Botswana
Welcome to Botswana
Although much of Botswana is covered in semi-arid sandy valleys and the Kalahari Desert, the Okavanga Delta becomes a lush animal habitat during seasonal floods, and it boasts many wildlife-rich pockets which boost its popularity as an exclusive luxury safari destination. Abundant with lions, leopards, black and white rhinos on dry land, while boat safaris along the Chobe make the most of the great opportunities for spotting hippos and crocodiles, and the abundance of birdlife.
Discover the rich wildlife of Africa's most exclusive safari destination, Botswana, and explore the Okavango Delta by mokoro or enjoy a sunset cruise on the Chobe River, and more, with our selection of holidays, from private safaris to small group tours.
KEY FACTS BEFORE YOU GO:
- Capital: Gaborone
- Currency: Botswana pula
- Time Difference: Botswana follows Central Africa Time throughout the year, which is 1 hour AHEAD of BST, and 2 hours AHEAD of GMT
- Flight time: Flights to Botswana are not direct, and flight times take from over 14 hours
- Official language: English (Setswana is the national language)
- Entry requirements: Visits to Botswana which are 90 days or less do not require a visa. Your passport must have at least 6 months' validity left on from the date of entry. If you are travelling to South Africa before or after your visit to Botswana, you will need to be aware of South Africa's travel advice. If you are travelling into or through Botswana with children (under the age of 18), a certified copy of their full unabridged birth certificate must be provided as well as a valid passport - an abridge (short) birth certificate will not be accepted. If a child is travelling with one parent or another adult, or is unaccompanied, the parent/parents who aren't present will need to provide an affidavit giving their consent for the child to travel - more information can be found at the Botswana Embassy.
- Vaccinations and Health: You should always ensure that you travel with adequate travel health insurance. For up-to-date information, please check this website (as recommended by the Foreign Office): https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/33/botswana#Vaccine_recommendations. If vaccinations are required, it is generally advisable to arrange an appointment with a health professional four to six weeks before departure.
Best time to Visit Botswana
Botswana, a land of untamed wilderness and breathtaking wildlife, offers travelers an extraordinary experience year-round.
**Dry Season (April to October):** Botswana's dry season, from April to October, is the most popular time to visit. During these months, the weather is cooler, and wildlife congregates around water sources, making it an ideal time for safaris in iconic destinations like Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve. Witness the awe-inspiring spectacle of thousands of elephants in Chobe and the stunning Okavango Delta in full flood.
**Green Season (November to March):** The green season in Botswana, from November to March, brings occasional rains, transforming the landscape into a lush paradise. While the wildlife disperses more, this is a fantastic time for birdwatching and experiencing the natural beauty of the Kalahari Desert. It's also a time when baby animals are born, providing unique wildlife encounters.
Botswana's allure lies in its commitment to eco-tourism and its pristine wilderness areas. Whether you're on a mokoro (canoe) safari in the Okavango Delta, exploring the Makgadikgadi Pans, or witnessing the drama of predator-prey interactions on a game drive, Botswana promises a deep connection with nature and unforgettable wildlife experiences in the heart of southern Africa.
Botswana Holidays
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