A Botswana safari is a bucket list item for many, and it’s easy to see why. When you travel to Botswana, you will discover a landlocked wilderness paradise where the wildlife still outnumbers humans. Botswana’s most famous attraction is the magnificent Okavango Delta, one of Africa’s most baffling mysteries. The Delta is the only inland waterway in the world with an ever-changing web of channels that flow one way this year, another the next.
In this wildlife oasis, the mystery of nature unfolds. Here, the fish eagle reigns supreme, and silver bream and tigerfish offer good sport. There’s also the Moremi National Park, which promises superb game viewing and Chobe National Park, famously home to the world’s largest elephant herds. Then there’s Savuti, a unique part of Chobe, where one can view an unbelievable selection of animals, including 3,000 buffalo at one sitting with a pride of lion 20-strong in pursuit as well as thousands of wildebeest and zebra.
Why visit Botswana?
- Nearly 40% of the country is protected for wildlife, making game viewing here a delight.
- The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s most beautiful and unspoiled wilderness areas.
- Chobe National Park is home to some 100,000 elephants.
- The country is genuinely committed to conservation.
- In November one can view the zebra migration, second only to Kenya’s wildebeest migration.
- You can go on safari on the Chobe River in a houseboat.
- The weather is sunny throughout the year.
A holiday in Botswana is a dream come true for families, couples, friends, honeymooners or solo travellers. Browse our fantastic safari packages and book your bush escape today.
Experience the ultimate African safari in Botswana, a country with entirely unspoiled game sanctuaries where a vast selection of wildlife roam free. With its lush waterways, boundless open plains and incredible diversity of wild animals, Botswana offers the quintessential wildlife holiday.
What makes it so unique is that you not only track wildlife in 4X4 vehicles but can enjoy game viewing on water too. In Botswana, you can sail along the Chobe River in your houseboat and see wildlife from a completely different vantage point. You can also go on safari in a mokoro, a traditional canoe, in the Okavango Delta’s magical waterways. Each experience is quite unique and special, ensuring an unforgettable safari holiday, with a variety of adventures, exceptional scenery and extraordinary sunset views.
Things to do in Botswana
- View hippos in the Okavango Delta from a traditional mokoro.
- Track the Big 5 on a safari in Moremi Game Reserve.
- Enjoy quad biking (the bikes are called ATVs here) in the Makgadikgadi Pans.
- Enjoy sundowners and a spectacular sunset cruise on the Chobe River.
- See lots of big cats (lions, leopards, cheetahs) in the Linyanti Wetlands or magical Moremi.
- Go fly fishing (seasonal).
- Embark on a horseback safari in Northern Tuli Game Reserve, Okavango Delta and Makgadikgadi.
- Visit Chief’s Island, home to the Okavango Delta’s richest concentration of wildlife and a selection of ultra-luxurious lodges.
- View elusive leopards at Leopard Rock in the Savuti.
- Discover Baine’s Baobabs, the trees immortalised by artist/adventurer Thomas Baines in his legendary paintings.
- Kasane has a great 9-hole golf course for avid golfers.
Beautiful, untouched Botswana is the quintessential safari destination, offering a holiday like no other. Peace, tranquillity, life in the wilds and some of the best safari experiences imaginable await you on a Thompsons Botswana holiday package. Bring the family, some friends, or enjoy the ultimate honeymoon in the wilds. It’s all there waiting for you.
When is the best time to visit?  Â
- The best time to visit Botswana is between July and October in the dry winter season, which is ideal for game viewing.
- Average temperature is 25°C.
- The rainy season extends from November to April.
Getting there & getting around
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Kasane in Botswana: 1 hour, 45 minutes.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Maun in Botswana: 2 hours.
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Gaborone in Botswana: 50 minutes. 
- Transport within  Botswana  is via light planes, small buses and cars. 
Do I need a visa?Â
- South African passport holders do not require a visa to enter Botswana.
What time is it? Â
- Botswana is in the same time zone as South Africa.
Money mattersÂ
- The official currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP).
- US dollars, the UK pound, Euro and South African Rands are all accepted in tourist areas.
- Tipping is appreciated in Botswana, as salaries are very low.
- In restaurants, add at least 10% tip.
Language & phrases Â
- Setswana is the official language.
- English is widely spoken.
Culture & religionÂ
- Botswana is a Christian majority nation and allows freedom of religious practice.
Health information Â
- It is not recommended to drink tap water in Botswana. Bottled water is readily available.
- No vaccinations are currently required but check with your travel clinic before you go.
- Lightweight clothing for summer, warm layers for winter.
- If going on safari, pack a warm top for those early morning game drives.
- Comfortable walking shoes.
- Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses.
- Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
- Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
- Camera.
- Travel adaptor.
- Support the local economy.
- Be mindful of your impact on the environment.
- Respect each other's cultures and customs.
- Be safety conscious: don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for passports and valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist.
