Entry Requirements
Visa requirements for Botswana depend on which passport you hold. Check the Traveller visa tool to see whether your passport needs a visa and, if so, how long you can stay.
Check if you need a visa for BotswanaEmergency Numbers
- General
- 999
Currency
- Name
- Botswanan Pula
- Code
- BWP
- Symbol
- P
ATMs in Gaborone, Maun, and Kasane. Cards accepted at lodges; carry cash for local shops and fuel. South African Rand widely accepted near the border.
Power Outlets
- Outlet types
- Type D, Type G, Type M
- Voltage
- 220V
- Frequency
- 50Hz
Time Zone
CAT (UTC+2) — no daylight saving
Best Time to Visit
May–October is the dry season — Chobe has the world's highest elephant density, and the Okavango Delta is flooded by July–August (mokoro canoe season). October is 'suicide month' — extreme heat but spectacular wildlife concentrations at waterholes. November–April is green season with newborns and fewer visitors.
Tipping Customs
| Venue | Typical | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Safari lodges | $15–20 USD per day (staff pool) | Leave in the communal tip box at camp checkout |
| Game drive guides | $15–20 USD per day | — |
| Mokoro polers (Okavango) | $10–15 USD per day | — |
| Restaurants | 10% | — |
Dress Code
- Safari neutrals — khaki, olive, beige. Avoid white and bright colours on game drives.
- Warm layers for early morning game drives (June–August can be 0–5°C at dawn)
- Smart casual for lodge dinners
- Long sleeves at dusk (mosquitoes)
Social Etiquette
- Botswana is one of Africa's most stable democracies and most prosperous economies — Batswana are proud, reserved, and polite
- Greeting before any interaction is essential — 'Dumela rra' (to a man) or 'Dumela mma' (to a woman)
- The San Bushmen of the Kalahari are the world's oldest culture — visit through ethical, community-owned operators only
- Wildlife conservation is central — do not approach or feed animals; the Big 5 and wild dog packs roam freely
Local Laws
Laws change. Verify current rules with your country's official travel advisory before departure.
- Strict anti-poaching laws — do not collect any natural materials or wildlife products
- LGBTQ+ activity was decriminalised in 2019 — a landmark ruling for Africa; social attitudes still vary significantly
- Self-drive in the Okavango and Kalahari: 4WD essential; always carry spare tyre, water, and fuel
- Photography of airports and military installations prohibited
Common Phrases
| English | Local | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello (Setswana, to a man) | Dumela rra | doo-MEH-lah RAH |
| Hello (Setswana, to a woman) | Dumela mma | doo-MEH-lah MAH |
| How are you? (Setswana) | O tsogile jang? | oh tsoh-GEE-leh YAHNG |
| Thank you (Setswana) | Ke itumetse | keh ee-too-MET-seh |
| Welcome (Setswana) | O amogelwa | oh ah-moh-GEL-wah |
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