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Okavango Delta
Explore one of the world's great inland delta systems by mokoro, boat, walking safari and game drive.
Southern Africa Travel Guide
Botswana Travel Guide
Discover Botswana's extraordinary wilderness, the Okavango Delta, Chobe River, Kalahari landscapes, wildlife, cultural heritage and unforgettable safari experiences.
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Information status: This guide uses information from Botswana's official tourism and government sources together with recognized travel information. Visa requirements, health information, park rules and other time-sensitive requirements should always be verified before travelling.
Quick Facts
Botswana at a Glance
Essential information for travelers planning a journey through Botswana.
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Capital
Gaborone
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Region
Southern Africa
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Currency
Botswana Pula (BWP)
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Languages
Setswana and English
Discover Botswana
Why Visit Botswana?
Botswana is known for vast wilderness areas, remarkable wildlife, waterways and distinctive desert landscapes.
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Wildlife & Safari
Experience elephants, lions, buffalo, giraffes, hippos, predators and exceptional birdlife.
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Kalahari Landscapes
Discover vast open spaces, salt pans, grasslands, wildlife and unique desert environments.
Plan Your Journey
Botswana Travel Information
Important topics to consider before and during your trip.
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Entry & Visa
Check current visa requirements and entry formalities for your nationality.
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When to Visit
Botswana can be visited throughout the year, with different experiences during wet and dry seasons.
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Weather & Climate
Understand seasonal temperatures, rainfall, flooding and wildlife conditions.
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National Parks & Wildlife
Explore Botswana's national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas.
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Major Destinations
Discover the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Maun, Kasane, Gaborone and other destinations.
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Safari & Wildlife
Plan game drives, walking safaris, boat excursions, mokoro trips and other wildlife experiences.
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Accommodation
Choose between hotels, lodges, safari camps, guesthouses and camping options.
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Transport & Getting Around
Understand domestic flights, road travel, transfers, car hire and safari transport.
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Local & Intercity Transport
Learn about public transport, taxis, buses and travel between towns.
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Money & Costs
Understand Botswana's currency, payments, accommodation and safari budgeting.
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Health & Safety
Check current health recommendations, safety information and emergency arrangements.
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Culture & Etiquette
Learn about Botswana's communities, traditions, customs and respectful travel.
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Travel With Children
Consider family accommodation, activities, transfers and safari restrictions.
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Connectivity & Internet
Plan mobile communication, internet access and connectivity during your trip.
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Responsible Tourism
Support conservation, local communities and responsible wildlife tourism.
Wildlife & Nature
Botswana's Wildlife
Botswana protects extensive wilderness areas containing a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and aquatic wildlife. The Okavango, Chobe and Kalahari ecosystems each provide distinctive wildlife experiences.
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Elephants
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Lions
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Buffalo
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Giraffes
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Zebras
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Hippos
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Crocodiles
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Leopards
Botswana Icon
Okavango Delta
A vast inland delta of waterways, islands, wetlands and drylands in northern Botswana.
The Okavango Wilderness
The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major wilderness destination. Its waterways, lagoons, floodplains, islands and surrounding drylands support exceptional wildlife and birdlife.
Activities can include mokoro excursions, boating, game drives, walking experiences and birdwatching, depending on location and season.
🛶 Mokoro🐘 Game Viewing🦅 Birdwatching🚤 Boat Trips
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Nature & Wildlife
National Parks & Reserves
Botswana's tourism landscape includes national parks, game reserves and wildlife management areas.
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Chobe National Park
A major northern wildlife destination famous for elephants, buffalo, river landscapes, birdlife and boat safaris.
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Moremi Game Reserve
A major wildlife area within the Okavango region, combining waterways, floodplains, woodland and dryland habitats.
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Central Kalahari Game Reserve
A vast Kalahari wilderness with open landscapes, wildlife and a strong sense of remoteness.
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Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans
Large salt-pan landscapes that can transform during rainy periods and attract wildlife and migratory birds.
