Things To Do
in Botswana
Botswana is a landlocked country in Southern Africa known for its diverse landscapes, ranging from the Kalahari Desert to the Okavango Delta, which becomes a lush animal habitat during the seasonal floods. It has a stable democratic government and is one of the continent's most prosperous nations, largely due to diamond mining and tourism.
The country is renowned for its wildlife conservation efforts and vast protected areas, which make it a popular destination for safari adventures.
- "Dumelang" - Hello
- "O kae?" - How are you?
- "Ke a leboga" - Thank you
- "Tsamaya sentle" - Goodbye
- "O eng?" - What is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $150
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $30
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $25 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day early with a guided safari in Chobe National Park. You'll have the chance to see elephants and various wildlife as the sun rises.
Enjoy a packed lunch by the riverside while watching the wildlife. In the afternoon, take a boat cruise to get closer to animals like hippos and crocodiles.
Wind down with a sunset drink on the river. Later, return to your lodge for a traditional dinner under the stars.
Begin with a mokoro (dugout canoe) ride through the serene waters of the Okavango Delta. Keep an eye out for colorful birds and lush vegetation.
Take a nature walk with a guide to discover the flora and fauna of the delta region. Learn about the ecosystem and spot unique wildlife tracks.
Experience a traditional dance performance by local tribes. Enjoy a bush dinner surrounded by the sounds of the African night.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stable political environment and strong democratic institutions
- Rich wildlife and national parks, great for tourism
- Low levels of corruption compared to many other African nations
- Good economic growth and a relatively high GDP per capita
- Investment in education and healthcare, resulting in improved literacy rates
- Diverse culture and friendly people
- High unemployment rate, particularly among youth
- Challenges with HIV/AIDS prevalence
- Limited infrastructure development in some rural areas
- Dependence on diamond mining for the economy
- Vulnerability to climate change impacting agriculture and water resources
- Social disparities and poverty in certain regions
Best Activities in Botswana
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the vast wildlife and natural beauty of Botswana through a guided safari in national parks such as Chobe and Okavango Delta.
Embark on a traditional dugout canoe (mokoro) excursion along the waterways of the Okavango Delta to observe the diverse birdlife and aquatic animals.
Botswana offers excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially in areas like Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, where a wide variety of bird species can be observed.
Participate in a walking safari with experienced guides to witness the landscapes and wildlife up close in regions like the Okavango Delta and Linyanti Wildlife Reserve.
Tours
Uncover the best of Botswana with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Botswana
Visit one of these nice places.
Known for its stunning waterways and diverse wildlife, providing fantastic photo opportunities for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.
Famous for its large elephant population and breathtaking views along the Chobe River, offering great photo opportunities for capturing wildlife and landscapes.
Unique landscape with vast salt pans and incredible starry nights, providing opportunities for capturing the stark beauty of the area and astrophotography.
Food in Botswana
Botswana Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A traditional meat dish made from slow-cooked shredded beef, often served with pap (maize porridge) and a side of vegetables. Best enjoyed at local eateries and community gatherings.
Must-Try!
Considered a delicacy, mopane worms are large edible caterpillars that are often dried, spiced, and fried. They can be found at local markets and street food vendors.
A type of fried bread, resembling a flatbread or pancake, commonly served with various stews and relishes. Available at street food stalls and bakeries.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Botswana better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling market offers a wide range of food vendors selling local delicacies, fresh produce, and crafts. Visitors can sample traditional dishes and interact with local traders.
A vibrant market where visitors can explore a plethora of fresh fruits, vegetables, and homemade food items. It's a great place to savor authentic street food.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Botswana, it is important to greet people with respect. Handshakes are the common form of greeting, and it is customary to greet elders first.
Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Botswana's culture. It is customary to use respectful language and gestures when interacting with older people.
Understanding and respecting the customs and traditions of different ethnic groups in Botswana is important. It is advisable to learn about specific cultural practices and show respect for them.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Botswana with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Botswana
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory in Botswana, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, a 10% tip may be given if not already included in the bill. Tipping may also be given to hotel staff, safari guides, and other service providers as a token of appreciation.
Payment in Botswana is mostly done in cash, and credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas and tourist facilities. ATMs are also readily available in major towns. Mobile payment solutions such as Orange Money and MyZaka are becoming increasingly popular for transactions.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Botswana.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit for wildlife viewing as animals gather around water sources. Cool and dry weather with little to no rain.
Lush green landscapes with newborn wildlife. Birdwatching is excellent. Some areas may be inaccessible due to flooding.
Botswana at Night
Hiking in Botswana
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient rock art and stunning hiking trails, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
A popular hiking destination featuring scenic trails and diverse flora and fauna, perfect for nature enthusiasts.
While primarily known for its waterways, the Delta offers unique hiking experiences through its islands, allowing hikers to explore lush landscapes and wildlife.
Known for its rich biodiversity, this park offers hiking trails that let you experience Botswana's wildlife up close, including various antelope species.
A great area for hiking that features dramatic landscapes, rocky outcrops, and the beautiful Limpopo River, offering diverse hiking routes.
Airports
How to reach Botswana by plane.
Located in Gaborone, it's the main international airport in Botswana.
Situated in Johannesburg, South Africa, it's the busiest airport in Africa and a major hub for international flights.
Located in Cape Town, South Africa, it's one of the busiest airports in the country and serves numerous international destinations.
Located in Windhoek, Namibia, it is the main international airport in Namibia.
Situated near Livingstone in Zambia, it's close to Victoria Falls and serves both domestic and international flights.
Located near the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, it serves as a gateway to the Victoria Falls tourist area.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Botswana, making up about 79% of the population. They are primarily found in the central and southeastern regions of the country.
The second largest ethnic group, comprising around 11% of the population. They are primarily located in the northeastern part of Botswana.
An indigenous group often referred to as the San people, making up approximately 3% of the population. They are traditionally nomadic hunter-gatherers.
An ethnic group that represents around 2% of the population, mainly residing in the Ghanzi region.
Includes smaller groups such as the Herero, Ndebele, and White Batswana, collectively accounting for about 5% of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Botswana, with a strong following and numerous local clubs and leagues.
Rugby has a growing popularity in Botswana, with both union and league formats being played at local levels.
Basketball is increasingly popular, especially among the youth, with many schools and clubs promoting the sport.
Athletics has a significant presence in Botswana, with various competitions, and the country has produced notable athletes.
Cricket is played at school and club levels, with a modest following and participation in regional competitions.
Netball is popular among women and is played in schools and clubs, often participating in regional tournaments.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in urban centers like Gaborone and Maun offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, often featuring fresh produce, legumes, and traditional culinary influences.
While gluten-free options may be somewhat limited in rural areas, urban centers and upscale eateries typically provide gluten-free alternatives and are accommodating of dietary restrictions.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Botswana.