Do I need a visa to enter Botswana?

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.

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

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.

Can I self-drive in Botswana?

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.

What language is spoken in Botswana?

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

What currency is used in Botswana?

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.

Is Botswana family-friendly?

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

Luxury safari lodge lounge with open-air deck overlooking wilderness, featuring comfortable seating and rustic wooden furnishings at sunset

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Luxury safari lodge lounge with open-air deck overlooking wilderness, featuring comfortable seating and rustic wooden furnishings at sunset

Botswana

Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

From $67 /person

Askiesbos - Samochima Bush Camp is set in Shakawe, 200 metres from Krokovango Crocodile Farm. Boasting a shared kitchen, this property also has a restaurant and a picnic area. There is an outdoor fireplace and guests can make use of free Wi-Fi and free private parking. Askiesbos Samochima Bush Camp offers some units that feature a patio with outdoor furniture and river or forest views. All rooms are fitted with a private bathroom with a shower and an indoor seating area. The guest house offers a braai/bbq facility and guests will be able to enjoy activities in and around Shakawe, like cycling and hiking. Askiesbos Samochima Bush Camp offers a continental or Full English/Irish breakfast at an extra cost. There is also a restaurant on the property where guests can enjoy a good meal.

Askiesbos - Samochima Bush Camp is set in Shakawe, 200 metres from Krokovango Crocodile Farm. ...

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Rooms

Rustic outdoor shower enclosure with bamboo walls and wooden deck at Askiesbos Camp luxury safari tent

River Tent 1

1•

This tent is a one-of-a-kind luxury, spacious tent secluded on the side of the forest and on the river bank and it overlooks the swamps. The tent has an outdoor shower but also has a lovely bath inside and there is a patio with outdoor furniture.

From $88

Riverside deck with woven chairs overlooking Okavango River through lush trees at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

River Tent 2

1•

The River Tent 2 has a double bed and is located on the river banks. It is close to the main area but still private and the bathroom has a great view from the shower. The tent has a patio with outdoor furniture.

From $67

Luxury safari tent nestled among trees at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe with private balcony and forest views

River Tent 3

2•

This tent's standout feature is the fireplace. The tent offers a private entrance, a seating area, a balcony with garden views as well as a private bathroom boasting a walk-in shower. The river views are amazing.

From $67

Wooden deck walkway leading to luxury safari tent with lantern lighting at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Forest Tent 1

2•

Tucked away in the forest - quiet and peaceful. The tent has 2 single beds and a bathroom with a shower only. Vervet monkeys, tree squirrels, owls and bushbuck will be visiting as you are relaxing on the veranda.

From $67

Elevated safari tent accommodation nestled among trees with wooden deck and outdoor seating at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Forest Tent 2

1•

Guests will have a special experience as the tent offers a fireplace. The tent has a private bathroom with a shower and a seating area as well as a patio with outdoor furniture to sit and enjoy the tranquillity of the forest.

From $67

Luxury tent bathroom with ornate silver mirror, white vessel sink and natural wood accents at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Secluded river tent nestled among trees at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe with winding pathway and green canvas roof

Elevated safari tent accommodation with wooden deck surrounded by lush forest at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Luxury safari tent interior with king bed, white linens, navy accent pillows and woven throw at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Spacious luxury safari tent interior at Askiesbos Camp showing queen bed, rustic wooden furnishings and natural light through canvas walls

Luxury safari tent interior at Askiesbos Camp with king bed, wooden furniture and gray carpet flooring in natural light

River Tent 1

1•

From $88

Outdoor bathroom with bamboo privacy walls and porcelain toilet at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe's River Tent accommodation

Luxury safari tent with raised wooden deck, bamboo privacy screens and covered outdoor seating area at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Luxury safari tent interior at Askiesbos Camp with private seating area and curtained sleeping space

Luxury safari tent interior at Askiesbos Camp with queen bed, grey linens and decorative pillows in natural lighting

Wooden deck walkway overlooking tranquil river through trees at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Outdoor bathroom with rustic wooden walls and white porcelain fixtures at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe river tent accommodation

River Tent 2

1•

From $67

Private outdoor bathroom area with bamboo fence enclosure at Askiesbos Camp luxury safari tent accommodation

Private wooden deck with outdoor seating at River Tent 3, Askiesbos Camp Shakawe, surrounded by natural bushveld vegetation

Luxury safari tent interior at Askiesbos Camp with white wicker chairs and outdoor deck overlooking river

Twin beds with pink throws and decorative pillows in luxury safari tent accommodation at Askiesbos Camp

River Tent 3

2•

From $67

Rustic outdoor bathroom with bamboo walls, hanging lanterns, and freestanding basin at luxury safari tent accommodation

Luxury safari forest tent entrance with bamboo privacy screen and wooden sign at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Rustic forest tent with wooden deck walkway and lantern lighting at dusk at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Cozy forest tent interior at Askiesbos Camp with twin beds, modern furnishings and geometric patterned cushions

Forest Tent 1

2•

From $67

Forest tent entrance with bamboo walls and warm lighting along pathway at Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Luxury safari tent on elevated wooden deck with glowing lanterns nestled in forest canopy at Askiesbos Camp

Luxury safari tent interior with king bed, geometric pillows and warm ambient lighting at Askiesbos Camp

Forest Tent 2

1•

From $67

Facilities

The below facilities are available at this stay:

Wi-Fi
Bar / Lounge
Secured parking
Free parking
Restaurant
Room service
BBQ / Picnic area

Best time to go to Askiesbos Camp Shakawe

Best
Good
Acceptable

January
From $67
February
From $67
March
From $67
April
From $67
May
From $67
June
From $67
July
From $74
August
From $74
September
From $74
October
From $74
November
From $74
December
From $74

January

From $67

February

From $67

March

From $67

April

From $67

May

From $67

June

From $67

July

From $74

August

From $74

September

From $74

October

From $74

November

From $74

December

From $74

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What our travellers are saying

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With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

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Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Verified Traveller

I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.

Manuel

Verified Traveller

From the first contact to trip preparation and implementation as well as support during the trip, Viatu always acted very professionally. Our wishes and the given financial framework were taken into account. The hotels, the food, the activities - everything was excellent and highly recommended.

Nadja

Verified Traveller

We booked our honeymoon with Viatu. From the first minute on, we had good communication going with our travel agent, and she suggested a very nice itinerary right away. After some little adjustments that were easily done, we were ready to go.

Nora

Verified Traveller

I'm very thankful for my first Viatu experience. The 3-week trip across Namibia combined incredible landscapes and nature, mindblowing eco-friendly lodges and utter peace of mind. The organisation and support of the Viatu team were spot-on - this is the way to impress. Thanks a lot!

Christoph

Verified Traveller

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Verified Traveller

We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.

Valerie

Verified Traveller

Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.

Nicole

Verified Traveller

With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!

Margherita

Verified Traveller

Stefano

Verified Traveller

We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!

Linda

Manuel

Nadja

Nora

Christoph

The recommended accommodations were perfect for us and everything was as expected. Even though we booked on very short notice, everything went smoothly and was well managed by Viatu.

Jan

Valerie

Nicole