Frequently Asked Questions Botswana

Botswana is one of the safest and most stable destinations in Africa. Since you will be traveling with private guides and staying in exclusive lodges, you can feel completely safe throughout your journey.

The main safety rule here is actually about wildlife: many high-end camps are unfenced, meaning animals can stroll through. You’ll be perfectly safe by simply listening to your guides and never walking unescorted after dark. In towns like Kasane, for instance, elephants move freely through the streets using their traditional migratory corridors, making for an incredible sight if you follow standard safety distance guidelines. In urban areas, just apply standard precautions: leave your expensive jewelry at home (the leopards won’t be impressed anyway) and keep your valuables secure.

For many nationalities (including citizens of the US, UK, Canada, and Australia), a tourist visa is not required for stays under 90 days. Your entry stamp at the border is completely free of charge.

To easily confirm if your specific passport requires a pre-arranged e-Visa, you can check your status directly on the official government portal.

If you do need to apply, the official fee is $30 USD for a single-entry or $50 USD for a multiple-entry visa.
A multiple-entry option is highly recommended if you plan to pop over the border to witness Victoria Falls during your safari.

If your nationality requires a visa to enter Botswana, you must apply for an e-Visa online before departure. Applying in advance through the official portal offers several important advantages, starting with total peace of mind since you board your flight knowing your entry is already approved. It also saves precious time at the border: upon arrival, you can proceed directly to immigration verification without extra paperwork, allowing you to catch your bush flight or safari transfer without delay.

This process is entirely secure, provided applications are submitted exclusively through the official government portal. We strongly advise against third-party websites, which charge exorbitant processing fees and are often unreliable. To support you, we provide a practical visa guide, and our consultants are always here to help. While we cannot apply on your behalf, we ensure the process remains simple and stress-free. Once approved, typically within a few working days, just remember to print your e-Visa and keep it with your passport throughout your travels.

No, visas are not issued at the border. If your nationality requires a visa, you must apply for and receive your approved e-Visa online before departing for Botswana, as entry will be denied if you arrive without it.

Conversely, if you belong to a visa-exempt country (such as the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and EU nations), you do not need to apply for anything in advance. You will receive your tourist entry stamp directly upon arrival at immigration, completely free of charge. In short: you either enter visa-free based on your passport, or you must apply online in advance. No visa payments or applications can be processed at the border.

If your nationality requires a visa for Botswana, you should apply exclusively through the official Botswana Government e-Visa portal. Please be highly vigilant, as there are many unofficial third-party websites that mimic the government platform to charge excessive processing fees.

As a reminder, if you hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or the EU, you are exempt from this process and do not need to request an e-Visa anywhere; you will simply receive your free entry stamp at the border.

If you need an e-Visa, we strongly recommend submitting your application at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure to allow ample time for official government processing. Before starting your online application, make sure you have your digital passport-style photo, a clear scan of your passport’s bio-data page, your flight itinerary, and your accommodation bookings or safari voucher ready. Please ensure your physical passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date and contains at least 3 blank pages. You will also need a credit or debit card to settle the online visa fee. Once approved, you must print your e-Visa to present at immigration checkpoints alongside your physical documents.

⚠️ Crucial requirement for children under 18: Botswana has exceptionally strict immigration laws for minors to prevent child trafficking. Whether traveling with one parent, both parents, or a guardian, you must present a certified Unabridged Birth Certificate (a full birth certificate showing details of both parents) translated into English. If a minor is traveling with only one parent, a certified affidavit of consent from the non-traveling parent is also strictly required at the border.

For most travellers, obtaining a Zimbabwe visa is quick and easy. If you’re travelling from the EU (except Cyprus and Malta), the UK, USA, Canada or Australia, you can simply purchase a ‘Visa on Arrival’ at Victoria Falls Airport or at the Kazungula border crossing (if you drive in from Botswana) for around 30 USD. Just make sure your passport is valid for at least 6 months and has 2 blank pages. Visa fees are payable in cash (US Dollars only) – try to bring the exact amount.

