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Botswana FAQ

Is tipping customary in Botswana?

Although tipping isn’t mandatory in Botswana, a little generosity will be positively received by locals. Setting aside a small amount for porters, guides and drivers is wise, as is leaving spare change or rounding up the bill at restaurants. Restaurants and cafes in urban areas may expect a further 10% added to the bill.

What is the internet access like in Botswana?

Travellers will have access to internet cafes in Botswana’s larger cities, but limited to no access should be expected in rural areas and national parks.

Can I use my mobile/cell phone while in Botswana?

Mobile phone coverage is good in Botswana’s larger cities and towns but less so in rural areas. Ensure you have global roaming activated before leaving home if you wish to use your mobile phone.

What are the toilets like in Botswana?

Botswana has a combination of modern flushable toilets and squat/pit toilets, depending on where you are travelling and staying. Generally, large hotels, modern restaurants and city cafes have flushable toilets, while remote areas like national parks, campgrounds and villages typically have squat toilets.

What will it cost for a…?

Soft Drink = 2 BWP
Snack = 4.50 BWP
Bottle of beer = 5 BWP
Basic Lunch = 15-20 BWP
Dinner at a restaurant = 55-100 BWP

Can I drink the water in Botswana?

Drinking tap water isn't recommended in Botswana. For environmental reasons, try to avoid buying bottled water. Instead, fill a reusable water bottle or canteen with filtered water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found, some hotels we stay in may have drinking water available. It's also advisable to avoid ice in drinks and peel fruit and vegetables before eating.

Are credit cards accepted widely in Botswana?

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels, modern shops and western-style restaurants but not by smaller vendors. Ensure you have adequate cash to cover purchases not able to be made on credit.

What is ATM access like in Botswana?

You will be able to find ATMs in the big cities, airports and regional towns of Botswana. Rural areas, national parks and small villages will have limited to no ATMs, so be sure to carry other payment options before travelling out of the big cities.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Botswana?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

What public holidays are celebrated in Botswana?

Jan 1-2 New Year’s Days
Apr 6 Easter
May 1 Labour Day
May 17 Ascension Day
Jul 15 President’s Day
Jul 20 Sir Seretse Khama Day
Sep 30 Botswana Day
Dec 25 Christmas Day
Dec 26 Boxing Day

Please note these dates are for 2012. For a current list of public holidays go to: http://www.worldtravelguide.net/botswana/public-holidays

Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • BOTSWANA:
    Citizens of Australia, UK, and the US don't need visas to visit Botswana as a tourist for up to three months. Citizens of other countries, including most EU countries, should check with the relevant consulates as to whether a visa is required.

    Entry Requirements :
    If you are arriving from a country where yellow fever is endemic, you will be required to present a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to be allowed entry into Botswana.

    We have received unconfirmed reports from our local operator that as of December 1st, 2012 all foreign tourists under the age of 16yrs will be required to carry a copy of their birth certificate in order to enter Botswana. We recommend that passengers under the age of 16yrs carry a copy of their birth certificate just in case.

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Botswana at a glance

  • 28
  • Gaborone (population 138,000)
  • 2 million
  • English, Setswana
  • BWP
  • (GMT+02:00) Windhoek
  • Type D (Old British 3-pin), Type G (Irish/British 3-pin), Type M (see D)
  • +267

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