BOTSWANA TRAVEL PREPARATION | TOP ATTRACTIONS | THE PERFECT SAFARI BINOCULARS | TRAVEL COSTS | CAMPSITES | BOTSWANA TOUR | BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO BOTSWANA | MALARIA | ACCOMMODATION
Botswana Travel Blog | Botswana is a country in southern Africa known for its breathtaking landscapes and abundant wildlife. With a population of just two million people, Botswana is also one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world. The capital, Gaborone, is a growing metropolis that serves as a center for business and government activities. Botswana is also home to the Okavango Delta, one of the world’s largest inland deltas and an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. The country also has a rich cultural history and traditions, which can be seen in its numerous villages and cities.
In our opinion, Botswana is a unique travel destination that offers an unforgettable experience for every traveler. In November 2025, the time had finally come for us, and we were able to fulfill our dream of a self-guided tour. We drove across the country for three weeks in an off-road vehicle with a roof tent and experienced countless adventures during this time. We visited Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, the vast salt pans of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park, as well as the Khama Rhino Sanctuary and the popular Elephant Sands Lodge. On this page you will find all the highlights, travel tips, and information about Botswana.
OUR TRAVEL PLANNING TOOLS
For our trips, we use platforms and tools that support us with booking and planning. Whether flights, accommodations, rental cars, or activities—here you’ll find our favorites, which are reliable and practical, making your travel planning uncomplicated and stress-free:
Campervan rental: CamperDays*
Hotels: Booking.com*
♀️ Excursions: GetYourGuide*
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner.de*
E-SIM: Airalo*
Secure internet: NordVPN*
Travel guide: DuMont Botswana*
Entry: Federal Foreign Office
Ultimate safari packing list: Safari packing list
⚙️Favorite gadgets: Our Amazon shop*
BOTSWANA TRAVEL BLOG & TRAVEL REPORTS
Botswana self-drive trip without a roof tent – great accommodations for your adventure
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TRAVEL BLOG BOTSWANA
25-35 °C ☀️7-12 h 10
☞ TRAVEL PLANNING FOR BOTSWANA
Our tour through Botswana is one of the most exciting trips we’ve ever taken. From the endless Kalahari Desert to the lush Okavango Delta, there are spectacular landscapes and plenty of wildlife to discover. The animal migrations in Chobe National Park and the salt pans are also real highlights.
Botswana is perfect for anyone who loves adventure: game drives, pure wilderness, and hours of animal observation. Whether camping, a luxury lodge, or a combination—a trip here will be unforgettable. It was also ideal for us to gain our first experience with off-road vehicles and roof tents. And: Our next Botswana trip in summer 2025 is already being planned!
QUICK FACTS BOTSWANA
- Capital: Gaborone
- Population: approx. 2.6 million
- Flight time: approx. 13 to 15 hours (with a stopover)
- Languages: English (official language), Setswana (national language)
- Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
- Time zone: Central Africa Time (CAT, UTC+2)
- Religions: Christianity, traditional African religions
BOTSWANA TRAVEL BLOG & TRAVEL TIPS
CAMPING IN BOTSWANA
Camping in Botswana is a fantastic way to experience nature up close. The country is famous for its national parks and reserves, where you can spot elephants, lions, leopards, and more. There are numerous campsites – from simple campsites to luxury safari camps – especially in parks such as Chobe, Moremi, and Central Kalahari. Our experiences at various campsites were unforgettable, and we highly recommend a camping trip.
MORE ABOUT THIS HERE: OUR CAMPSITES IN BOTSWANA & NAMIBIA
BY 4X4 AND ROOF TOP TENT
Exploring Botswana by 4×4 vehicle and roof top tent was an unforgettable experience. Being so close to nature and animals, waking up in your tent in the morning and seeing the world awaken with your first cup of coffee – that’s a unique experience. Lions, elephants, and hippos roamed by at night; a true adventure. It was never dangerous, as we always followed all the rules.
COSTS & BUDGET
Botswana is an expensive destination in Africa, similar to other popular safari destinations. Costs depend on travel style, accommodation, and activities, but are usually higher than in neighboring countries. In addition to accommodation and activities, you should also factor in visas, park entrance fees, and other fees. Self-catering kept expenses on food and drink to a minimum; Our off-road vehicle with roof tent cost around €100 per day.
MORE ABOUT THIS HERE: OUR COSTS FOR BOTSWANA
BOTSWANA SIGHTSEEING PLACES
Botswana offers numerous highlights: the national parks and reserves with impressive wildlife, the Okavango Delta with its unique water landscapes, and the Tsodilo Hills as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Adventure seekers can explore the Magadikgadi Salt Pans and the Kalahari Desert, while history buffs will find their fill in the capital.
MORE HERE: BOTSWANA SIGHTS
ENTRY & VISA
To enter Botswana, you will need a passport valid for at least 6 months and with four blank pages. Upon arrival, you will receive a fee-free entry permit for up to 90 days per year. With a temporary passport, you will need a visa, which you can apply for at the Botswanan Embassy in Berlin. Check the current entry regulations beforehand.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL BOTSWANA
The best time to travel to Botswana depends on your plans: During the dry season (May to October), conditions are ideal for wildlife viewing, as animals gather at watering holes. Temperatures are pleasant and humidity is low. The green months (November to April) offer impressive scenery and many young animals, but rain can occur, making some trails and reserves difficult to access. Choose the travel time according to your interests.
MORE ABOUT THIS HERE: BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO BOTSWANA
HEALTH & VACCINATIONS
Your health is important – even in Botswana. Recommended vaccinations are hepatitis A and B, typhoid, tetanus, and yellow fever (when entering from yellow fever areas). Malaria protection is also recommended, as there is a high risk in some regions. Seek medical advice beforehand and make sure you have the necessary vaccinations. We had no problems with malaria or other diseases.
MORE ABOUT THIS HERE: TRAVEL PLANNING BOTSWANA
SAFETY IN THE COUNTRY
Botswana is a safe travel destination, but caution is advised against pickpockets and muggings in busy places. You should not travel alone in remote areas at night and avoid public transport. Inform yourself about the current security situation and road conditions in advance. We always felt safe.
INTERNET IN BOTSWANA
At first, we were skeptical about whether reception and internet would work in Botswana. In cities and tourist areas, there is fairly good mobile and Wi-Fi coverage; many hotels and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi, although the quality varies. In remote areas, the connection can be limited. We had a SIM card with a data allowance from Orange and were satisfied.
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