Botswana requires all visitors to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy and when booking with us, we will ask you to show proof of that. Making it mandatory gives both Botswana and visitors the assurance that whatever happens, a solution is nearby!

A comprehensive travel insurance plan acts as your financial safety net. By securing reliable coverage that handles upfront medical expenses, unexpected trip interruptions, or severe luggage delays, you protect your travel investment. This ensures you can fully immerse yourself in the magic of your safari, knowing you are protected against any unforeseen expenses.

We highly recommend Chapka Travel Insurance for your African journey. Chapka offers tailored coverage designed to meet the unique requirements of a wilderness safari, ensuring you only pay for what you truly need. Their comprehensive plans provide full coverage both before and during your trip, including 24/7 medical teleconsultation, extensive coverage for medical expenses or hospitalization abroad, and search and rescue operations, which are crucial for remote wilderness areas. Additionally, their policies handle trip cancellation, unexpected interruptions, and lost or delayed baggage claims. With Chapka, you can embrace your Botswana adventure with complete confidence, knowing that expert assistance and a reliable safety net are just a quick phone call away.

Private medical evacuations from remote areas like the bush or desert concessions can be exceptionally costly if out-of-pocket. Regular travel insurance usually doesn’t cover the costs of these evacuations. This is why we’ve included the Okavango Air Rescue fee in the price of our travel packages. This professional local operator can ensure swift airborne transport in case of medical emergencies in the bush, organised by dedicated medical aircraft to the nearest appropriate hospital.

Generally, no. Botswana does not require a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving directly from Europe, North America, or other non-endemic countries.

⚠️ Mandatory Exception: A certificate is strictly mandatory if you are arriving from, or have spent more than 12 hours in transit through, a country with a risk of Yellow Fever transmission (such as Uganda, Kenya, or certain other sub-Saharan African and South American nations). If your safari itinerary includes a stopover or a combination with an endemic country before entering Botswana, you must carry your official Yellow Card (International Certificate of Vaccination) to present at immigration, as entry will otherwise be denied.

In addition to ensuring your routine immunizations (such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis, Polio, and MMR) are up to date, health authorities generally recommend vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Typhoid. A rabies vaccination may also be advised depending on how remote your itinerary is and the specific activities you have planned.

Malaria is another important consideration. While it is not present everywhere in Botswana, it is a known risk in the northern regions, including the Chobe area and the Okavango Delta. We strongly advise taking preventive malaria medication (prophylaxis) as prescribed by your doctor, particularly during and just after the wet summer months.

To protect yourself from mosquito bites during your stay, we also recommend packing long-sleeved shirts and trousers for the evenings and applying a high-quality insect repellent containing DEET. As a practical note, while some properties provide traditional mosquito nets, many modern high-end safari camps in Botswana feature fully screened tented rooms or specialized climate control systems designed to keep insects out completely.

For professional safari guides and trackers, a tip of approximately 10 to 15 USD per person, per day, is standard. In Botswana, you will often have both a lead guide and a tracker (especially during game drives in private concessions) or a mokoro poler during water-based safaris. If your guide has provided exceptional expertise, sharp tracking skills, and highly personalized service, tipping at the higher end of the scale is a wonderful way to acknowledge their dedication. It is customary to hand this tip directly to your guide or tracker in a small envelope at the end of your stay at each camp.

At safari lodges and camps, tips for the behind-the-scenes team, including housekeeping, kitchen, maintenance, and service staff are usually pooled together. Most accommodations provide a communal tip box often located in the main lounge or reception area, where a contribution of 5 to 10 USD per person, per day, is considered appropriate. For porters, airport transfer drivers, or casual helpers who assist you briefly with luggage, a small individual tip of 2 to 5 USD is a customary and kind gesture.

The amount of cash you will need depends heavily on your personal spending habits. Your safari package already covers your accommodation, meals, park fees, and transportation. Your additional on the ground expenses will usually be limited to tips, premium drinks, souvenirs, and optional activities such as a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta. As a general guideline, bringing 300 to 500 USD per person in cash is usually sufficient to comfortably cover your tips and personal expenses throughout the journey.

