Botswana

Botswana confounds many people’s opinions of Africa. Although still a relatively young country (it gained its independence in 1966) it is a well-run, thriving democracy where the income from diamond mining and tourism is spent wisely.Botswana is roughly the same size as Texas, but with the same population as Houston. (And rather than a lone star, the night skies of Botswana are fabled for their stellar displays of constellations). It’s a progressive nation, and is particularly forward-thinking when it comes to conservation: some 40% of Botswana’s land area is protected.This adds up to Botswana being an awesome safari destination – safe and secure, and yet very wild in the best possible way. The beauty, scale and diversity of the landscapes will take your breath away, and while you’ll be sharing the savannah, swamps and woodlands with countless birds and animals, you won’t ever feel crowded. Botswana’s tourism policies manage visitor numbers for minimum ecosystem impact.Botswana’s chief attraction is undoubtedly the Okavango Delta. Known as the “Jewel of the Kalahari”, this miraculous mosaic of wetlands, islands, floodplains and channels is revitalized each year by local rainfall, and by the annual inundation of water flowing down from the highlands of Angola.With the water being regularly recharged, the Okavango can support very healthy populations of all the species you would want to see on safari, and consists of beautiful and dynamic landscapes. Unmissable experiences include game drives, walking safaris, and boat and mekoro (dug-out canoe) excursions.While the Delta steals much of the limelight, the rest of Botswana should not be overlooked. The immense spaces of the Central Kalahari (a desert which blooms and comes to life after the rains) and the almost-lunar Makgadikgadi Pans will give your imagination unlimited space to roam, while the Chobe National Park is the focal point for Africa’s greatest concentration of elephants.Cultural experiences include the opportunity to walk with the Bushmen (or San) and learn some of their survival secrets, and evenings spent listening to harmonious traditional a cappella singing. Intricately woven baskets make wonderful, baggage-allowance friendly souvenirs – and you should be sure to leave some space in your heart for all the wonderful memories you’ll make during your time in Botswana.

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Travel Information

Electricity

Electrical sockets (outlets) in Botswana are the “Type M ” South African SABS1661 (“Large” 15 amp BS-546) sockets. If your appliance’s plug doesn’t match…

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Banking

CurrencyBotswana’s currency is Pula (which means ‘rain’ in Setswana). It is divided into 100 thebe (which means ‘shield’ in Setswana). Travellers’ cheques…

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Cuisine

Visitors are advised to drink bottled or filtered water. Filtered water is available at most camps and shops offer bottled water.Milk is pasteurised, and…

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Climate

Botswana’s climatic pattern is typical of southern Africa, although its rainfall is less than countries further east. The rains in Botswana come mostly…

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Transport

Public transport in Botswana is geared towards the needs of the local populace and is confined to main roads between major population centres. Although…

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Dress

In summer, lightweight, lightcoloured cottons are preferable. Avoid synthetic materials and black clothing, as they increase perspiration and discomfort….

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Health

Please consult your health-care provider 4-6 weeks prior to travel to ensure you are receiving all required vaccinations and that the medication has enough…

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Visa

U.S. citizens do not require a visa. Non U.S. citizens should consult with your local embassy.

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18
Children under the age…

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General

LanguageThe national language is Setswana; however, the official language is English.Public HolidaysThe dates of certain public holidays change from year…

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Regions

Khwai Community Area

The Khwai area of the Okavango lies along the northern boundary of the Moremi Game Reserve. This is an unfenced boundary allowing wildlife to move freely…

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Moremi Game Reserve

Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa. It covers more than 4871…

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Okavango Delta

Lying in the middle of the largest expanse of sand on earth the Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most amazing, sensitive and complex environments supporting…

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Chobe River Front

The Chobe River forms the northern boundary of the Chobe National Park, renowned for its diverse and abundant game viewing opportunities. This section of the park…

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Linyanti Concessions

The Kwando-Linyanti river system is home to a series of private game reserves, known for their exotic animal species and luxury safari options. An abundance of…

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Maun

Set on the banks of the beautiful Thamalakane River in northern Botswana, Maun is the third largest town in this spectacularly scenic southern African country. Maun…

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Videos

Chobe National Park: Botswana

Chobe Safari Botswana

We go on safari in Chobe National Part, Botswana in 2014.

Chobe National Park & the Okavango Delta

All Elephants, all the time!

A Day on Safari in Botswana

In October 2012 we went on a 11-day mobile tented safari in Botswana with Wilderness Safaris. This is a montage of a day in that life.

Chobe / Savuti / Moremi

Safari Drive Botswana Sept 2011

Moremi Game Reserve. Okavango

Lili & Jurek in their one month self drive trip through Botswana & Namibi

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Six Night Special

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Reviews

AMB

“Excellent service” ATI provided an excellent service, always more than happy to help with any request that we had, and they ensured that we had...

B Turnbull

“One stop shop for Southern Africa” These guys tick all the boxes, if you are going anywhere in southern Africa from self-drive cheap and cheerful...

Matthew Haler

We just came back from a safari in Botswana, Namibia and Zambia, which was organised by Charlotte at ATI Holidays. We had a truly fantastic...

Alison Buttigieg

“Reliable & good value for money” I have travelled with ATI for 4 times – visiting Namibia, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe. I am...

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Botswana’s Gunns Camp

The chiefs island area of the Okavango Delta is one of our favourites, the vast floodplain in front of the lodge stretches out towards Chiefs… Read More