Welcome to Botswana, a land of unparalleled natural beauty where vast wilderness areas promise extraordinary safari adventures. Prepare to discover a destination where majestic wildlife and stunning landscapes combine to create an unforgettable African journey.
Key takeaways for Botswana: quick snapshot of costs, timing, and standout experiences.
Currency name
Botswana pula
Currency code
BWP
Currency symbol
P
Phone code
+267
Population
2,359,609
Region
Africa
Capital
Gaborone
Coordinates
-22.0000, 24.0000This is Botswana's dry winter season, characterized by clear skies, mild to warm days, and cool nights. Water sources become scarce, concentrating wildlife around rivers and waterholes, making it the best time for game viewing. Demand is at its peak, leading to higher prices for accommodation and safaris, and bookings need to be made well in advance. Expect excellent visibility and numerous animal sightings.
Accommodation
Shared room, per person per night in major towns (e.g., Gaborone, Maun)
High season
P 350+ • per night
Dining out
Street food or simple meal at a local eatery, per person
High season
P 40+ • per meal
Transport
Short ride within a town or city, per person
High season
P 5+ • per ride
Things to do
Per non-resident adult, per day (e.g., Chobe, Moremi)
High season
P 250+ • per day
Accommodation
Shared room, per person per night in major towns (e.g., Gaborone, Maun)
Hostel dorm bed
Shared room, per person per night in major towns (e.g., Gaborone, Maun)
Mid-range hotel/guesthouse room
Private room, double occupancy, per night in urban areas or tourist hubs
Safari campsite
Per person per night in national parks or reserves (basic facilities)
Luxury safari lodge
Per person per night, all-inclusive (meals, activities, some drinks) in prime safari areas
Dining out
Street food or simple meal at a local eatery, per person
Budget local meal
Street food or simple meal at a local eatery, per person
Mid-range restaurant meal
Main course at a sit-down restaurant, per person
Soft drink/Bottled water
Standard 500ml bottle
Transport
Short ride within a town or city, per person
Local combi/shared taxi ride
Short ride within a town or city, per person
Inter-city bus ticket
Long-distance journey between major towns (e.g., Gaborone to Maun), per person
4x4 vehicle rental
Daily rate for a self-drive safari-ready vehicle, excluding fuel
Domestic light aircraft transfer
One-way flight between major hubs (e.g., Maun) and remote safari camps, per person
Things to do
Per non-resident adult, per day (e.g., Chobe, Moremi)
National Park entrance fee
Per non-resident adult, per day (e.g., Chobe, Moremi)
Mokoro safari
Half-day guided canoe trip in the Okavango Delta, per person
Chobe River sunset cruise
Shared boat cruise in Chobe National Park, per person, typically including drinks
Guided game drive
Half-day shared game drive with a ranger in a safari vehicle, per person
Prices are indicative and may change based on availability, demand, and inclusions.
Welcome to Botswana, a land of unparalleled natural beauty where vast wilderness areas promise extraordinary safari adventures. Prepare to discover a destination where majestic wildlife and stunning landscapes combine to create an unforgettable African journey.
Botswana's distinct wet and dry seasons are the primary architects of its travel patterns, profoundly influencing both wildlife viewing conditions and safari pricing. Understanding these cycles is key to planning a trip that aligns with your priorities, whether that's peak game viewing or optimal value.
The dry winter months, spanning June through October, represent Botswana's high season. During this period, water sources are scarce, drawing animals to permanent rivers and waterholes, which makes for exceptional game viewing opportunities. However, this high demand translates to significantly higher safari costs and more crowded camps.
Conversely, the hot, wet summer from December to March is the low season. While challenging for traditional game viewing due to dense vegetation and scattered wildlife, this period offers lush, vibrant landscapes, incredible birding, and a dramatic reduction in prices. The shoulder periods, typically April-May and November, provide a compelling balance, offering good wildlife sightings, fewer crowds, and better value than peak season.
