Guide Botswana
Lovers of wildlife and incredible landscapes, Botswana deserves a visit with its large parks like those of the Okavango River Delta.
With its Okavango Delta and eco-lodges, Botswana is well-known for its nickname “African miracle.” It stands out from its neighbors for its well-preserved and protected wilderness, as well as its large wild animals. The country is therefore very famous for its safaris. From wildlife in the plains and savannahs to exciting adventures in the sands of the Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta and Victoria Falls , this incredible country allows you to discover the most beautiful wonders of nature.
A place where escape is within reach
For those who want to disconnect from the modern world and get closer to nature, Botswana is the perfect destination. This southern African country , bordering South Africa and Namibia , is captivating not only for the authentic charm of its landscape, its unique wildlife and its rich culture, but also for the warm welcome of its people.
During your stay, you’ll have the pleasure of trying out different activities depending on your desires, although jeep safaris remain the most popular of all. The only drawback, which is best anticipated from the start, is that the country has opted for luxury tourism, particularly to avoid the crowds.
Description of Botswana
Surface area : 581,730 km²
Population: 2,352 million (2020)
Capital : Gaborone
Main cities : Gaborone, Francistown, Molepolole, Selebi-Phikwe
Official language : English, Tswana
Currency : Pula
National Day : September 30 (independence after English colonization)
Why travel to Botswana?
A land of safaris
When you set off to explore Botswana , the first thing you’ll notice is its lush nature. The country has managed to preserve its exceptional wildlife, which is what attracts many travelers. Populated by deserts, but also by tributary deltas and diamond mines, it’s not for nothing that it has become the richest country in sub-Saharan Africa . Nature lovers will rejoice in this abundant wildlife and lush nature.
Also admire the gentle sunsets amidst the wide open spaces that overlook the entire country. Be prepared to encounter cheetahs, elephants, meerkats, black rhinos, Nile crocodiles, hippos, wild dogs, herds of buffalo, and exotic birds that find refuge in this fertile land.
Responsible tourism
Botswana has always been one of the destinations that admirably practices responsible tourism. Although landlocked, unlike its neighbors, it guarantees you a unique trip off the beaten track. Stay in eco-lodges that preserve the country’s natural resources in the heart of this safari paradise. Then continue your journey to appreciate ancient rock art and indulge in captivating boat tours. Botswana has numerous reserves, perfect for observing the Big Five , far from mass tourism.
Activities and places of interest in Botswana
To experience unique adventures in the heart of the African miracle, we have listed a few places worth a detour to make your stay an unforgettable moment.
The Okavango Delta
The Okavango Delta is one of Africa ‘s last untouched wildernesses . It is fed by floodwaters from Central Africa and covers an area of approximately 16,000 km². They form a wetland system of magnificent palm-fringed canals, lagoons, and islands that are home to a wealth of flora and fauna. The Okavango is a myriad of winding waterways filled with papyrus and palm-fringed islands where herds of elephants come to drink. There is no other place on earth that even remotely resembles this marvelous ecosystem.
Travel down this delta aboard a traditional pirogue, notably the mokoro . However, you must be accompanied by a local guide because it is not uncommon for you to encounter hippos frolicking in the undergrowth while cruising the canal. It is a magical place that guarantees serenity and calm.
Elephants in Chobe National Park
A trip to Botswana is not complete without a visit to Chobe National Park to meet its elephants. It is the country’s first national park and covers an area of 11,700 km². This area is composed of floodplains, swamps, and forests, the perfect place to observe the pachyderms.
Very popular with tourists and even Batswana, you will discover one of the largest concentrations of animals in Africa . The ideal time to visit is between May and September, during the dry season. You will see the herds drinking and bathing in the surrounding rivers and marshes. In the Chobe National Park you will also have the opportunity to see buffalo, antelopes, but also lions and hippos that have taken up residence in the deep waters of Chobe . You can obviously go on a 4×4 safari but doing it by boat is an even more beautiful experience.
Moremi Game Reserve
Botswana is a must-see destination for wildlife viewing . If you’re looking to explore rare wildlife species like in Namibia , consider a trip to the Moremi Game Reserve . This part of Botswana is home to endangered wild dogs. Here, too, you can enjoy unique safaris and encounter black-maned Kalahari lions , various antelopes (sitatunga, puku, and red lechwe), brown hyenas, African squirrels, and aardvarks.
Gaborone
The country’s capital city is unlike any other capital city we’re used to, but it reflects the country’s dynamism and economic growth. Gaborone has a wealth of cultural attractions to offer travelers, and its museums provide insight into the history of its diverse peoples. Mount Kgabe is also a great place to hike, with a beautiful view of the capital at the end.
