Botswana Travel Guide: one of Africa’s last great wildernesses

Botswana is one of the safest and stable countries in Africa. It's also Africa's least corrupt country. There are very few incidents of petty theft and tourists are valued by the Botswane (local people from Botswana). As long as you use your common sense and don't display your wealth, you should have no problems during your visit.

Some foreign nationals require a visa to travel to Botswana. The US, UK, and European countries don't need a visa to visit Botswana. You can obtain a visa through the Botswana Embassy or Consulate. A visa upon arrival is also possible. Note that your passport is valid for 6 months. Applying for an eVisa isn't possible yet, but this will soon be released. Visit the official Botswana Immigration and Civil Registration Department to check the visa requirements. Processing time takes about 7-14 working days. Visa prices vary from $30 (single entry and Kaza Visa) to $50 (multiple-entry visa).

Sustainable travel is very important for Botswana and is the main theme for all safari trips. It's a leader in eco-tourism and they focus on high-end, low-impact tourism. That's one of the reasons why Botswana has an impressive conservation record: 1/5 of the landmass is covered with National Parks and wildlife reserves (about 40% of the land is officially protected). Botswana also has the largest tracts of remaining wilderness in Africa which is responsible for its impressive wildlife migrations.

Well-managed tourism is key to preserve local culture and for locals to generate sustainable incomes. Expect to pay tourist fees that will be used for conservation and the local community. The lodges in Botswana are designed to have minimal impact on the environment and they employ local people. For every person a lodge hires, 4.5 people get fed.

You can help by traveling to Botswana as there's a real danger that if sustainable tourism doesn't support Botswana, the hunting ban will be lifted. While traveling in Botswana, take short showers as the water is extremely scarce, reuse towels, refill bottles, don't litter, report leaking showers or toilets to the staff, and don't flush your toilet every time. Don't ask your guide to get closer to the wildlife or leaving the traces, as it will distress the animals. Don't buy elephant ivory, tusk products, or rhino horn products. Eat and shop local and take your washing to the local ladies. Also, if you want to visit the San, ask if the tour is genuine and how the San benefit from it. If they don't, it's exploitation.

Required vaccinations for Botswana depend on the duration of your holiday in Botswana and the places you plan to visit. Most recommended vaccinations are not mandatory. However, most travelers to Botswana require Hepatitis A, Typhoid (if staying in rural areas), and routine vaccines such as DTP, MMR, and Polio. Depending on the Botswana travel itinerary some travelers might need Hepatitis B (if you're staying 3+ months) and Rabies. Yellow Fever is not prevalent, but if you have been or are going to be in transit in a Yellow Fever area for more than 12 hours, a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for Botswana is (generally) recommended, but not mandatory. The risk of contracting Malaria in Botswana is considered low, but it is prevalent in the northern regions of Botswana. Always be aware of the risk of catching (tropical) diseases, and protect yourself against mosquitoes. Consult a travel clinic for the best advice and to see if antimalarials are right for you.

The official languages in Botswana are Setswana and English. Tswana is the most widely spoken language in Botswana, but over 20 smaller languages are also spoken. Locals appreciate it when travelers make an effort to learn a few words in their local language. The government and media communicate in English, the official business language.