Africa · Southern Africa

Botswana

Republic of Botswana

Flag of Botswana
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC+02:00
🏛️ Capital
Gaborone
👥 Population
2,359,609
📐 Area
582,000 km²
💱 Currency
Botswana pula (P)
🗣️ Languages
English, Tswana
📞 Calling Code
+267
🕐 Time Zones
UTC+02:00
🌐 Region
Africa / Southern Africa

About Botswana

Botswana stands apart from most African destinations as a country that has deliberately chosen quality over quantity in tourism, protecting its extraordinary wildlife and wilderness while building one of Africa's most stable and prosperous democracies. Landlocked in the heart of southern Africa, this vast land — roughly the size of France — is dominated by the Kalahari Desert, the Okavango Delta, and an abundance of game that few places on Earth can rival.

Visiting Botswana means entering a world where elephants vastly outnumber people, where the silence of the bush is broken only by the distant roar of a lion or the splash of a hippo. The Okavango Delta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the planet's great natural wonders — an inland delta where the Okavango River fans out into a labyrinth of channels, lagoons, and islands teeming with wildlife. Arriving by light aircraft and exploring by mokoro (dugout canoe) and on foot is an experience that stays with you forever.

For the discerning traveler willing to invest in the experience, Botswana offers some of Africa's finest safari lodges, many of them community-owned or conservation-focused. Chobe National Park, Moremi Game Reserve, and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve round out a safari itinerary of remarkable depth. This is a destination for those who want Africa at its most authentic, unhurried, and wild.

History & Background

The San people have inhabited the lands of present-day Botswana for at least 100,000 years, leaving behind extraordinary rock paintings in the Tsodilo Hills — a UNESCO World Heritage Site revered as the "Mountains of the Gods." Later, Tswana-speaking groups established powerful chiefdoms across the region, developing sophisticated cattle-based economies and the kgotla governance system.

In 1885, Botswana was declared the Bechuanaland Protectorate under British protection — a status that, crucially, the Tswana chiefs themselves had requested to protect their lands from Boer expansion and Cecil Rhodes' British South Africa Company. The country gained independence peacefully on 30 September 1966 as one of Africa's poorest nations. The subsequent discovery of diamonds transformed Botswana's fortunes: through disciplined management of mineral revenues, the country achieved some of the world's fastest economic growth rates over the following decades, becoming a celebrated African success story.

Culture & People

Botswana's cultural identity is anchored in the Tswana people and their concept of "botho" — a philosophy of human dignity, mutual respect, and community responsibility that permeates daily life. The country's post-independence success story is deeply tied to this ethos of collective well-being and good governance, making Botswana a model of democratic stability across the continent.

Traditional Tswana society organizes itself around the kgotla, a community assembly where elders, chiefs, and citizens discuss matters of shared concern in open dialogue. Craft traditions are proudly maintained — the intricate coiled basketry of the Okavango region, featuring geometric patterns drawn from nature, has won international recognition. Music, dance, and storytelling remain living traditions at festivals and family celebrations. The San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari carry some of humanity's oldest cultural memories in their click-language songs and rock paintings.

Food & Cuisine

Botswana's traditional cuisine is humble, nourishing, and deeply tied to cattle-herding culture. Seswaa — slow-cooked, pounded beef or goat meat with salt — is the national dish, typically served at ceremonies and celebrations alongside bogobe (thick sorghum or maize porridge, similar to ugali or sadza). Morogo, a dish of wild or cultivated leafy greens cooked with tomato and onion, provides the vegetable accompaniment found on most family tables.

Safari lodges typically offer international menus alongside Botswana specialities, often featuring locally raised beef, game meats such as kudu and impala, and fresh river fish including bream and catfish from the Okavango. Bush braai (barbecue) evenings under open skies are a highlight of many safari stays, where meals become a social ceremony around the fire. Chibuku, a traditional fermented sorghum beer, and locally brewed spirits such as sorghum-based khadi are the traditional drinks of choice.