Yes, credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted at almost all safari lodges, camps, larger hotels, and shops in main hubs like Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone. You can easily use your card to settle your final lodge bill for extras like boutique purchases or spa treatments.

However, please keep two essential points in mind regarding card payments. First, because many camps are located in deeply isolated wilderness areas, network outages can occasionally disrupt card machines, so having your cash reserve handy is always a good safety net. Second, for your small purchases or tips outside the safari camps at local markets or small shops, carrying a little local currency is ideal. You can easily withdraw Pula at ATMs upon arrival at the airport.

English is the official language and is widely spoken throughout the country, particularly in cities, safari lodges, and within the tourism industry. The national language is Setswana, which is spoken by the vast majority of the population. Learning a few basic words in Setswana, starting with the universal greeting “Dumela,” which means “hello,” is highly appreciated and will immediately bring a smile to the faces of the locals you meet.

The Batswana are known for being peaceful, exceptionally welcoming, and proud of their beautiful country. Botswana is one of the most stable and peaceful democracies in Africa, and this is reflected in the calm, respectful atmosphere of daily life. The culture is deeply rooted in the concept of Botho, a traditional philosophy centered on mutual respect, community, and human dignity. Greetings play an essential role in daily etiquette, and it is considered polite to always exchange a warm greeting before asking for directions or beginning a conversation.

Botswana operates on Central Africa Time (CAT / UTC+2) all year-round, making the time adjustment incredibly simple for international travelers.

For guests visiting from Europe, there is no time difference at all during the European summer months from late March to late October, and Botswana is just one hour ahead during the European winter. For travelers arriving from the United States, you will find Botswana 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time and 9 hours ahead of Pacific Time during US daylight saving time, with that gap increasing by exactly one hour once the US switches back to standard winter time. Because all internal flights, private bush transfers, and scheduled safari activities strictly follow local time, we highly recommend setting your watches as soon as you land to keep your itinerary perfectly on track.

The price of a Botswana safari varies significantly depending on your comfort level, travel style, and how you move between camps. As a general guideline, classic road based or mobile safaris typically start around 450 to 600 USD per person, per day. On the other hand, fly in safaris utilizing light aircraft to jump between remote luxury lodges generally range from 900 to over 1800 USD per person, per day.

These prices reflect the country’s High Value, Low Volume tourism policy, which limits the number of visitors to protect the wildlife and ensures an incredibly private viewing experience without the crowds.

Several key elements shape the final cost of your itinerary:

1. The season: this is the most dramatic cost factor in Botswana.
2. Accommodation type: choosing between permanent luxury tented camps, ultra luxury lodges, or adventurous mobile tented safaris impacts the budget.
3. Logistics: road transfers versus scenic bush flights. Because places like the Okavango Delta are islands surrounded by water, flying in is often the only option, which naturally influences the final price.
4. Location: Staying inside national parks versus private concessions where night drives and off roading are allowed.

Seasonal price fluctuations in Botswana are among the most pronounced in the safari world:

• Peak Season from July to October: this period coincides with the dry winter and the arrival of the floodwaters in the Okavango Delta. Demand is exceptionally high, and prices are at their premium.
• Shoulder Season in April, June, and November: This timing offers an incredible balance. The weather is pleasant, wildlife viewing is transitioning, and prices drop significantly, making it a fantastic value option.
• Green Season from December to March: This is the rainy summer season. While some tracks become muddy, it is the time of spectacular landscapes, newborn animals, and vibrant birdlife. Lodges offer massive discounts, often up to 40% or 50% off peak rates, making luxury camps highly accessible.

Most Botswana fly in safari packages are fully all inclusive. This typically covers your luxury accommodation, all daily meals, scheduled safari activities including game drives, boat cruises, and mokoro excursions, as well as park fees, emergency medical evacuation insurance, and local drinks such as soft drinks, beers, house wines, and spirits.

International flights, premium imported champagnes or spirits, visas, comprehensive travel insurance, and tips for your guides and camp staff are generally not included and should be budgeted separately.

