Question 1

When is the best time to visit Botswana?

Accepted Answer

The dry season from May to October is the best time for wildlife viewing in Botswana. The Okavango Delta floods peak between June and August, making mokoro and boating safaris exceptional. July to October offers concentrated game in Chobe, Moremi, and the Linyanti as water sources dry up. The green season (November to April) is dramatic, lush, and excellent for birding and the Makgadikgadi zebra migration, though some camps close during the wettest months.

Question 2

How many days do I need for a Botswana safari?

Accepted Answer

We recommend at least 7 to 10 nights to do Botswana justice. A classic itinerary combines the Okavango Delta (3 nights), Moremi or Khwai (2-3 nights), and Chobe or Linyanti (2-3 nights). Most travellers fly between camps on light aircraft because of the road conditions and distances. For a deeper exploration including the Central Kalahari or Makgadikgadi pans, plan for 12-14 nights.

Question 3

Is Botswana safe for tourists?

Accepted Answer

Botswana is one of Africa's safest and most stable countries. It has a low crime rate, a healthy democracy, and a tourism industry built around small, well-run camps. Standard precautions apply in Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone. In the bush, the bigger considerations are wildlife safety (always follow camp guidance) and the remoteness of medical facilities — comprehensive travel insurance with evacuation cover is essential.

Question 4

Do I need a visa to visit Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Citizens of most Western countries — including the UK, EU member states, USA, Canada, Australia, and South Africa — receive a free 90-day visa on arrival. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date and have at least three blank pages. Confirm the latest requirements with your nearest Botswana High Commission before travelling.

Question 5

Should I self-drive or fly between camps in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Most international visitors fly — Botswana's premier camps are remote, accessed only by light aircraft from Maun or Kasane, and roads in the Delta are seasonal and 4x4-only. Self-drive is rewarding for experienced overlanders comfortable with deep sand, river crossings, and full self-sufficiency, particularly in Moremi, Chobe, the Central Kalahari, and Makgadikgadi. Many travellers combine a fly-in safari with a self-drive segment.

Question 6

What wildlife can I see in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Botswana hosts Africa's largest elephant population (around 130,000), all members of the Big 5, exceptional predators (lion, leopard, cheetah, wild dog, brown and spotted hyena), and over 500 bird species. The Okavango Delta is famed for water-based sightings of red lechwe, sitatunga, and hippo. Chobe is elephant country. The Kalahari delivers black-maned lions and meerkats, and Makgadikgadi hosts Africa's second-largest zebra migration.

Question 7

What's special about the Okavango Delta?

Accepted Answer

The Okavango is the world's largest inland delta — a UNESCO World Heritage Site where floodwaters from Angola create a vast wetland in the middle of the Kalahari Desert. Safaris here are uniquely water-based: gliding through reed-lined channels in a mokoro (dugout canoe), boating, and walking on palm-fringed islands, alongside classic 4x4 game drives. It is one of the world's most exclusive and ecologically rich wilderness areas.

Question 8

Is Botswana good for seeing African wild dogs?

Accepted Answer

Botswana is arguably the best country in the world to see endangered African wild dogs. The Linyanti, Selinda, Khwai, and Moremi areas have stable resident packs that are regularly monitored. Sightings during the May to August denning season can be exceptional, with pups visible at the den and the pack returning daily.

Question 9

Can I do a self-drive safari in Chobe or Moremi?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Chobe and Moremi both allow self-drive in fully equipped 4x4s. Chobe's Riverfront has the best road network and densest game. Moremi (especially Khwai and Third Bridge) is more challenging — deep sand, water crossings, and remoteness require experience. You must be self-sufficient with fuel, water, and recovery gear, and book campsites months in advance via the operators (SKL, Xomae, Kwalate).

Question 10

Do I need a 4x4 in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

If you're flying between camps, you don't need to drive at all — transfers are by light aircraft and 4x4 game viewer. For self-drive trips into Chobe, Moremi, Central Kalahari, or Makgadikgadi, a fully equipped 4x4 with low range is essential. Sealed roads link Maun, Kasane, Francistown, and Gaborone, but virtually all national parks require off-road capability.

Question 11

What are Botswana's road conditions like?

