Essential Botswana Travel Tips
Entry & Logistics
- Visas & Passports:Most tourists (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia) get a free 90-day visa on arrival.Passports must be valid for at least 6 months past arrival with 2+ blank pages.
- Traveling with Minors:Children under 18 require an original certified full birth certificate to enter.If traveling with only one parent, an affidavit of consent from the non-traveling parent is mandatory.
- Currency:The local currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), but US Dollars (issued after 2013) are widely accepted for safari lodge tipping and extras. Credit cards are accepted in towns, but bring cash for remote stops.
Health & Safety
- Malaria:Northern regions (Okavango Delta, Moremi, Chobe) carry a risk of malaria.Consult a travel doctor for prophylaxis (e.g., Atovaquone/Proguanil or Doxycycline) and use DEET-based repellent.
- Yellow Fever:A certificate is required only if arriving from or transiting through a yellow-fever-risk country.
- Travel Insurance:Comprehensive medical insurance with emergency air evacuation is essential due to remote safari locations.
Packing & Gear
- Luggage Limits: Light aircraft transfers (fly-in safaris) enforce strict 15 kg (33 lbs) weight limits per person in soft-sided, frame-less duffel bags.
- Clothing: Pack lightweight, neutral-colored clothing (khaki, beige, olive). Avoid dark blue or black, which attracts tsetse flies, and bright colors that startle animals. Pack warm layers for chilly morning game drives.
- Photography: Bring a fast telephoto lens (300mm+), extra batteries, and a dust-proof dry bag to protect gear on dirt roads.
Safari Etiquette & Culture
- Tipping:Typical tipping guidelines suggest $10–$15 USD per day for your lead guide and $5–$10 USD per day for general lodge or camp staff.
- Safety in Bush:Safari lodges and campsites are often unfenced.Always listen to your guide, stay inside vehicles unless instructed otherwise, and never walk unescorted in camp after dark.