Yes, absolutely. One of the greatest advantages of a tailor made safari is its flexibility. Your budget can be optimized by mixing shoulder season dates, combining road accessible regions like Chobe or Kasane with just one fly in Delta camp, or opting for luxury under canvas through mobile safaris, which offer an authentic, high end experience at a fraction of the cost of permanent stone lodges.

Fly-in safaris in Botswana are those kinds of safaris where you travel from park to park by plane. Once there, you are transferred to your lodge, and some lodges even have their own airstrips. As we cannot provide each lodge with our safari jeeps, the game drives and other excursions are subsequently organised by the lodges, and usually joined with other guests.

Yes, for sure! We can reserve these for you in advance, at an extra cost. But depending on your date of travel, you might just have a private safari without reserving it when there are just no other guests to join. Especially outside the high season, this happens regularly. Ask your travel consultant for advice for your personal situation!

We typically book flights in light safari planes such as the reliable Cessna Grand Caravan EX, seating up to 11 passengers and offering a comfortable, low-altitude flying experience with fantastic views of the landscapes below.

Yes, absolutely. Private charter flights can be arranged for fly-in safaris, subject to aircraft availability. During the peak safari season, however, demand is exceptionally high and private charters can’t always be guaranteed. If a private flight is an important part of your trip, we recommend requesting it as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing one.

Yes, we can help you arrange international flights if needed. These flights are not included in the package prices displayed on our website and are booked separately based on your preferred travel dates, departure airport, and airline choice.

All domestic flights within Africa are included in your safari package and will be organized as part of your itinerary.

If you would like assistance in selecting suitable international flights, our team will be happy to support you and book them for you.

We have clients travelling from many different airports at different times of the year. As international airfares vary significantly, we do not include flights in our itineraries. Booking your own international flights also gives you the flexibility to search for the best fares, as we cannot guarantee the best price when booking for you.

If you book your tickets yourself, first check the distance and driving time information in your proposal PDF. Depending on your time of arrival or departure, you might have to book an extra night before the start of your program or arrange a late check-out. In addition, make sure that your flight arrives where the program starts and departs where your program ends. This is not always the same airport! When in doubt, please contact your travel consultant.

You can if you have to, but we recommend avoiding that. Even if we book the international flight tickets on your behalf, it remains your responsibility to ensure all personal details are filled in correctly. Once you have confirmed and booked the tickets, any change costs at least €175 per ticket (and, worst-case scenario, the price of a new flight ticket).

Domestic airlines (like Air Botswana) generally offer 23 kilograms of checked baggage and 7 kilograms carry-on luggage, while some smaller charter flights (like Mack Air) only allow soft bags with a maximum of 20 kilograms in total, of which 5 kilograms can be taken as carry-on.

Yes. All required transfers and pickups are planned and included as part of your Africa Safari Trips itinerary.

Upon arrival in Botswana, you’ll be personally welcomed by a member of our team and escorted to your accommodation.

However if you do a self-drive, your rental car will be delivered to you at the airport at the time of your arrival. This gives you plenty of time to do some shopping and even explore the area before your actual safari starts.

Absolutely. All transfers between lodges, camps, and safari areas are arranged in advance to ensure a smooth and comfortable journey throughout your trip.

We offer various accommodation options, from well-appointed mid-range lodges to refined luxury lodges and camps, allowing you to choose the style that best matches your tastes and budget. We call them silver, gold and platinum.

Our team regularly inspects and reviews each accommodation in person to ensure high standards of comfort, service, and reliability.

Yes. We collaborate directly with all the lodges and camps we feature, allowing for clear communication, efficient coordination, and a seamless experience for our guests.

Yes! If you have a request for a specific hotel or town that are not in our system, we are always happy to check the availability and arrange a booking for you.

Yes, all meals are fully included throughout your safari stay. A typical day follows the rhythm of nature, starting with a light breakfast before sunrise. This is followed by a hearty brunch or lunch upon returning from your morning activity. Later in the afternoon, you will enjoy a traditional Afternoon Tea, often called High Tea, with sweet and savory treats before your afternoon drive, culminating in a multi course dinner under the stars.