The Tsodilo Mountains
They are nicknamed ” the Louvre of the desert ” and are listed by UNESCO for their exceptional rock paintings. It is therefore best to hire a guide to enjoy both the geological spectacle of the mountains and to be able to see the main painting sites. The mountains have more than 500 of them, so it is impossible to visit them all.
The Kalahari Desert
You shouldn’t leave without taking a trip to the ochre vastness that covers part of the country as well as Namibia , South Africa and 5 other countries. The desert is a place of life, once again, for exceptional wildlife but not only. A nomadic people, the Bushmen, also live there and have managed to maintain a traditional hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
Victoria Falls
They are among the most beautiful waterfalls in the world , it would be a shame to miss them. Reaching 108 meters high, these waterfalls extend for almost 2 kilometers, approximately 1700 meters and it is said that the mist that escapes from them can be seen from about twenty kilometers away. Many trails allow you to get close to them and discover the lush nature that surrounds them.
How to visit Botswana?
As Botswana is a landlocked country, reaching it by road is not the best option. To do so, it’s best to fly to the country from an international airport. If you use a travel agency, they will take care of organizing your trip and will choose your flight based on the time of year you’re visiting the country.
Transportation in Botswana
The bus and the minibus
These are the main means of transport for exploring Botswana . You can reach the capital by bus or minibus from cities in South Africa , but also from Swaziland . However, to travel around the entire country, the ideal would be to rent a 4×4 type car. This is due to the flooding and the action of the sun which make access to the tracks in some parks difficult.
The rental car
For more freedom in your travels, renting a car is definitely a good idea when you’re in Botswana . Renting a 4×4 is convenient and will allow you to tour the country and much more. You can also venture beyond its borders.
The train
A railway network connects Botswana to Zimbabwe and South Africa . You can take the train to travel from Francistown to Gaborone to Lobatse .
Climate and weather
Botswana ‘s climate is mild and warm, with many sunny days year-round. As the country’s various parks are located at low altitudes, they experience hot summers and mild winters. In contrast, the western part of the country, at a higher altitude, experiences cooler temperatures with potentially heavy rainfall.
When to go to Botswana?
The southern autumn and winter remain the best time of year to visit Botswana . It falls between April and September and is characterized by rather cool nights and warm days. This season is also more conducive to safaris. Furthermore, if you want to take advantage of the lowest prices, visit Botswana in spring or from September to December. But this is on one condition: be prepared to face temperatures that can reach 40°C.
Clothes to take away
To enjoy a safari in Botswana , consider packing clothes that match your trip. As a general rule, we recommend wearing comfortable, casual clothes that you can wash and wear during the safari. Muted colors are best for game viewing, as they allow you to blend in with the surroundings. Safaris usually start early in the morning and end in the late afternoon, so don’t forget a jacket to protect you from the cold, especially at night. Also, the temperature often warms up during the day, so it’s best to dress in layers and remove them as the heat rises. Also, consider wearing pants on your days out to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
Good to know
Have you decided to go on safari in Botswana and want your trip to be more than perfect? Here are a few things you should know before you go. This list is certainly not exhaustive, but it will give you some important insights into your host country.
A story of diamonds
Botswana is rich in resources. This is probably why it has several industries dedicated to the production of coal, salt, textiles, plastics, and beverages. In addition, the country derives its wealth from its diamond mines. In fact, Jwaneng , located in the south of the country, is the largest and richest diamond deposit in the world. It was also in this mine that the largest diamond was discovered in the 20th century.
Vaccination
To travel with peace of mind, it would be wise to get vaccinated before your departure to Botswana . While vaccination is not mandatory, it is always better to be safe than sorry. Among the possible injections, favor those against cholera, rabies and hepatitis B. Please also make sure that you have taken treatment to protect yourself from malaria and do not forget to bring your sunscreen as well as specific medications, especially if you suffer from bronchial asthma or allergies.
What the law says
The crime rate in Botswana is not very high. However, remember to remain vigilant during your stay; you may encounter theft. It is not recommended to leave items unattended or to leave your group on excursions outside the city. The most important thing is to avoid finding yourself on the wrong side of the law. Photographing government and military installations and using drones are strictly prohibited.
Accommodation with maximum convenience
Although there are no large resorts in Botswana , the hotels there offer average European living conditions in large cities. Accommodation is available in apartment hotels, known as “loggias.” Camping enthusiasts can book a room in a specialized camping camp. However, those who dream of getting closer to nature can participate in organized excursions with overnight stays and food in the savannah.
