Discover Botswana
Discover Botswana with Sunspot Tours through our Botswana escorted tours and Botswana private tours.
Few journeys are shaped by one attraction alone. In Botswana, striking scenery sits alongside local heritage, varied neighbourhoods and regional cooking. Whether your interests lie in Okavango Delta or Chobe National Park, there are rewarding ways to spend time beyond the usual highlights.
Why visit Botswana?
Start with Okavango Delta, an important part of the destination’s appeal, then make time for Chobe National Park. These contrasting places help explain why visitors can enjoy such varied experiences within one journey.
Other highlights include Moremi Reserve and Kalahari. These places offer contrasting perspectives, from well-known sights to opportunities to appreciate regional landscapes and everyday life.
Culture and character
Culture in Botswana is closely connected to San heritage, mokoro travel and safari communities. These influences appear in local celebrations, historic buildings, crafts and the rhythms of ordinary life. Visiting markets, neighbourhood streets and smaller communities can reveal details that are easy to miss when moving quickly between major sights.
Respectful curiosity goes a long way. Taking time to learn about local customs, dress appropriately at religious or historic places where required, and support small businesses can make a visit more rewarding for travellers and hosts alike.
Food and drink
Food offers another way to discover the destination. Look out for seswaa, bogobe and grilled meat, while exploring how ingredients and recipes change between regions and communities. Local restaurants and markets can be especially useful places to try everyday dishes rather than relying only on familiar international menus.
If you have dietary requirements, check ingredients and preparation methods before ordering. Sampling seasonal produce and local drinks, where suitable, can add another memorable dimension to the trip.
When to visit Botswana
The most suitable travel dates depend on your interests and the places you plan to visit. As a general guide, May to October drier for wildlife viewing. Weather can differ between coastal, inland, mountain and urban areas, so check conditions for the specific stops on your itinerary rather than relying on one countrywide forecast.
Practical information
Sightseeing days may involve uneven paving, steps or longer road journeys. Comfortable walking shoes, layers suited to local weather and a small day bag are sensible additions to your luggage.
Before leaving the UK, check current entry and passport requirements, travel insurance and official travel advice for Botswana. Confirm payment arrangements, any recommended vaccinations and how you will get around between the places you wish to visit.
Why visit Botswana with Sunspot Tours?
Planning a journey through Botswana is easier when the main arrangements are organised in advance. Explore the options available with Sunspot Tours and compare the routes, inclusions and departure dates that best match the experiences you want. Where offered, escorted tours can help visitors travel between key sights with local insight and a structured itinerary.
Take a closer look at the available Botswana holidays and start planning a journey that reflects what you most want to see.
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Your Botswana Questions Answered
Find out more about visiting Botswana with the answers to these frequently asked questions.
We're here to help
Meals are typically simple but flavourful and influenced by local traditions, with an emphasis on meat, maize, and vegetables. Fresh fish from the Okavango Delta is also common in some areas.
It is generally safe to eat food in Botswana, especially at reputable restaurants and hotels. As with any destination, it’s a good idea to stick to fresh, well-cooked food and drink bottled water.
Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage, ensuring peace of mind during your travels.
Must-see attractions include the iconic Okavango Delta, where you can experience wildlife safaris by mokoro (traditional canoe). The Chobe National Park is known for its large elephant population and boat safaris.
In Botswana, it's important to show respect for local customs and traditions. It is common to greet people with a firm handshake, especially in rural areas. Modest dress is appreciated, particularly when visiting rural communities or religious sites. Always ask permission before taking photos, especially of people or in sacred places.
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime and warmer layers for cooler evenings. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential for safaris and exploring. Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent for protection against the sun and mosquitoes. If you’re going on a safari, binoculars and a camera are a must, and a waterproof jacket is helpful during the rainy season.
The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, from May to October. This period offers ideal conditions for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around waterholes and the vegetation is less dense. The weather is generally cooler and more comfortable for outdoor activities. The wet season, from November to April, is less crowded, but wildlife can be harder to spot.
Botswana is generally considered a safe country to visit. As with any destination, it’s important to take standard precautions, such as securing your belongings and being aware of your surroundings, particularly in busy areas. Always follow local advice and guidelines, especially when exploring wildlife areas.
The official language of Botswana is English.
The currency used in Botswana is the Botswanan Pula (BWP), and it is widely accepted throughout the country. Cards are commonly accepted in major cities, but it's a good idea to carry some cash, especially when visiting more remote areas.