Budgeting for a Botswana adventure requires careful consideration, as costs can vary significantly depending on your travel style and the type of experience you seek. Luxury safari lodges, often all-inclusive with guided activities and charter flights, represent the higher end of the spectrum, with daily rates frequently exceeding $1000-$2000 per person. Mid-range tented camps offer a balance of comfort and adventure, while self-drive camping safaris in national parks can provide a more budget-friendly, albeit self-sufficient, option.
Dining expenses are largely integrated into safari packages. Outside of these, in towns like Maun or Gaborone, you can find a range of options from local eateries to more upscale restaurants. Local transport within safari areas is typically via open-air safari vehicles and small aircraft, included in your package. For independent travel, renting a 4x4 is almost essential for navigating unpaved roads, while inter-city travel might involve buses, though these are less common for tourists heading to remote areas.
Experience the Okavango Delta's pristine wilderness from a traditional mokoro canoe, silently poled by a local guide. This allows for intimate wildlife encounters, from birds to elephants, along the waterways. While more accessible in the dry season (June-October) when wildlife congregates, its lush beauty and vibrant birdlife are spectacular year-round. It's an essential, albeit higher-end, Botswana adventure.
For an independent and more budget-conscious wildlife experience, consider a self-drive safari through Chobe National Park, renowned for its massive elephant herds. While game viewing is phenomenal in the dry months (June-October) along the Chobe Riverfront, the wet season (December-March) transforms the landscape into a lush paradise, offering incredible birding and a sense of solitude.
Gain a deeper understanding of Botswana's heritage by engaging with the San Bushmen communities. Participate in guided walks to learn about their ancient tracking skills, bush survival techniques, and rich cultural traditions. This insightful experience, available year-round, offers a powerful connection to the land and its original inhabitants, providing a unique counterpoint to the wildlife focus.
Venture into the immense, shimmering salt pans of Makgadikgadi, one of the world's largest salt flats. During the dry season (April-October), the stark, desolate beauty offers incredible star-gazing and quad biking opportunities. In the wet season (November-March), the pans briefly fill with water, attracting a spectacular zebra and wildebeest migration, along with flamingos, transforming the landscape entirely.
While credit cards are accepted at most major lodges and larger stores, you'll find that local markets, smaller shops, and roadside vendors often prefer cash. Carrying smaller denominations of Botswana Pula (BWP) makes transactions smoother and avoids issues with change, especially in rural areas.
If you plan to explore Botswana's national parks and reserves independently, a high-clearance 4x4 vehicle is not just recommended, it's often essential. Roads can vary from paved to deep sand tracks, mud, or water crossings, especially during the wet season. Ensure your rental is fully equipped for off-road conditions.
Everyday expenses for essentials like bottled water, snacks, and small souvenirs are generally reasonable, but it's important to remember that many goods in remote areas are imported and can carry a premium. ATM access is limited outside of major towns, so carrying some local currency (Botswana Pula) is advisable, though major lodges and tour operators will accept credit cards or US dollars. Overall, Botswana is often considered a premium safari destination, but careful planning and seasonal choices can help manage costs.
Dive into Botswana's vibrant local food scene. Seek out hearty dishes like seswaa (pounded beef), pap (maize porridge), and bogobe (sorghum porridge), often accompanied by morogo (wild spinach). Visiting local markets and eateries in towns like Maun or Gaborone offers an authentic taste of daily life and is a fantastic, budget-friendly way to experience the culture beyond the wildlife parks.
Batswana are known for their hospitality, and a simple greeting goes a long way. Before asking for directions or assistance, respectfully address people with 'Dumela Rra' (hello sir) or 'Dumela Mma' (hello madam). This shows respect and creates a much warmer interaction with locals.
For budget-conscious travelers, visiting during Botswana's low season (December to March), often called the 'Green Season,' offers substantially lower prices on accommodation and safari tours. While wildlife viewing can be different with more dispersed animals, the lush landscapes, vibrant birdlife, and dramatic thunderstorms provide a unique and less crowded experience.
Even in seemingly safe situations, always remember you are in wild territory. Never approach or feed animals, and always remain inside your vehicle when in national parks and game reserves. If on a guided safari, strictly follow your guide's instructions; they are experts in animal behavior and your safety is paramount.
