Botswana

Botswana has distinct seasons. The best travel time depends mainly on what you want to see and how you want to travel. For wildlife, the dry season is often best suited. The green season, on the other hand, is interesting for travellers who want to see tranquillity, young animals and a greener landscape.

Green time: November to March
The green season is the wet period in Botswana. The landscape becomes fresher and greener, and many animals have young. This is also an interesting period for birdwatchers, as many migratory birds are present. Some roads can be more difficult to drive on, especially in remote areas. Temperatures are higher and short, heavy rain showers are frequent. For travellers who want to experience the country more peacefully, this can actually be a nice period.

Dry season: April to October
The dry season is the most popular period for safaris in Botswana. As the season progresses, water becomes scarcer. Animals then gather more often around rivers, waterholes and the delta. As a result, you are more likely to see lots of wildlife . June to October is particularly popular. Mornings and evenings are cooler, the weather is often clear and conditions are favourable for safaris. This is also the period when many travellers opt for a luxury safari through Botswana.

Transitional seasons
April and May mark the transition to the dry season. Nature is often still green then, while animals show themselves more and more. September and October are warmer, but this is precisely when many animals congregate at water sources.

Note: Due to the temperature differences between day and night, good preparation is important. In the Kalahari it can cool considerably at night, while it is warm during the day. We are happy to advise which period best suits your itinerary and travel needs.

Botswana is not about big cities or crowded sights. The country's strength lies in its nature reserves, safaris and silence. These are some of the places that often recur in a tour of Botswana.

• Okavango Delta:
  The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world. Rivers here flow into the Kalahari, forming a landscape of waterways, islands and grasslands. You can explore the delta by mokoro, boat, small plane or game drive. This variety makes the area special. The combination of water, wildlife and remote lodges makes for an exclusive safari experience.
• Chobe National Park:
  Chobe National Park is known for its large numbers of elephants. Especially along the Chobe River, you will often see impressive groups of animals congregating. A river cruise here is a great complement to a game drive. From the water, you will see elephants drinking, hippos lying in the river and birds moving along the banks.
• Makgadikgadi salt pans:
  The Makgadikgadi salt pans form a vast and almost empty landscape. The plains seem endless and provide a completely different experience from the green delta or game-rich rivers. Depending on the season, you will see flamingos, zebras and meerkats, among others, here. An overnight stay under the stars makes this area extra special.
• Moremi Game Reserve:
  Located in the Okavango Delta, Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana's better-known safari areas. The landscape is varied, with water, forests, open plains and islands. This variety attracts many animals. You have a chance of seeing elephants, lions, leopards, wild dogs and many bird species here.
• Maun:
  For many travellers, Maun is the starting point of their trip to the Okavango Delta. From here, small planes depart for remote camps and lodges. The place itself is mainly practical for safaris. You will find lodges, restaurants and connections to the main nature reserves.
• Kasane:
  Located on the Chobe River, Kasane is a good base for Chobe National Park. The place is also conveniently located for those who want to combine Botswana with Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia. For many tours, Kasane is a logical starting or ending point, especially when Chobe and the Victoria Falls are both on the itinerary.
• Kalahari:
  The Kalahari showcases a quieter and more rugged Botswana. This vast semi-desert region has surprisingly rich wildlife and a very distinctive atmosphere. You can learn more about the San people and life in a dry landscape here. The space, silence and clear starry skies make the Kalahari a special addition to a tailor-made trip.

1. Do I need a visa for Botswana?
No visa is usually required for travellers from the Netherlands, Belgium and the EU for stays of up to 90 days. However, your passport must still be valid for at least 6 months upon arrival. Always check the current entry requirements for your nationality before you leave, as rules can change.

2. What is the best length of travel for Botswana?
An average tour of Botswana takes between 10 and 14 days. This gives you enough time to explore key areas such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park at a pleasant pace. If you also want to add the Kalahari, Makgadikgadi or a neighbouring country, a longer trip is often recommended.

3. What is the best way to travel through Botswana?
That depends on your travel style. For adventurous travellers, a 4x4 self-drive is possible. For more comfort and convenience, fly-in safaris are a good choice. Here, you fly between the main safari areas and stay in luxury lodges or camps. In the Okavango Delta, transfers by boat or mokoro are also used, depending on the location of your accommodation.

4. Is Botswana easy to combine with another travel destination?
Yes, Botswana is easy to combine with Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia or South Africa. A combination with Victoria Falls is popular, especially when travelling via Kasane or Chobe.

Which combination fits best depends on your travel time, interests and desired comfort level.

5. Am I comfortable with English in Botswana?
Yes, English is the official language and is widely spoken, especially in the tourism sector and at lodges. In addition, Setswana is widely used. During safaris, transfers and stay in lodges, you can communicate well with English.

Do you have questions about a luxury roundtrip in Botswana? Our travel specialists will be happy to think with you about an exclusive tailor-made trip, tailored to your wishes, travel period and way of travelling.