Insider Travel Tips

How do I plan a trip to Botswana?

Travel on a tailor-made itinerary that mixes Botswana’s safari bucket-list experiences and sights with your own interests! Want to watch the antelope in the reeds of the Okavango Delta at the heart of the Kalahari Desert or travel alongside a group of the over 100,000 elephants that live in and around Chobe National Park? Embark on an epic travel journey to Botswana with the expertise of a Goway Destination Specialist.

How much does it typically cost for a trip to Botswana?

Given the unique location of Botswana, pricing is typically higher than other African countries. The most variance in price is based on the season, but for a week-long trip, plan to budget around $4,800 for a mid-range experience, and closer to $9,600 for a luxury lodge.

What documentation is required to visit Botswana?

Visitors from the United States and Canada require a passport that is valid for at least six months in order to visit Botswana. There is currently no visa requirement for Americans or Canadians to visit. Travellers will receive a passport stamp valid for a stay up to 30 days. If you are planning to visit neighbouring countries such as Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa, a visa can be obtained at the airport in Gaborone.

Is travelling to Botswana safe?

Overall, Botswana is considered a safe place to travel, but as with all destinations, practice typical precautions. While at a safari camp, plan to follow the rules of the guide closely. If you are travelling in a car, or at a campsite, lock up the doors and securely keep your valuables with you at all times. Solo travellers should practice standard precautions, such as not walking along late at night.

Are Botswana LGBTQ+ friendly?

Botswana is known to be an open and welcoming country, and is accepting of LGBTQ+ travellers. Same-sex relations were decriminalized in 2019, however, same-sex marriage is still illegal. Views towards the LGBTQ+ community remain stigmatized, though there are higher levels of acceptance now than in the past. Plan to practice some precautions and refrain from public displays of affection.

What currency does Botswana use?

Botswana uses the Pula (BWP) as their currency. On average USD $1 is worth 13.25 pula, but do check rates before travelling. There is somewhat limited acceptance of some credit cards. It is common for tour guides, lodges, and accommodations to accept USD cash. Keeping a small amount of some local currency on hand is wise, but ATMs are typically only available in major towns. 

Do I need to tip in Botswana?

It is customary to tip around 10% when dining in a restaurant for good service. Do note, there is sometimes a service charge already added to meals. When staying at a safari lodge, it is acceptable to provide a tip to the safari guide, plus additional to be split amongst other staff per person, for each day of the trip, around USD $10-15. 

Can I drink the tap water in Botswana? 

Plan to use bottled water or specifically filtered water. Some camps or accommodations may have filtered water available too. Do not plan to drink the tap water. In some spots, it's considered safe, but most travellers prefer drinking filtered or bottled.