Banking and Currency

• Currency:

  • Botswana Pula (BWP)

• Banking:

  • Cards are widely accepted but ATMs limited

  • Tips and Gratuities can be paid for in major international currencies, though the US$ is most commonly used (and appreciated!).

  • If local currency is required, then we suggest you obtain this upon arrival at the airport, either from an ATM or a Bureau de Change

Travelling with children under 18 years of age

• The Botswana Government requires all parents travelling with children under the age of 18 years to produce a certified copy of their Unabridged Birth Certificates. In the event that one parent is not traveling with the child, the other parent’s affidavit consenting to such travel should be produced. Failure to produce the necessary documentation may result in travellers being turned away at port of entry. Please consult with your official Botswana visa issuing authority for more information (consulate, embassy or other official entity).

Health & Safety

• Malaria is present in some areas, so take necessary precautions and vaccinations.

• Botswana is generally safe, but be cautious of wildlife encounters, especially in unfenced camps.  Follow park regulations and guidelines for a safe and enjoyable experience. Always heed the advice of your guide, driver or ranger.

• At night-time, and where there is any risk from wildlife, lodges and camps will always advise on how to move between rooms, main buildings, etc. Please always follow this advice.

Travel, Transport and Getting Around

• The main gateway to the Okavango Delta, and also serving other wildlife areas, including the Kalahari, is Maun International Airport. You can fly to Maun from major South African cities along with some southern African hubs.

• Due to the remoteness and inaccessibility of many of the lodges, light-aircraft flights are operated from Maun to most destinations. These are typically 4/6/8 seater propeller engine aircraft.

• Land travel in Botswana often involves long journeys on a mixture of well and not-so-well-maintained roads.

  
  

Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice

• Food and water safety: It is advised never to drink tap water unless the lodge you are staying in has a freshwater source and advises you to drink it.

• Sample local dishes such as seswaa (shredded meat), morogo (wild spinach), and bogobe (porridge). Taste traditional drinks like the fermented sorghum beer called bojalwa jwa setso.

Language, Local Customs and Communications

• English is the official language, and Setswana is widely spoken. Learning a few phrases can enhance your experience

• Respect the customs and traditions of the local communities, especially when visiting rural areas. Ask for permission before taking photos of people.

• Mobile and Wi-Fi access is OK in cities, commercial airports, large towns, etc. but can be limited or even non-existent in villages, lodges and camps. If mobile and Wi-Fi is critical to you during your holiday, then please mention this to us.

When is the best time to visit Botswana? Climate & Weather

• Annual rainfall: 475 mm

• Average temperature: 27°C  

• Summer: 

  • Average in highs: 31°C 

  • Average in lows: 20°C  

• Winter: 

  • Average in highs: 23°C 

  • Average in lows: 22°C  

• Best time to visit Botswana?

  • The best time to experience Botswana's floodplains, deserts and wildlife is during the dry season, between May/June and September/October when you can expect warm, low humidity, sunny days (22°C/72°F to 35°C/95°F) and cool nights. This is also when the water levels in the Okavango Delta are at their highest, creating the waterways and channels Botswana is famed for, and the days and nights in the desert are most comfortable.

Clothing & Dress Recommendations

• Spring and Summer - cool, light, breathable and comfortable

• Winter and Autumn - Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters

• Swimming is possible and many of the lodges have pools. Lodges by rivers will advise whether it is safe to swim in lagoons, or not.

• Sunglasses and sunblock are essentials in all seasons! 

  
  

Electricity and Plug Standards

• Plug Type: D/G 

• Voltage (V): 230

• Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50  

*Depending on your appliances, travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary. 

Disclaimer

While every effort is taken to provide accurate and up-to-date information, and in particular in relation to health and visa/passport information, we urge you to seek independent advice from the proper medical or government authorities in good time before you travel.