Top Attractions

  • Okavango Delta — Africa's crown jewel and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where channels, islands, and lagoons host extraordinary concentrations of wildlife best explored by mokoro canoe.
  • Chobe National Park — Home to the world's largest elephant population, with dramatic sunset boat cruises along the Chobe River offering unforgettable close-up wildlife encounters.
  • Central Kalahari Game Reserve — One of Africa's largest game reserves, offering solitude, black-maned Kalahari lions, and vast fossil river valleys under immense desert skies.
  • Tsodilo Hills — A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 4,500 San rock paintings on quartzite ridges rising dramatically from the Kalahari sands.
  • Makgadikgadi Pans — Vast ancient salt pans that transform into a flamingo nursery during the wet season and host dramatic zebra migrations.
  • Moremi Game Reserve — Botswana's first community-managed game reserve within the Okavango Delta, renowned for wild dogs, leopard sightings, and exceptional birding.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Book safari lodges 6–12 months in advance for peak season (June–October), as Botswana's commitment to low-volume tourism means top camps fill up fast.
  • Carry US dollars or South African rand for smaller purchases; most lodges accept major credit cards but ATMs are limited outside Gaborone and Maun.
  • Pack neutral-colored clothing (khaki, olive, beige) for game drives — bright colors can disturb wildlife.
  • Anti-malaria precautions are strongly recommended for Chobe, Okavango, and northern Botswana, particularly during the wet season.
  • Respect wildlife and maintain safe distances — Botswana's big-five wildlife is genuinely wild and dangerous.
  • Hire a registered local guide for mokoro excursions and walking safaris to enhance safety and local knowledge.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most Western nations including the United States, United Kingdom, EU countries, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa to enter Botswana for stays of up to 90 days. Entry is granted on arrival at international airports and border crossings upon presentation of a valid passport. Citizens of some African Union nations also enjoy visa-free access. Visitors from countries requiring visas must apply in advance at a Botswana embassy. Always verify the latest requirements before travel.

Getting Around

Light aircraft charter flights are the primary way to move between remote safari camps in Botswana — bush airstrips connect lodges across the Okavango, Chobe, and Kalahari with surprising efficiency. From Maun, the gateway town to the Okavango Delta, road transfers and boat rides reach closer camps. In the south, a reasonable road network connects Gaborone to Francistown and the border crossings with Zimbabwe and South Africa. Car rental is available in the main cities, and self-drive safari is increasingly popular on the main routes.

Safety Notes

Botswana is among Africa's safest travel destinations, with a low crime rate and a stable political environment. Exercise standard urban precautions in Gaborone and Francistown, particularly at night. Wildlife poses the most significant risk for safari travelers — never walk unguided in unfenced areas and always follow your guide's instructions. Malaria is present in northern regions; consult a travel health professional about prophylactics before departure. Dehydration and sun exposure are genuine risks in the Kalahari — carry ample water at all times.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Botswana.