Safari cuisine in Botswana is a delightful blend of gourmet international dishes and local African flavors. You will enjoy freshly baked breads, high quality meats including local beef and occasionally venison like kudu or impala, fresh salads, and exquisite desserts prepared by talented camp chefs. Dinner is often served in the boma, which is an outdoor enclosure, around a roaring campfire.

Yes, perfectly. Safari lodges in Botswana are highly experienced in catering to vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, lactose free, and specific allergy requirements. Because of the remote logistics, all menus are planned well in advance. Simply inform your travel specialists of your dietary preferences prior to departure, and the camps will customize their daily menus specifically for you.

You will never go hungry or thirsty in the bush. Morning game drives always feature a mid morning coffee and tea stop with home baked cookies in the wild. Afternoon drives culminate in the iconic African Sundowner tradition, where your guide will set up a pop up bar on the hood of the 4×4, allowing you to sip a gin and tonic or a cold drink with light snacks as the sun dips below the horizon. Drinking water is always freely available in the vehicles.

Unlike typical safaris in other parts of Africa, most luxury lodges in Botswana include local beverages in their standard nightly rate. This means your bottled water, soft drinks, coffees, local beers, house wines, and spirits are completely free of charge throughout your stay.

The safari guides are exceptional, fully qualified local professionals with an intimate knowledge of Botswana’s distinct ecosystems, from the permanent channels of the Okavango to the arid Kalahari. Because guides are based directly at each specific lodge or camp, they live and breathe that environment. They know the movement of local lion prides, the favorite grazing spots of elephant herds, and the hidden wilderness channels, allowing them to expertly track wildlife and share captivating stories that bring each safari day to life.

By default, safaris in Botswana’s remote camps operate on a shared vehicle basis, usually restricted to a maximum of 4 to 6 guests per open vehicle or boat, with the lodge’s resident guides. This creates a wonderful, convivial atmosphere as you share daily discoveries with fellow travelers.

However, your experience can easily be tailored depending on your preferences. First, you can book a private lodge vehicle and resident guide at specific camps for an additional daily supplement, giving you complete flexibility over your daily schedule. Second, for the ultimate premium experience, it is possible to arrange for a top tier private escort guide to travel with you throughout your entire itinerary, flying with you from camp to camp to act as your dedicated host and specialist.

All resident safari guides speak fluent English as standard, and English guided activities are included at no extra cost. Because the guides are locally based at the camps, requests for guides fluent in other languages such as French, German, or Spanish must be made well in advance. Language specific guides are subject to availability and will require an additional supplement, as they often need to be privately escorted to the camps.

Absolutely. Botswana has some of the strictest and most rigorous guiding qualifications in Africa, regulated by the Botswana Guides Association and local wildlife authorities. Guides undergo extensive training in wildlife behavior, advanced tracking techniques, professional photography support, walking safari safety, and water navigation, such as steering a traditional mokoro dugout canoe safely past hippos. Regular refreshers ensure they remain at the absolute peak of responsible and confident guiding.

Yes, the lodge guides excel at tailoring the experience. Whether you are a keen photographer needing the vehicle positioned for the perfect light, a passionate bird watcher looking for rare endemic species, or traveling with family, the guides will do their absolute best to adapt.

Regarding families, please note that if you are traveling with children under a certain age, camps often require the booking of a private vehicle for safety and flexibility during game drives. Sharing your specific interests and wishes in advance helps ensure you are paired with the ideal camps and guiding arrangements for your journey.

