Botswana tours & holidays

As one of Africa’s sunniest countries, Botswana is a true year-round destination. Most of the country experiences a semi-arid climate with a cool, dry season winter from April to October and a hot, wet summer from November to March. 

In winter, daytime temperatures hover in the low to mid-20s, while nights can dip to freezing temperatures in desert areas. However, stargazing in the Makgadikgadi Pan is at its best thanks to clear skies and virtually no rainfall. Wildlife is also easier to spot as animals gather around permanent water sources like the Chobe River and the Okavango Delta. Ironically, due to seasonal floodwaters from Angola, the delta can swell to twice its size in the dry season, making it an excellent time to explore the waterways on a mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe. 

Summer, also known as the green season, brings frequent heavy showers and hot temperatures. Wildlife tends to disperse across the parks and some animals can be harder to spot, but you’ll still see plenty – including adorable newborns as the wet season is also the birthing season. The arid Makgadikgadi Pans also burst with fresh grass, attracting zebras, wildebeest, flamingos and various migratory birds.

Learn more about the best time to visit Botswana

The land that is now Botswana has been inhabited by Indigenous groups, including the San people, for thousands of years. Later, around 200 to 500 AD, Bantu-speaking tribes migrated to the area from regions now known as Zambia and Congo.

In 1885, the British established the Bechuanaland Protectorate to protect the region from Boer and German expansion. This colonial status remained until the nationalist movements of the mid-20th century led to an internal push for independence. Botswana gained independence from Britain on September 30 1966. 

The discovery of diamonds in 1967 propelled Botswana’s economy. The diamond industry still forms a large portion of export revenue, but other sectors like tourism and beef exports have diversified the economy.

Today, many ethnic groups live in Botswana, with the Tswana being the largest. Each group has its own culture, traditions and customs, but formal greetings, respect for others and politeness are highly valued by Botswanan society at large. Visitors will find locals to be warm and welcoming, often extending hospitality to travellers.

Landlocked Botswana sits in Southern Africa and is bordered by Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Aside from some hilly areas in the southeast, most of Botswana is flat, with a unique topography of deserts, wetlands, salt pans and tablelands. 

The Kalahari Desert covers about 70% of the country. Unlike the name suggests, it’s far from dry and lifeless. Its mix of grassland, bush savanna and salt flats attracts abundant wildlife. In fact, the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans are some of the largest salt flats in the world.

In the northwest, Botswana offers every shade of green in the mighty Okavango Delta. Spanning 16,000 square kilometres – and even bigger during the seasonal floodwaters – this ecosystem is the world's largest inland delta and a refuge for a huge range of wildlife.

Foods to try in Botswana

1. Seswaa

Botswana's national dish is slow-cooked shredded beef served with cabbage and pap, a savoury cornmeal porridge.

2. Bush tea

Also known as rooibos, this red-hued tea is drunk widely throughout Southern Africa. Pure, natural, high in antioxidants and void of caffeine, locals drink it everywhere, from city cafes to village huts.

3. Morogo

This side dish of steamed leafy greens sauteed with garlic, onion and tomato is a staple in Botswana and other parts of Southern Africa.

4. Dikgobe

This comforting dish of beans cooked with sorghum, onions, tomatoes and spices is delicious on its own, but it is usually served with grilled meat.

5. Fresh fruit

Fresh produce in Botswana is good, but melons are generally the stand out. For a cheap and healthy snack, try watermelon, marula or lerotse, which can be found at markets and street stalls.

Animals to spot in Botswana

1. African elephant

Botswana is home to the world's largest population of African elephants. Nothing beats encountering a herd of these majestic beasts while on safari. 

2. Cape vulture

This endangered species is fully protected in Botswana, although the global population has sadly been in decline for years. This imposing bird plays an important part in the food chain and can be found throughout Botswana. See them while you can. 

3. Chacma baboon

Botswana's largest primate belongs to the old-world monkey family and can be found in the Okavango Delta. With a distinctive dog-like face and very sharp teeth, they aren't beauty pageant contenders but have a lovable charm of their own.

4. Flamingo

One of the most curiously beautiful birds in Africa, pink flamingos can be found in the salt pans and wetlands of the north. Try to catch them in all their blush-pink avian glory.

5. Lesser bushbaby

The nocturnal bushbaby is a distant relative of the lemur and can be found in the northern parts of Botswana. While hard to spot, you can usually hear them crying out from the trees in the night.

6. Lion

Time stands still when a pride of regal lions present themselves. Watch safari-goers and other animals stop in their tracks and collectively hold their breath in respect (and fear) for these beautiful beasts. 

7. Kori bustard

Large populations of the world's heaviest flying bird live in Botswana and are easily spotted due to their large, crested head. Although capable of flight, the kori bustard usually hangs out on the ground foraging for lizards and insects.

8. Zebra

Zebras can be found in the reserves, parks and bush, and due to their zany black and white coat, they're not hard to spot. 

9. Black mamba snake

While we hope there are no close encounters with this highly venomous snake, they're worth mentioning as the black mamba is abundant in Botswana and is known for being one of the most dangerous snakes in the world.

10. Rhino

Botswana has many sanctuaries dedicated to preserving endangered animals, and the community-based Khama Rhino Sanctuary is an excellent example of how the decline of a species can be reversed. See rare black and white rhinos here and marvel at their strength and enormity.

You’ll find ATMs in Botswana's big cities, airports and tourist towns, and most major banks accept international cards like Visa and MasterCard. When you travel to smaller towns, rural areas and national parks, finding ATMs can be harder.

Credit cards are usually accepted by large hotels and Western-style restaurants, but not always by smaller vendors. Ensure you carry enough cash for everyday purchases.