Botswana pula (BWP) P
Updated: 2026-07-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 1.033630
AAVE 0.000838
ADA 0.394698
AED 0.272103
AFN 4.710692
AGIX 0.949657
AKT 0.118131
ALGO 0.827681
ALL 6.073435
AMD 27.263655
AMP 166.110318
ANG 0.133613
AOA 68.045684
APE 0.528536
APT 0.118471
AR 0.037118
ARB 0.926328
ARS 110.587086
ATOM 0.046856
ATS 0.891768
AUD 0.106956
AVAX 0.010732
AWG 0.132625
AXS 0.073375
AZM 629.782042
AZN 0.125956
BAKE 98.605777
BAM 0.126752
BAT 0.841289
BBD 0.148184
BCH 0.000307
BDT 9.133582
BEF 2.614321
BGN 0.126752
BHD 0.027859
BIF 220.572435
BMD 0.074092
BNB 0.000127
BND 0.095764
BOB 0.513247
BRL 0.382914
BSD 0.074092
BSV 0.005018
BSW 221.371850
BTC 0.000001
BTCB 1.398122
BTG 0.256769
BTN 7.059105
BTT 279,370.026462
BUSD 0.074029
BYN 0.215157
BYR 1,452.343780
BZD 0.149226
CAD 0.105283
CAKE 0.051164
CDF 170.948278
CELO 1.102824
CFX 1.656088
CHF 0.059603
CHZ 4.104053
CLP 68.253544
CNH 0.503187
CNY 0.502987
COMP 0.004421
COP 247.654812
CRC 33.762748
CRO 1.239573
CRV 0.346585
CSPR 38.150011
CUC 0.074099
CUP 1.963628
CVE 7.146304
CVX 0.061604
CYP 0.037930
CZK 1.567446
DAI 0.074127
DASH 0.002106
DCR 0.006675
DEM 0.126752
DFI 89.180258
DJF 13.195260
DKK 0.484429
DOGE 0.958769
DOP 4.391160
DOT 0.084935
DYDX 0.561033
DZD 9.853790
EEK 1.014017
EGLD 0.026807
EGP 3.639546
ENJ 2.560140
EOS 1.022919
ERN 1.111380
ESP 10.783032
ETB 11.851427
ETC 0.010432
ETH 0.000042
EUR 0.064807
EURC 0.064855
FEI 0.074118
FIL 0.093836
FIM 0.385327
FJD 0.166374
FKP 0.055530
FLOW 2.643853
FLR 10.659318
FRAX 0.074899
FRF 0.425108
FTT 0.311054
GALA 32.341656
GBP 0.055530
GEL 0.194606
GGP 0.055530
GHC 8,417.576970
GHS 0.841758
GIP 0.055530
GMD 5.463866
GMX 0.012503
GNF 649.604605
GNO 0.000705
GRD 22.083098
GRT 3.905225
GT 0.010929
GTQ 0.565548
GUSD 0.074190
GYD 15.508592
HBAR 0.981223
HKD 0.581107
HNL 1.983608
HNT 0.309182
HOT 205.319582
HRK 0.488291
HT 2.067946
HTG 9.698248
HUF 22.916071
ICP 0.033611
IDR 1,333.100357
IEP 0.051040
ILS 0.222548
IMP 0.055530
IMX 0.536264
INJ 0.015166
INR 7.059105
IQD 97.148997
IRR 101,956.756317
ISK 9.332356
ITL 125.484489
JEP 0.055530
JMD 11.737848
JOD 0.052531
JPY 11.991774
KAS 2.415360
KAVA 1.642152
KCS 0.010263
KDA 12.712143
KES 9.579418
KGS 6.480401
KHR 297.096486
KMF 31.883116
KNC 0.664687
KPW 66.689281
KRW 113.572673
KSM 0.021026
KWD 0.022991
KYD 0.061639
KZT 35.026484
LAK 1,675.149808
LBP 6,653.715796
LDO 0.274281
LEO 0.007916
