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: 2026-08-21
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.836805
AAVE 0.000752
ADA 0.363220
AED 0.273233
AFN 4.909958
AGIX 1.191174
AKT 0.141831
ALGO 0.848132
ALL 5.896548
AMD 27.128282
AMP 186.737116
ANG 0.134219
AOA 68.294116
APE 0.564150
APT 0.129213
AR 0.036088
ARB 0.815219
ARS 111.393127
ATOM 0.049167
ATS 0.875712
AUD 0.104361
AVAX 0.010263
AWG 0.133175
AXS 0.076582
AZM 632.396987
AZN 0.126479
BAKE 99.441933
BAM 0.124470
BAT 1.117136
BBD 0.148799
BCH 0.000330
BDT 9.100577
BEF 2.567249
BGN 0.124470
BHD 0.027974
BIF 221.442931
BMD 0.074400
BNB 0.000112
BND 0.094519
BOB 0.859141
BRL 0.386510
BSD 0.074400
BSV 0.004606
BSW 199.235503
BTC 0.000001
BTG 0.158284
BTN 7.122674
BTT 262,582.660309
BUSD 0.074391
BYN 0.226542
BYR 1,458.107716
BZD 0.149845
CAD 0.102471
CAKE 0.044970
CDF 170.561007
CELO 1.098771
CFX 1.652817
CHF 0.059466
CHZ 5.635383
CLP 68.652122
CNH 0.500203
CNY 0.500148
COMP 0.003921
COP 228.468176
CRC 33.815153
CRO 1.386233
CRV 0.260603
CSPR 28.233861
CUC 0.074393
CUP 1.971421
CVE 7.017632
CVX 0.043358
CYP 0.037247
CZK 1.535400
DAI 0.074407
DASH 0.002248
DCR 0.006044
DEM 0.124470
DFI 138.085943
DJF 13.251913
DKK 0.475766
DOGE 0.905814
DOP 4.352844
DOT 0.087972
DYDX 0.655382
DZD 9.884977
EEK 0.995759
EGLD 0.024902
EGP 3.785324
ENJ 2.833291
EOS 1.064486
ERN 1.115995
ESP 10.588879
ETB 12.125393
ETC 0.010664
ETH 0.000032
EUR 0.063640
EURC 0.063856
FEI 0.074381
FIL 0.099732
FIM 0.378389
FJD 0.163457
FKP 0.054521
FLOW 2.560291
FLR 10.695559
FRAX 0.074971
FRF 0.417454
FTT 0.342090
GALA 45.831832
GBP 0.054521
GEL 0.193478
GGP 0.054521
GHC 8,251.787345
GHS 0.825179
GIP 0.054521
GMD 5.517807
GMX 0.010708
GNF 654.079118
GNO 0.000605
GRD 21.685481
GRT 4.921518
GT 0.010332
GTQ 0.567884
GUSD 0.074509
GYD 15.577218
HBAR 1.003361
HKD 0.583510
HNL 1.995986
HNT 0.408789
HOT 210.432340
HRK 0.479499
HT 1.582274
HTG 9.745170
HUF 23.206324
ICP 0.031199
IDR 1,320.171361
IEP 0.050121
ILS 0.223327
IMP 0.054521
IMX 0.672711
INJ 0.015697
INR 7.122674
IQD 97.604497
IRR 102,259.102741
ISK 9.037178
ITL 123.225082
JEP 0.054521
JMD 11.784237
JOD 0.052749
JPY 11.826299
KAS 2.584524
KAVA 1.752666
KCS 0.009888
KDA 15.241919
KES 9.629644
KGS 6.513558
KHR 299.475943
KLAY 2.756938
KMF 31.309046
KNC 0.682658
KPW 66.953948
KRW 102.789657
KSM 0.023295
KWD 0.022936
KYD 0.061886
KZT 34.003292
