in the park's pristine wilderness.
3. Moremi Game Reserve: Moremi Game Reserve is located within the Okavango Delta and is home to a wide variety of habitats, from floodplains and lagoons to forests and savannas. The reserve offers excellent game viewing opportunities, with sightings of predators such as lions, leopards, and wild dogs, as well as abundant birdlife.
4. Makgadikgadi Pans: The Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast network of salt pans in northeastern Botswana, covering an area larger than Switzerland. Visitors can explore the otherworldly landscape of the pans, go quad biking or horseback riding, and witness the annual migration of zebras and wildebeest.
5. Central Kalahari Game Reserve: The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the largest game reserve in Botswana, encompassing vast stretches of pristine wilderness and desert landscapes. Visitors can experience the solitude and beauty of the Kalahari Desert, encounter unique desert-adapted wildlife, and learn about the traditional culture of the San people.

Travel Plan for Botswana Tourists:

Day 1-2: Arrival in Maun, the gateway to the Okavango Delta, and transfer to a safari lodge or camp. Spend the first day relaxing and acclimating to the surroundings.

Day 3-4: Embark on a mokoro safari or boat cruise in the Okavango Delta, exploring the maze of waterways and encountering wildlife such as elephants, hippos, and crocodiles.

Day 5-6: Transfer to Kasane and explore Chobe National Park on game drives and boat safaris. Witness the incredible diversity of wildlife, including large herds of elephants and buffalo.

Day 7-8: Journey to Moremi Game Reserve and enjoy guided game drives and nature walks in search of predators and other wildlife species. Experience the tranquility of the Okavango Delta and its pristine wilderness.

Day 9-10: Visit the Makgadikgadi Pans and embark on quad biking or horseback riding excursions across the vast salt pans. Witness the breathtaking beauty of the pans and marvel at the abundance of wildlife.

Day 11-12: Explore the Central Kalahari Game Reserve and immerse yourself in the solitude and grandeur of the Kalahari Desert. Encounter desert-adapted wildlife and learn about the traditional culture of the San people.

Best Activities to Do in Botswana:

1. Game drives: Explore Botswana's national parks and game reserves on guided game drives, where you can encounter a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and cheetahs.
2. Boat safaris: Cruise along the waterways of the Okavango Delta and the Chobe River on boat safaris, offering unique perspectives and opportunities to observe aquatic wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, and water birds.
3. Mokoro safaris: Embark on traditional mokoro safaris, gliding silently through the waterways of the Okavango Delta in dugout canoes guided by experienced polers. Experience the tranquility of the delta and encounter wildlife up close.
4. Cultural experiences: Learn about the rich cultural heritage of Botswana through cultural experiences such as village visits, traditional dance performances, and interactions with local communities.
5. Stargazing: Experience the unparalleled beauty of the night sky in Botswana's remote wilderness areas, where minimal light pollution allows for exceptional stargazing opportunities. Marvel at the millions of stars overhead and learn about the constellations from knowledgeable guides.

Botswana Travel Package Costing:

The cost of a travel package to Botswana varies depending on factors such as accommodation, transportation, activities, and duration of the trip. Here's a rough estimate to help you plan your budget:

1. Flights: Prices for round-trip flights to Maun or Kasane, Botswana's main entry points for safari travel, can range from $1000 to $2000 or more, depending on the departure location, time of booking, and airline.
2. Accommodation: Safari lodges and tented camps in Botswana offer a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
3. Budget accommodations: Budget travelers can find comfortable guesthouses, campsites, and budget lodges starting from $50 to $150 per night.
4. Mid-range accommodations: Mid-range safari lodges and tented camps offer comfortable amenities and personalized service, with prices typically ranging from $200 to $500 per night.
5. Luxury accommodations: Luxury safari lodges and luxury tented camps provide exclusive experiences, gourmet dining, and top-notch service, with prices starting from $600 to $1500 or more per night.
6. Transportation: Local transportation within Botswana, such as transfers between safari lodges and game drives, is usually included in safari packages. For self-drive safaris or private transfers, rental car costs or private driver fees can range from $100 to $300 per day, depending on the vehicle type and rental company.
7. Activities: Safari activities such as game drives, boat safaris, mokoro safaris, and guided nature walks are typically included in safari packages. Optional activities such as scenic flights over the Okavango Delta or cultural experiences may incur additional costs, ranging from $50 to $200 per person, depending on the activity and duration.

Overall, a week-long safari trip to Botswana for two people can cost anywhere from $3000 to $8000 or more, excluding international flights, depending on your choice of accommodation, activities, and level of luxury.

Top 5 Hotels & Resorts in Botswana:

1. Mombo Camp: Located in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Mombo Camp is renowned for its luxurious accommodations, exceptional wildlife sightings, and personalized service. The camp features spacious tented suites, gourmet dining, and guided game drives led by expert rangers.
2. Sanctuary Chief's Camp: Situated on Chief's Island in the Moremi Game Reserve, Sanctuary Chief's Camp offers elegant tented accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and unparalleled game viewing opportunities. Guests can enjoy guided safaris, bush walks, and cultural experiences in the heart of the Okavango Delta.
3. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge: Nestled on a private island in the Okavango Delta, Belmond Eagle Island Lodge offers exclusive accommodations, fine dining, and thrilling safari adventures. The lodge features luxurious tented suites with private plunge pools, as well as guided game drives, boat safaris, and mokoro excursions.
4. Chobe Game Lodge: Located on the banks of the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, Chobe Game Lodge is the only permanent lodge within the park. The lodge offers spacious accommodations, river-facing suites, and panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. Guests can enjoy guided game drives, boat safaris, and sunset cruises in search of Chobe's abundant wildlife.
5. Kalahari Plains Camp: Situated in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Kalahari Plains Camp offers a unique desert safari experience amidst the vast expanses of the Kalahari Desert. The camp features stylish tented accommodations, gourmet dining, and guided game drives to observe desert-adapted wildlife such as lions, cheetahs, and meerkats.

Customer FAQs related to Botswana:

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Botswana is generally considered safe for tourists, with low crime rates and a stable political environment. However, it's essential to take common-sense precautions and follow local advice, especially in remote wilderness areas where wildlife encounters are possible.

What is the best time to visit Botswana?

The best time to visit Botswana depends on the type of safari experience you're seeking. The dry season (May to October) is ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals congregate around water sources, making them easier to spot. The wet season (November to April) offers lush landscapes, birdwatching opportunities, and the chance to witness the Okavango Delta floodwaters.

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?

Most visitors to Botswana do not require a visa for short stays (up to 90 days) for tourism purposes. However, it's essential to check the specific visa requirements based on your nationality before traveling to Botswana.

What currency is used in Botswana?

The official currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP). US dollars and South African Rand are also widely accepted in tourist establishments, but it's recommended to carry local currency for small purchases and transactions.

What languages are spoken in Botswana?

The official language of Botswana is English, and it's widely spoken throughout the country, especially in urban areas and tourist destinations. Setswana is the national language of Botswana and is also widely spoken by the local population.