LINK 0.009279
LKR 24.813056
LRC 6.030326
LRD 13.456886
LSL 1.204276
LTC 0.001641
LTL 0.223767
LUF 2.614321
LUNA 1.508729
LUNC 1,206.805309
LVL 0.045547
LYD 0.475253
MAD 0.693771
MANA 1.064803
MBX 2.946052
MDL 1.304103
MGA 314.411483
MGF 1,572.057416
MINA 1.562835
MKD 3.992245
MKR 0.000052
MMK 155.543339
MNT 265.556046
MOP 0.598540
MRO 29.590152
MRU 2.959015
MTL 0.027822
MUR 3.482819
MVR 1.145417
MWK 128.522699
MXN 1.295078
MXV 0.146850
MYR 0.302092
MZM 4,731.997986
MZN 4.731998
NAD 1.204276
NEAR 0.037186
NEO 0.037458
NEXO 0.096311
NFT 279,571.127807
NGN 101.526749
NIO 2.727391
NLG 0.142817
NOK 0.728801
NPR 11.299862
NZD 0.130228
OKB 0.000929
OMR 0.028516
ONE 59.277461
OP 0.689181
ORDI 0.022825
PAB 0.074092
PAXG 0.000018
PEN 0.252304
PEPE 27,164.239606
PGK 0.325952
PHP 4.557615
PI 0.654965
PKR 20.613120
PLN 0.278196
POL 1.007475
PTE 12.992703
PYG 450.674123
QAR 0.269695
QNT 0.001107
QTUM 0.104231
ROL 3,386.837287
RON 0.338684
RPL 0.036594
RSD 7.601380
RUB 5.709358
RUNE 0.179156
RVN 19.441057
RWF 108.609330
SAND 1.485006
SAR 0.277845
SBD 0.599557
SCR 1.058760
SDD 4,447.337754
SDG 44.473378
SEK 0.715198
SGD 0.095764
SHIB 16,922.626522
SHP 0.055530
SIT 15.530429
SKK 1.952386
SLE 1.692258
SLL 1,692.257945
SNX 0.323565
SOL 0.000918
SOS 42.309559
SPL 0.012349
SRD 2.789166
SRG 2,789.165584
SSP 351.876756
STD 1,599.561673
STN 1.599562
STX 0.433297
SUI 0.099174
SVC 0.648305
SYP 8.190337
SZL 1.204276
THB 2.462839
THETA 0.528152
TJS 0.686780
TMM 1,300.014911
TMT 0.260003
TND 0.218419
TOP 0.178436
TRL 3,468,650.780440
TRX 0.225613
TRY 3.468651
TTD 0.502046
TUSD 0.074247
TVD 0.106956
TWD 2.377631
TWT 0.215527
TZS 194.684843
UAH 3.301954
UGX 270.770419
UNI 0.023444
USD 0.074092
USDC 0.074115
USDD 0.074167
USDP 0.074316
USDT 0.074172
UYU 2.982134
UZS 886.718225
VAL 125.484489
VEB 4,774,774,932.983155
VED 47.743498
VEF 4,774,349.835928
VES 47.743498
VET 15.705898
VND 1,948.635609
VUV 8.905262
WAVES 0.278825
WEMIX 0.286183
WOO 6.257460
WST 0.204925
XAF 42.510822
XAG 0.001200
XAU 0.000018
XAUT 0.000018
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.200558
XCG 0.133613
XCH 0.047013
XDC 2.636869
XDR 0.054649
XEC 13,948.284418
XEM 173.075042
XLM 0.371131
XMR 0.000229
XOF 42.510822
XPD 0.000058
XPF 7.733572
XPT 0.000045
XRP 0.064722
XTZ 0.297767
YER 17.559321
ZAR 1.204276
ZEC 0.000163
ZIL 24.018412
ZMK 1,359.537316
ZMW 1.359537
ZWD 26.813900
ZWG 1.987413
ZWL 4,965.996842

