Ask an Expert: Botswana

Goway understands that planning your dream vacation requires the utmost attention to detail to ensure every moment is seamless, unforgettable, and just the way you like it. There are unique nuances to every incredible destination that you can only discover once you have travelled to and experienced the destination. Luckily, our Destination Specialists have lived, travelled, and worked in the destinations they sell, so you can plan your dream trip with the expert insights you deserve.

This month, we spoke with Goway Africa Destination Specialist Gina Dorey to discuss the practical advice and expert insights you need to know when planning a trip to Botswana.

What is your favourite place to visit in Botswana?

I absolutely love the Okavango Delta. It is a vast, inland river delta ideal for exciting, bucket-list-worthy safaris and game drives where you can often spot Africa’s Big Five: lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and African buffalo. You can also find wild dogs and over 400 bird species, including rare species such as the Slaty Egret, which is almost entirely confined to the Okavango Delta.

What’s a unique way to experience Botswana?

I definitely recommend going on a Mokoro canoe excursion. Silently gliding through the rivers and waterways is a unique alternative to your typical safari game drives in 4x4 vehicles.

What’s a hidden gem in Botswana that more people should know about?

Baines' Baobabs in Nxai Pan National Park. These are an iconic group of seven massive baobab trees, over 1,500 years old. They are named after the famous painter and explorer Thomas Baines and are also known as "The Sleeping Sisters."

What’s a landmark that people shouldn’t miss?

I absolutely recommend that you visit the Makgadigadi Pans. It is one of the world’s largest salt flats, covering roughly 16,000 sq-km (9,942 sq-mi) of the Kalahari Desert. It offers great cultural experiences, teaching you about the San people and their rich history as hunter-gatherers in southern Africa.

When’s the best time to visit Botswana?

You will enjoy the best weather from May through October. I also highly recommend visiting during the green season from November to early April. It is traditionally a rainier time of year, but it still offers exceptional value. Goway's Botswana travel guides are informative and reliable resources that will help you familiarize yourself with everything you need to know about the country.

What’s something more travellers should know about Botswana?

Botswana intentionally limits the number of tourists to protect its environment. This does make it a more expensive option; however, it also helps maintain Botswana as an exclusive, less-crowded alternative to other popular African safari destinations.

What’s a common misconception about Botswana?

A common misconception about Botswana is that it is too expensive to visit. A great way to moderate the cost of your trip is to participate in a small-group safari, which can be arranged easily with our Destination Specialists and the Goway GroupsOnly team. These normally carry no more than 10-12 people and allow you to visit Botswana at a more moderate price.

What’s your favourite place to stay in Botswana?

Anywhere! I have never been disappointed when travelling to Botswana, and I am confident you will feel the same!