To give you a concrete taste of the daily adventures woven into the main itineraries, here are excellent examples of what awaits you on the ground:

• Mokoro Safaris in Khwai allow you to glide silently over the Khwai River on a traditional dugout canoe, poled along by a skilled local guide through papyrus lined channels.
• Savuti Game Drives offer the chance to explore the legendary Savuti Channel in Chobe National Park in an open 4×4 safari vehicle, shared with a maximum of six guests, to track Africa’s largest elephant population and high concentrations of predators.
• The Magic of the Okavango immerses you in a UNESCO World Heritage Site where seasonal floodwaters transform dry sands into a lush wildlife haven.
• Khwai Village Cultural Visits let you step into the heart of a local village to learn about community traditions at the kgotla, which is the traditional meeting place, and directly support local women weavers and the preschool.
• Boteti River Wildlife Drives focus on exploring the riverbeds of the Makgadikgadi Pans National Park to spot desert adapted wildlife like gemsbok, brown hyenas, and Kalahari lions.
• The Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans Extension is a surreal six day desert detour where you can meet quirky habituated meerkats, walk with the San Bushmen, see Baines’ Baobabs, and experience a magical sleep out under the stars on an elevated star bed.

The peak safari season runs from June to October during the dry winter months. During this time, rainfall is virtually zero, temperatures are pleasant during the day, though chilly at night, and wildlife viewing is at its absolute peak as animals crowd around the remaining water sources.

However, the Green Season from November to April is highly rewarding. The landscapes turn vibrantly green, migratory birds arrive by the thousands, and prices at ultra premium luxury lodges drop significantly, offering incredible value for travelers.

Paradoxically, the best time for water activities in the Okavango is during the dry season from June to August. The floodwaters originate from the highlands of Angola and take months to trickle down, reaching the region right when Botswana is at its driest. If navigating the crystal clear channels by mokoro or boat is on your bucket list, this is the absolute perfect window to travel.

If you want to experience the desert or the salt pans, the rainy season from December to March is magical. The summer rains trigger the second largest zebra and wildebeest migration in Africa, drawing them straight to the Nxai Pan and Makgadikgadi region. This is also the prime birthing period for most herbivores, meaning plenty of adorable newborn animals, which naturally attracts high predator action from lions and cheetahs.

Yes, absolutely. Traveling during the rainy season, often called the Green Season, is Botswana’s best kept secret. Rain usually falls in dramatic afternoon thundershowers rather than all day downpours, meaning your activities are rarely disrupted. You will experience vibrant green scenery, fewer tourist vehicles in the parks, excellent predator tracking, and access to exclusive luxury lodges at a fraction of their dry season price.

No, but expectations must be managed regarding October. October is the transition month, meaning it is incredibly hot, often pushing 40°C, and dry. While wildlife viewing is unparalleled because animals are desperate for water, the heat can be intense for some travelers, so it is important to factor this into your planning.

The Okavango Air Rescue (OAR) is a medically staffed helicopter rescue service operating in Botswana’s remote areas. They provide dedicated air ambulances and medical helicopters that can evacuate patients directly from remote bush airstrips in the rare event of a serious medical situation.

If a medical emergency arises at a remote camp, a helicopter or fixed-wing air ambulance is dispatched immediately with professional doctors on board. The patient is stabilized and flown directly to the nearest advanced medical facility, typically in Maun, Gaborone, or Johannesburg in South Africa for specialized care.

Emergency evacuation services focus exclusively on the air ambulance transport and stabilization from the bush to the hospital. It does not cover hospital treatment, medication, or long term care expenses. For this reason, emergency evacuation services must always be used in combination with comprehensive travel and health insurance, which remains mandatory for your trip.

Botswana is home to one of the world’s last untouched wilderness areas, and the size of that area is enormous. The Okavango Delta and Central Kalahari alone count for over 20,000 square kilometres of pristine habitat. Many luxury lodges in Botswana are accessible only by light aircraft, meaning you are hours away from the nearest road.
Travel insurance providers usually don’t have the capacity to cover these areas, and this is where the OAR comes in. Knowing that a professional medical evacuation flight is fully integrated into the logistics of your safari allows you to completely unplug and enjoy the pristine wilderness, knowing you are backed by a world class safety network.

The OAR insurance costs 175 BWP per year, which is the equivalent to approximately 12 EUR or 13 USD per person per trip. In our travel proposals, this is already included in the price.