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Northern Tuli Game Reserve
A wildlife and wilderness area in eastern Botswana known for dramatic landscapes and safari experiences.
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Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
A transfrontier conservation area extending across Botswana and South Africa.
Northern Botswana
Chobe National Park
Chobe is one of Botswana's major wildlife destinations. The Chobe River provides an important water source for wildlife, while the surrounding park contains floodplains, woodland, pans and other habitats.
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Elephant Viewing
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River Cruises
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Predators
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Bird Safaris
Places to Explore
Major Botswana Destinations
Wildlife areas, towns, cultural sites and landscapes to consider when planning your trip.
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Okavango Delta
Botswana's famous inland delta and one of the country's most important wilderness destinations.
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Chobe
A major wildlife region centred around Chobe National Park and the Chobe River.
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Gaborone
Botswana's capital and an important starting point for exploring the country.
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Maun
A major gateway for travelers heading into the Okavango Delta and surrounding safari areas.
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Kasane
A northern gateway to Chobe and a useful base for regional travel around the Zambezi area.
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Makgadikgadi
Vast salt-pan landscapes surrounded by grasslands, wildlife areas and distinctive desert scenery.
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Central Kalahari
A huge wilderness area offering remote landscapes and wildlife experiences.
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Tsodilo Hills
An important cultural and heritage landscape in northwestern Botswana.
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Old Palapye
A significant historical and archaeological site connected with Botswana's past.
Kalahari Landscape
Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans
The Makgadikgadi landscape is one of Botswana's most distinctive environments. Large salt pans, grasslands, baobabs and seasonal water create changing landscapes throughout the year.
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Salt Pans
Vast open landscapes shaped by ancient lake systems.
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Seasonal Wildlife
Rainfall can transform the area and attract zebra, wildebeest and other wildlife.
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Birdlife
Wet periods can attract large numbers of flamingos and other birds.
Culture
Botswana's Cultural Heritage
Botswana's tourism experience also includes communities, traditional knowledge, arts and heritage sites.
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Arts & Crafts
Discover indigenous crafts and contemporary artistic traditions in towns, villages and tourism areas.
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Cultural Tourism
Community-based experiences provide opportunities to learn about local traditions and ways of life.
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Heritage Sites
Explore archaeological and cultural sites including Tsodilo Hills, Old Palapye and other heritage locations.
Seasonal Planning
When to Visit Botswana
Botswana offers different travel experiences during its wet and dry seasons.
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Green / Wet Season
Rain transforms landscapes into greener environments. Young animals, vegetation and migratory birds can make this an interesting period for wildlife and photography.
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Dry Season
Water becomes concentrated around permanent rivers and other remaining water sources, which can influence wildlife viewing. The Okavango flood cycle is also an important seasonal factor.
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Important Travel Information
Check Current Entry, Health & Safety Advice
Travelers should verify current entry requirements, health recommendations, road conditions, wildlife safety rules and local travel information before departure.
OSARE provides travel information but does not replace official government or professional travel advice.
Official Information
Official Tourism & Government Information
Botswana Tourism Organisation provides official tourism information covering destinations, parks, reserves, accommodation and travel information. Botswana's government provides official immigration and visa information.
Botswana Tourism Organisation
Official national tourism organisation providing information about destinations, parks, reserves, accommodation and tourism activities.
Government of Botswana
Official government information, including immigration and tourism visa services.
Useful Contacts
Travel Information Sources
Use official sources for current requirements and travel information.
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Botswana Tourism Organisation
Official tourism information and destination resources.
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Immigration
Government of Botswana immigration and visa services.
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Wildlife Authorities
Official information concerning parks, wildlife and conservation.
Botswana Guide Source Record
Primary tourism source: Botswana Tourism Organisation
Government source: Government of Botswana
Visa information: Verify current requirements with Botswana immigration before travel.
Last reviewed: September 2026