Question 1

Do I need a visa to enter Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality. Visitors from certain countries may be exempt from obtaining a visa for short stays. It is recommended to check with the nearest Botswana embassy or consulate in your home country to determine the specific visa requirements. Find out more here. Botswana offers visa-on-arrival facilities at major entry points for eligible nationalities. It's essential to ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date. Have at least 1 blank page in your passport for endorsements and take 2 colour passport photographs.

Question 2

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Botswana is a safe country and a great place to visit. However, it is always a good idea to just be street-smart. Here are some tips to keep in mind when travelling:

Keep an eye on your belongings, whether travelling alone or in a group.
Carry some emergency cash as some areas lack ATMs.
Avoid wandering alone at night and exercise caution in urban areas.
Respect wildlife, maintain a safe distance, and never provoke or feed them.
If self-driving, ensure readiness with spare tires and repair tools for remote distances, cautious fueling, planned routes, and daytime driving to evade animals and respect speed limits.

Question 3

Can I self-drive in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

It’s only advisable to self-drive in Botswana if you have the appropriate level of experience. Remote regions like Central Kalahari and Makgadikgadi Salt Pans necessitate a 4x4 vehicle. Proficiency in water, sand, and mud crossings is crucial, along with high and low range transmission expertise. You’ll need to maintain fuel awareness, meaning refilling regularly and carrying extra fuel. For more convenience, lodges and camps will often offer transfers and there are also plenty of internal flights to many of Botswana’s top attractions.

Question 4

What language is spoken in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

The official language is English, while Setswana is the national language spoken widely across the country.

Question 5

What currency is used in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

In Botswana, the currency used is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. Money can be exchanged at airports, urban Bureaux de Changes, and accredited hotels. Check with your bank beforehand to ensure your card will work in Botswana. Most ATMs in Botswana dispense local currency and accept international credit and debit cards, including Visa and Mastercard. However, many bespoke and luxury hotels charge in USD and accept tips in USD.

Question 6

Is Botswana family-friendly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but some lodges have age restrictions for children on game drives or mokoro trips. Always check child policies in advance.

Selinda Camp

A photographer's dream Botswana escape overlooking the Selinda Spillway and Linyanti River

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