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Botswana 331
Browse all cities and towns
Artisia Beetsha Bere Bethel Boatlaname Bodibeng Bokaa Bokaa Boro Borobadilepe Botlhapatlou Botlhatlogo Chanoga Charles Hill Chobokwane Chuchubega D'kar Daonara Dekar Diabo Diagane Digawana Dikgonye Dikhukhung Dikwididi Dinatshana Diphudugodu Dipotsana Diremogolo Lands Ditlharapa Ditshegwane Ditshiping Ditshukudu Dumadumane Dutlwe East Hanahai Eretsha Etsha 1 Etsha 13 Etsha 6 Etsha 8 Etsha 9 Francistown Gabane Gaborone Gakgatla Gakuto Galekgatshwane Gamajalela Gamodubu Gane Gaphatshwa Gasita Gathwane Ghanzi Ghanzi Gonutsuga Good Hope Goora-seno Gopong Gowe Groote Laagte Gudingwa Gumare Habu Hatsalatladi Hebron Ikoga Itholoke Jao Jwaneng Jwaneng Kacgae Kachikau Kajaja Kamenakwe Kanaku Kangwe Kanye Kanye Kapotora Lands Karakobis Kareng Kasane Katamaga Kaudwane Kauxwhi Kavimba Kazungula Keng Kgakge Kgaphamadi Kgomodiatshaba Kgomokasitwa Kgope Kgoro Khakhea Khekhenya-Chepetese Khonkhwa Khudumelapye Khurutshe Khwai Camp Kokong Komana Kopong Kotolaname Kubung Kuke Quarantine Camp Kule Kumakwane Kweneng Legotlhwana Lehoko Lejwana Lekgolobotlo Lentsweletau Lephepe Leporung Leshibitse Lesirane Lesoma Letlhakeng Lobatse Logagane Lorolwana Lorwana Losilakgokong Lotlhakane Lotlhakane West Mababe Mabalane Maboane Mabule Mabutsane Madingwana Magoriapitse Magotlhawane Mahalapye Mahetlwe Mahotshwane Maisane Makabanyane-Dikgokong Makalamabedi Makokwe Makunda Malokaganyane Malolwane Malotwana Siding Malwelwe Mamhiko Manaledi Mantshwabisi Manyana Maokane Marejwane Marojane Maruswa Masebele Masunga Matebeleng Matlapana Matsaudi Matswee Maun Maun Mawana Medie Metlobo Metlojane Metsibotlhoko Metsimotlhaba Mmadinare Mmakanke Mmakgori Mmamashia Mmankgodi Mmanoko Mmathethe Mmathubudukwane Mmokolodi Mmopane Mmopane Lands Moaha Mochudi Mochudi Modipane Mogoditshane Mogoditshane Botswana Defence Mogoditshane Lands Mogojogojo Mogonono Mogonye Mogwalale Mohembo East Mohembo West Mokatako Mokgacha Mokgalo-Haka Mokgomane Mokhomba Molapowabojang Molepolole Molete Mononyane Monwane Morabane Morope Morutsha Morwa Morwamosu Moshaneng Moshaweng Moshupa Moshupa Mosokotswe Motlhwatse Motokwe Motsentshe Muchinje-Mabale Musi Nata Ncojane New Xade New Xanagas Ngarange Ngware Ngwatsau Nkoyaphiri Nokaneng Ntlhantlhe Nxamasere Nxaunxau Nxharaga Nxwee Oliphants Drift Oodi Orapa Orapa Palapye Pandamatenga Pandamatenga Botswana Defence Papatlo Parakarungu Phihitshwane Phuduhudu Pilane Pitsana-Potokwe Pitsane Pitseng-Ralekgetho Pitshane Molopo Qabo Qangwa Rakhuna Ralekgetho Ramaphatlhe Ramatlabama Ramonaka Ramotlabaki Ramotswa Ranaka Rasesa Roye Salajwe Samochema Samodupi Sankuyo Satau Sedibeng Segakwana Segwagwa Seherelela Sehithwa Sekhutlane Sekoma Sekondomboro Selokolela Semane Semboyo Sepopa Serinane Seronga Serowe Sese Sesung Sesung Sexaxa Shadishadi Shakawe Shakawe Shaowe Sheep Farm Shorobe Sikwane Sojwe Somela Sorilatholo Sowa Suping Takatokwane Thamaga Thebephatshwa Tlhankane Tlhareseleele Tlokweng Tlowaneng Tobere Lands Tonota Toteng Tsabong Tsanekona Tsao Tsetseng Tshidilamolomo Tshwaane Tsonyane Tsootsha Tswaane Tswaaneng Tswagare-Lothoje-Lokalana Tswanyaneng Tubu Tubu Lands Tutume West Hanahai Xadau Xakao Xaxa Xaxaba Xhauga Xhobe Xurube

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Botswana needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Botswana?
The capital of Botswana is Gaborone.
What currency does Botswana use?
Botswana uses the Botswana pula (P) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Botswana?
The official language(s) of Botswana include English, Tswana.
What is the population of Botswana?
Botswana has a population of approximately 2,359,609 people.
What region is Botswana in?
Botswana is located in Africa, specifically in the Southern Africa subregion.
What is the international calling code for Botswana?
The international dialing code for Botswana is +267.
What time zones does Botswana observe?
Botswana observes the following time zone(s): UTC+02:00.
What is the current time in Botswana?
The local time in Botswana is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Botswana?
Botswana covers a total area of 582,000 km².
How many states or provinces does Botswana have?
Botswana is divided into 30 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Botswana in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Botswana in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Botswana?
Visa requirements for citizens of Botswana vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.