Botswana Safaris

For wildlife safaris, the best time to travel to Botswana is from May to October. These months mark the dry season, a time during which the chances of spotting animals are higher due to the diminishing vegetation, which makes it easier to spot animals that congregate around waterholes. These months are also the peak season, which means it can be more expensive in terms of park prices and accommodations.

Compared to the dry season, the wet season, from November to March, may have fewer animal sightings, but even with the dense vegetation, visitors can spot plenty of animals. Furthermore, a safari trip during the off-season will be easier on the pocket and less crowded.

For more information about the best time to travel to Botswana, check out our best time to visit Botswana guide.

Like the majority of safari destinations, Botswana is ideal for a family holiday. Some safari lodges and camps have a minimum age of 12 (or other) but there are plenty of great options available to families with younger children. There are many safari options put on for children such as tailored game drives and walks with fantastic guides as well as  other entertainment to keep the kids busy.

Further Reading: 5 Amazing African Safari Destinations That Your Kids Will Love

English, a remnant of colonial rule, is the official language in Botswana, used for written communication and business dealings. Although it is known as the official language, it is only a first language for 2.8% of Botswana’s population. The most commonly spoken language in Botswana is Setswana, spoken by around 77.3% of locals, and one of the many Bantu languages spoken in Botswana.

Botswana’s official currency is Botswana Pula, which is accepted throughout the country. But US Dollars, UK pounds, Euros, and South African rands are also accepted at most shops and accommodations. Moreover, visitors can also use international credit cards at the majority of hotels in Botswana. And if you find yourself short on money, there are plenty of ATMs throughout Botswana.

To make things a little simpler, we have shared a quick currency conversion (2021):

A visitor will need a passport with at least 6-month validity and two blank pages. Not every visitor needs a visa to enter Botswana. To find out if you need a visa to visit Botswana, refer to the list of visa-exempt countries. Currently, foreign citizens have to apply for a Botswana visa at the Botswana Embassy in person or on arrival as there is no online mode to apply for a visa.

Travelling to and from the major safari destinations in Botswana such as Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, Central Kalahari Game Reserve, and Moremi Game Reserve, is by transfer vehicle and/or charter flights. Maun is the hub for many charter flights taking visitors into the Okavango Delta and other more remote areas. On a charter flight, the safari experience begins with amazing views of the wilderness and animals below you.

• Okavango Delta:Not only is Okavango Delta one of Africa’s most renowned safari spots, but it is also a spectacular birding destination with the Okavango’s waterways a haven for water-dwelling birds. The delta is home to over 400 birds with frequent sightings of African fish eagle, African pygmy goose, African green pigeon, black-chested snake eagle Bateleur, hamerkop, martial eagle, and saddle-billed stork. The birding experience is enhanced by mokoro excursions, as they provide an opportunity to get close to elusive bird species quietly with no noise from a motor.
• Chobe National Park: Chobe National Park is an excellent birding destination with more than 450 bird species. Birding enthusiasts can participate in a boat safari, getting close to the water-loving bird species. It is also home to few rare and endangered bird species such as gray crowned-crane, hooded vulture, and white-backed vulture. Moreover, Chobe also has 15 swallow species, 8 starling species, and 8 kingfisher species.
• Central Kalahari and Khutse Game Reserves: Birds such as black-shouldered kite, black-chested snake eagle, and martian eagle are often seen flying over the central Kalahari Game Reserve and Khutse Game Reserve, which are part of the same ecosystems. Home to over 250 bird species, some of them a rare delight for birdwatchers.
• The Nata Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary dedicated to birds has provided a haven for around 165 bird species. Visitors can easily spot rare birds such as avocet, blacksmith lapwing, korhaans, cape teal, blue-billed teal, red-knobbed coot, and spoonbills. The sanctuary also has a large number of flamingos and pelicans.

Botswana is one of Africa’s top-most bird-watching destinations. Some of the major parks and game reserves in Botswana have a large concentration of birdlife. Bokaa Dam, Kgoro Pan, Kasane region, Lake Ngami, Limpopo River, Moremi Gorge, Rysana Pan, Shakawe, and Savuti Marsh are few other popular birding destinations in Botswana.

• Central Kalahari Game Reserve
• Chobe National Park
• Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park
• Linyanti Swamp
• Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
• Moremi Game Reserve
• Nxai Pan National Park
• Okavango Delta