Accepted Answer

Botswana has good tar roads on the main inter-city corridors (Trans-Kalahari Highway, Maun–Kasane). Inside national parks and reserves, expect deep sand, corrugations, water crossings, and seasonal closures. The Moremi tracks are notoriously challenging in the wet season. Always travel in pairs, carry recovery gear, and never rely solely on GPS — paper maps and Tracks4Africa are essential.

Question 12

How do most visitors get around Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Most international safari guests fly into Maun or Kasane and then transfer by light aircraft (Mack Air, Wilderness Air, Major Blue) to the bush airstrips serving each camp. This is fast, scenic, and avoids long road transfers. Self-drive overlanders cross from Namibia (Mohembo / Ngoma), South Africa (Martins Drift), or Zambia (Kazungula).

Question 13

What types of accommodation are available in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Botswana is dominated by small, high-end safari camps (typically 6-12 tents) inside private concessions and national parks. Owner-run guesthouses are found in Maun, Kasane, and Ghanzi. Public campsites at Moremi, Chobe, Savuti, and Central Kalahari serve self-drive travellers. There are very few mid-range hotels — Botswana's tourism model favours low-volume, high-value experiences.

Question 14

How far in advance should I book a Botswana safari?

Accepted Answer

For peak season (June to October), book 9 to 12 months in advance — top camps like Mombo, Vumbura, Jao, and Duba sell out a year ahead. For shoulder season, 4 to 6 months is usually enough. Self-drive campsites in Moremi and Chobe also book up early via the concessionaires (SKL, Xomae) and should be reserved months ahead.

Question 15

Are meals usually included at Botswana safari camps?

Accepted Answer

Almost all Botswana safari camps are fully inclusive: accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, house wines and beers, and twice-daily activities (game drives, mokoro, walks, or boating depending on the camp). Premium imported spirits, champagnes, and spa treatments are usually extra. Self-catering campsites are the exception — bring all your own supplies.

Question 16

What currency is used in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Botswana uses the Pula (BWP). South African Rand and US Dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas and at safari camps, but you'll get the best rate paying in Pula in Maun, Kasane, and Gaborone. Major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard) work at hotels, larger restaurants, and lodges, but always carry cash for tips, fuel in remote areas, and small purchases.

Question 17

Is tipping expected in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Tipping is appreciated. Customary amounts at safari camps are USD 10-15 per guest per day for your guide, and USD 5-10 per guest per day pooled for the back-of-house staff (often handled via a tipping box at reception). In restaurants, 10% is standard. At fuel stations and for porters, BWP 5-10 is appropriate.

Question 18

Will my mobile phone work in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

Mascom, Orange, and BTC provide 4G coverage in Maun, Kasane, Gaborone, and along the main highways. Coverage in the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Linyanti, and Central Kalahari is patchy or non-existent — most safari camps offer Wi-Fi in the main area, often via satellite. Buy a local SIM in Maun or Kasane for the best rates.

Question 19

Is Botswana a malaria area?

Accepted Answer

Yes — northern Botswana (Okavango, Chobe, Linyanti, Moremi, Makgadikgadi) is a malaria area, particularly during the wet summer months (November to April). Consult your doctor about prophylaxis well before travel. The Central Kalahari and southern Botswana (Gaborone, Tuli Block, Kgalagadi) are very low risk.

Question 20

How do I book a Botswana safari through SafariStays?

Accepted Answer

Botswana camps are typically enquiry-only on SafariStays — submit a quick enquiry form and our team will respond within 24 hours with availability, a tailored quote, and recommended combinations. We work directly with the camps and can arrange light-aircraft transfers, multi-camp itineraries, and combinations with Namibia, Zambia, or Zimbabwe.

Question 21

Are SafariStays prices the same as booking direct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. SafariStays passes through camp rates without markup. You pay the same as you would direct, with the convenience of a single point of contact, integrated trip planning across countries, and curated camp selection.

Question 22

What if I want a self-drive itinerary in Botswana?

Accepted Answer

We can help — contact us at info@safaristays.com with your dates, vehicle, and route ideas. We'll suggest a realistic itinerary, advise on campsite bookings (Moremi, Chobe, Savuti, Central Kalahari), and combine it with lodge nights in Maun or Kasane on either end.

Botswana Travel FAQ

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