Botswana Travel Guide – Where to go and how to explore
Magic. Awe. Wonder. Wild. These are just a handful of words used to describe Botswana. Teeming with wildlife, brimming with indigenous flourishing flora, and pulsating with a passion for life, this beloved African country is a must-visit. If it’s already on your travel bucket list, then let me guide you with tips, tricks, and nitty-gritty information you need to know before you embark on a trip of a lifetime.
Take it from one who has been there – Botswana is like one mammoth nature park. It’s here, in the midst of verdant bushveld and untapped natural splendour, where you can truly reconnect with yourself and the world around you.
So, where to next?
Nata
This is the realm of salt pans and Milky Way sightings. Situated in a little corner of North East Botswana, this humble haven offers impeccable animal sightings and incredible geological wonder.
You can find cosy accommodation at the Nata Lodge, which neighbours the salt pans. The lodge itself is equipped with a restaurant from which to tantalize your taste buds with traditional cuisine, an African styled bar and lounge area, and a glamorous pool perfected to provide relief from the scorching heat.
Luxury tented chalets are propped up on stilts and offer memorable views of the location. Mosquito nets, fans, and shaded verandas are all included to make your stay as comfy as possible. En-suite bathrooms with outdoor showers truly allow you to get in touch with nature.
Game drives to the salt pans are a must. You can book your cruise at reception and wake up bright and early to watch the wilderness come alive. During the drive, your guide will take you off the beaten track and through the expansive bushveld. Keep your eyes peeled for both fascinating bird and wildlife. From flamingos and tortoises to buffalo and ostriches, you’ll be able to experience Africa’s animals in their natural habitat.
The salt pans themselves are a sight to behold. In fact, I’ve never seen a landscape as barren and spectacular as this cracked escarpment. Vast, flat, dry, and seemingly infertile, the salt pans are a wonder in themselves. Here, no animal roams. It’s a desolate escape from life, one that inspires in its bareness.
The best time to visit Nata and the incredible salt pans that pepper the area is December through to March.
If you're interested in a more in-depth exploration of Botswana, read my armchair travel story here.
Chobe
Northern Botswana heralds lush vegetation and full-flowing rivers. The region is home to the correlation of countries – Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia marry in a meeting point, making it easy for travellers and explorers to dive further into an African adventure.
I recommend staying at Chobe Safari Lodge, a tranquil and elegant sanctuary that cradles the Chobe River. There are many different rooms to choose from, including luxury rooms that overlook either the cascading river or the wild bush, traditional rondavels, and camping areas. There are two restaurants on site, as well as a bar, large pool, and spa. With so many activities on location, you may never want to even leave the lodge. But there are plenty other reasons to do so.
Being a close neighbour to the river, boat cruises are on offer throughout the day. Start your morning gliding the water and watching animals wake up, or have sundowners while floating effortlessly through the natural heritage site and past an abundance of wildlife. Crocodiles, water buck, and fish eagles are just a few of the sightings to marvel at.
There are also game drives that transport you from civilization and into the heart of the bush. Here, huge herds of elephants roam, leopards traverse, and sweet little monkeys swing from branch to branch.
Being so close to the Zimbabwean boarder, a spectacular Victoria Falls trip is on the menu. Reserve your spot at reception and take an hour long drive through the landscape and across the border. From there, you can choose to take a memorizing helicopter ride over the mighty Victoria Falls, then walk the extensive path through the jungle foliage and alongside this natural World Wonder. Spend time at the falls or journey to the Victoria Hotel where you can dine and be transported back in time.
The best times to visit Chobe for animal sightings is August through to October. Just remember that this is summer time and the heat can become almost unbearable. If you’re not a fan of scorching hot sun rays, visit Chobe in December or January for a cooler experience.
Want a deeper look into exploring Botswana? Click here to read my story.
Tuli
Eastern Botswana, situated on the boarder of South Africa, is Tuli. This glorious little nook is entombed by the wilderness and provides guests with a raw and riveting experience of Botswana’s untouched nature and ecosystem.
I highly recommend staying at Serolo Safari Camp. This extremely private accommodation site is located in the midst of a game reserve and often welcomes wildlife guests such as elephants and hyenas at its doorsteps.
Glamorous tented camps with private verandas blends in with the surroundings and invites a fusion of nature and modern style. Each luxury tent has its own en-suite bathroom, desk, mosquito net, and fan, all designed in rustic allure.
