Discover Tailor-Made Botswana Vacations

The dry season (May to October) is the most popular time for safaris, thanks to cooler weather and prime opportunities for wildlife viewing. With water sources shrinking, animals gather around rivers and waterholes, making them easier to spot, especially in places like Chobe and Moremi. This is also the best time for exploring the Okavango Delta by mokoro, as seasonal floods fill the channels.

The wet season (November to April) brings lush greenery, dramatic skies, and far fewer tourists. While wildlife is more dispersed, the scenery is spectacular, making this period an ideal time for both birdwatchers (migratory species arrive in full colour) and photographers. It’s also the time to witness one of Botswana’s lesser-known wonders—the thousands of zebras migrating across the Makgadikgadi Pans.

Whether you prefer dramatic game drives in the dry season or serene landscapes and quiet camps in the green season, Botswana delivers. Each visit reveals a different side of the wilderness.

Destination Specialist Kim Rollings recommends visiting from May to September: “This is considered the prime time for game viewing, particularly in the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park. Animals are easier to spot as they gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense.”

To determine the season that’s right for you, check out our guide to the Best Time to Visit.

At the centre of Tswana tradition is storytelling, often passed down around the fire under star-filled skies. Elders share folk tales and life lessons, keeping ancestral wisdom alive. These stories are paired beautifully with Botswana’s rich craft traditions. Items like woven baskets, beadwork, and pottery are made with skill and pride.

From homestead-raised meats to seasonal melons believed by some to have originated here, meals are rooted in local tradition while welcoming modern interpretations. Food in Botswana is not simply sustenance but a reflection of cultural rhythm and hospitality.

The national dish, Seswaa, captures this essence: slow-cooked beef, shredded and simmered with onions, served over pap, a maize porridge that anchors many meals. Morogo, a medley of leafy greens such as pumpkin leaves or wild spinach, is a frequent accompaniment, while bogobe, a sorghum or maize porridge, is a breakfast staple. Adventurous eaters may try mopane worms, rich in protein and often fried or stewed, while game meats like venison, ostrich, and crocodile highlight the country’s abundant wildlife. For a sweeter bite, magwenya—deep-fried dough balls known as fat cakes—are popular in towns and villages alike.

Dining etiquette in Botswana blends formality with warmth. Meals at local homes honour guests with seats of prominence, and washing hands before eating is customary whether using cutlery or hands. In rural settings, sharing food in this traditional way deepens the sense of connection. Weddings are open community events, embodying the spirit of togetherness that characterises Botswana life.

When it comes to drinks, sorghum beer remains integral at gatherings, brewed both at home and commercially as Chibuku. Alcohol is available in bars, restaurants, and safari camps, though public drunkenness is discouraged. Travellers seeking non-alcoholic options will enjoy African Stoney ginger beer.

Whether dining at a bustling Maun café, tasting Seswaa in sandwich form, or enjoying inclusive meals at a safari lodge, Botswana’s food offers a sensory journey into the country’s traditions and contemporary spirit.

English is the official language and used in business and tourism. Setswana (Tswana) is the national language, commonly spoken by locals.

Most visitors enjoy visa-free access for up to 90 days. Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.

In terms of health precautions, some regions in Botswana carry a malaria risk. Consult your healthcare provider about preventive medication before departure.

Travel between safari destinations often involves light aircraft transfers, offering scenic views and quick access to remote camps. Luggage limits on these flights (usually 15 to 20 kilograms, soft bags only) are strictly enforced, so pack lightly. “In addition to your main softshell bag, it is always handy to have a small handheld bag,” Destination Specialist Kim Rollings advises. “You can keep it with you in the front of the safari vehicle or take it on hikes or walks so you’ll have your most important items nearby.”

For more details on visiting Botswana, consult our guide on Things to Know Before You Go.