Wild Adventures Await in Botswana

The best time to visit Botswana for a safari is during the dry season from May to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. The Okavango Delta floods between June and August, creating exceptional opportunities for mokoro excursions and boat safaris. The green season from November to April offers lush scenery, fewer visitors, and excellent birdwatching. It’s also a more accessible time price-wise, with many lodges offering lower rates and special offers.

Pack light, neutral-coloured clothing such as khaki or beige, avoiding bright colours or camouflage. Include long-sleeved shirts, lightweight trousers, and a warm layer or fleece for early mornings and evenings. Comfortable closed shoes are ideal for game drives, while sandals are perfect for relaxing in camp.

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle are essential. Bring binoculars and a good camera, plus soft-sided luggage suitable for light aircraft transfers.

If travelling during the green season (November to April), pack waterproof outerwear, quick-dry clothing, and protective covers for cameras or bags, as rain showers are common.

Most lodges offer daily laundry services, so packing light is easy.

Yes. Botswana is an excellent destination for family safaris, particularly within private concessions that cater specifically to multi-generational travel. Many lodges offer family suites, private vehicles, and child-friendly safari activities, while expert guides know how to engage and inspire younger travellers. Destinations such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park provide safe, educational, and unforgettable wildlife experiences for families.

A tailor-made Botswana holiday often includes:

• Okavango Delta – Experience the magic of mokoro safaris, guided game drives, and water-based wildlife encounters across this UNESCO-listed wetland. Spot elephants, hippos, and rare birdlife as you glide through reed-fringed channels and lagoons.
• Chobe National Park – Known for Africa’s largest elephant population, Chobe offers thrilling river cruises and classic 4×4 safaris, with regular sightings of buffalo, lion, and leopard along the Chobe Riverfront.
• Makgadikgadi Pans – Explore one of the world’s largest salt flats, where quad biking across the pans, meerkat encounters, and stargazing under vast desert skies create otherworldly moments. During the green season, see the zebra and wildebeest migration as the pans transform into shallow lakes.
• Central Kalahari Game Reserve – Venture deep into one of Africa’s most remote wildernesses, home to black-maned lions, oryx, and springbok. Learn from San Bushmen trackers and experience the stark beauty of Botswana’s desert landscapes.
• Nxai Pan National Park – Visit towering baobab trees, witness seasonal zebra migrations, and enjoy excellent photography opportunities on open grass plains.
• Linyanti Wildlife Reserve – A private and exclusive area known for its rich predator concentrations, intimate camps, and exceptional off-road game viewing.

British passport holders do not require a visa for tourist visits of up to 90 days in Botswana. Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your date of entry and contain two blank pages for stamps. Travellers of other nationalities should check entry requirements with the Botswana High Commission before departure.

There are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into Botswana, but it is recommended that travellers are up to date with routine vaccines such as hepatitis A, typhoid, and tetanus. If you are visiting northern Botswana, including the Okavango Delta or Chobe, malaria precautions are advised. Consult your GP or a travel health clinic six to eight weeks before travel for personalised medical advice.