On site you’ll find a stocked bar fridge, a fantastic open air lounge area, and a memorable dipping pool that overlooks a nearby watering hole. Grab a refreshing drink, make yourself comfortable in the pool or on one of the sunbeds, and watch as animals appear to drink their fill from the watering hole.
Game drives are the main activities and continue for 3 hours. The guide leads you along secret paths, past gentle rivers, and through the rugged escarpment to find rare animal sightings and exquisite birdlife.
Bush dinners are a highlight here. Journey into the unknown and arrive deep in the heart of the bush to enjoy a candle-lit dinner under the stars. Listen to animal calls and fascinating bird songs as you dine on traditional Botswana and African-inspired cuisine. There really is nothing else like it.
The best time to visit Tuli is during the months of May through to September.
Read more about Tuli here.
Okavango Delta
The Okavango is a paragon of the African bush. Cloaked in indigenous flora, piped with water streams, and peppered with exquisite animal life, this natural heritage site is one of a kind. It’s renowned for the large herd migrations, sweeping vistas, and the convergence of the lands water archeries. An ideal mesh of savannah, wetland, and bushveld that create unparalleled ecosystems and a flood of animals.
I recommend staying at Mombo Camp. This open air boma lodge has commanding views of the floodplains, giving way to incredible animal sightings of various bush species and predators such as lion, leopard, and hyena. The camp itself is equipped with an outdoor dining area, a fire station that overlooks the watering hole, and two swimming pools. Here, the animal viewing never ends.
Meander the raised walk ways and marvel at the wildlife that flock below and all around. Perfect for photographers and ideal for anyone wanting the best possible experience of the delta and animals that call it home. Embark on thrilling game drives and guided walks through the expansive bush to witness the wilderness on foot.
The best time to visit would be from May through to September, during the annual migrations.
What you need to know before you visit Botswana
So, you’ve decided Botswana is beckoning you and you simply have to answer the call to the wild. Before you purchase that plane ticket and book your accommodation, there are a few things you need to know and prepare.
Vaccines
While no specific vaccine is required, a few come highly recommended when venturing to an African country. Polio, diphtheria, hepatitis A, and tetanus vaccines are always a good idea to prevent unwanted diseases that are hard to shake. Malaria is still an issue in Africa, but some pockets of Botswana are free from this disease. Be sure to book an appointment with your doctor and receive all the necessary vaccines before journeying to Botswana.
Water
The tap water in Botswana is generally safe to consume, but if you want to take the safe rather than sorry route, bottled water is widely available.
Currency
Botswana uses the Pula as their currency. At this point in time, being March 2021, 1 USD amounts to 11 Pula, while 1 Euro amounts to 13.30 Pula. ATMS and Currency Exchange Burros are peppered across the country and your hotel will be able to help you convert your cash. While major currencies are widely accepted for major events, activities, and accommodation, it’s recommended to have some Pula on hand when purchasing curios.
Plugs
Botswana uses 220 – 240 volts, with 3 square-pin and round-pin plugs. You’ll be able to purchase accommodating plugs at hotels and airports.
Wi-Fi
There is Wi-Fi in the hotel vicinities as well as popular restaurants, but in the greater part of Botswana, especially in the bush, there is no signal let alone Wi-Fi. Take this opportunity to disconnect from your black mirror and reconnect with yourself and the environment around you.
Weather
While the weather depends on what time of the year and season you’re visiting Botswana, it’s generally hot and humid. In the warmer times of the year, the temperature can reach a whopping 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit.) Be sure to stay hydrated throughout your trip and to wear airy clothing. Usually, the hottest part of the day is over lunch time and no activities will take place, giving you a chance to rest and find relief from the heat.
Clothes
Don’t pack any brightly coloured clothing, unless simply to wear around the lodge. When embarking on game drives and other such activities, cloak yourself in earthy, natural colours. As mentioned before, it can turn boiling in Botswana so be sure to pack airy clothes. While many believe sandals are the best shoes for safari, you must remember that in the wild, bugs and insects are abundant. Pack closed shoes to avoid any potential threats to your feet!
Visas
Most countries travelling to Botswana do not require visas if they are staying in the country for less than 30 days. Click here to find out if your country requires a visa to enter Botswana.
Take a peek at my photography section of Botswana for more inspiring images.