LAK 1,676.594623
LBP 6,678.312217
LDO 0.219145
LEO 0.008004
LINK 0.006906
LKR 24.576645
LRC 9.171377
LRD 13.508755
LSL 1.198068
LTC 0.001546
LTL 0.219738
LUF 2.567249
LUNA 1.607152
LUNC 1,394.884863
LVL 0.044727
LYD 0.471734
MAD 0.688260
MANA 1.055121
MBX 3.495297
MDL 1.278825
MGA 318.244921
MGF 1,591.224606
MINA 1.587170
MKD 3.924140
MKR 0.000049
MMK 156.218182
MNT 267.778509
MOP 0.601015
MRO 29.706635
MRU 2.970663
MTL 0.027321
MUR 3.470568
MVR 1.150187
MWK 129.140859
MXN 1.260303
MXV 0.143294
MYR 0.300907
MZM 4,748.370751
MZN 4.748371
NAD 1.198068
NEAR 0.042127
NEO 0.037470
NEXO 0.093623
NFT 267,537.962691
NGN 100.458628
NIO 2.739468
NLG 0.140245
NOK 0.694342
NPR 11.401620
NZD 0.124719
OKB 0.000693
OMR 0.028629
ONE 99.696638
OP 0.768143
ORDI 0.017776
PAB 0.074400
PAXG 0.000016
PEN 0.249460
PEPE 23,085.622956
PGK 0.333658
PHP 4.588938
PI 0.816874
PKR 20.667721
PLN 0.274766
POL 0.920449
PTE 12.758763
PYG 448.565458
QAR 0.270815
QNT 0.001203
QTUM 0.091413
ROL 3,341.912477
RON 0.334191
RPL 0.045683
RSD 7.467091
RUB 6.159814
RUNE 0.165732
RVN 24.562592
RWF 109.490329
SAND 1.688374
SAR 0.278999
SBD 0.596263
SCR 1.044765
SDD 4,464.998152
SDG 44.649982
SEK 0.704596
SGD 0.094519
SHIB 14,987.204206
SHP 0.054521
SIT 15.250796
SKK 1.917232
SLE 1.703754
SLL 1,703.754264
SNX 0.349492
SOL 0.000842
SOS 42.543308
SPL 0.012400
SRD 2.813527
SRG 2,813.526642
SSP 418.117686
STD 1,572.231400
STN 1.572231
STX 0.501017
SUI 0.100492
SVC 0.650997
SYP 967.261040
SZL 1.198068
THB 2.443078
THETA 0.457644
TJS 0.688249
TMM 1,300.680221
TMT 0.260136
TND 0.215658
TOP 0.179173
TRL 3,574,998.204372
TRX 0.220020
TRY 3.574998
TTD 0.504683
TUSD 0.074518
TVD 0.104361
TWD 2.369454
TWT 0.181071
TZS 196.834639
UAH 3.323079
UGX 276.708891
UNI 0.019595
USD 0.074400
USDC 0.074397
USDD 0.074413
USDP 0.074505
USDT 0.074419
UYU 2.985272
UZS 881.210893
VAL 123.225082
VEB 5,782,615,526.969596
VED 57.665889
VEF 5,766,588.949020
VES 57.665889
VET 14.309971
VND 1,937.319849
VUV 8.822069
WAVES 0.361287
WEMIX 0.374016
WOO 6.408164
WST 0.202109
XAF 41.745395
XAG 0.001087
XAU 0.000016
XAUT 0.000016
XBT 0.000001
XCD 0.201428
XCG 0.134219
XCH 0.051417
XDC 2.595348
XDR 0.054334
XEC 10,719.183130
XEM 162.170782
XLM 0.402372
XMR 0.000179
XOF 41.745395
XPD 0.000055
XPF 7.594325
XPT 0.000040
XRP 0.057916
XTZ 0.332036
YER 17.638422
ZAR 1.198068
ZEC 0.000130
ZIL 29.414362
ZMK 1,411.637561
ZMW 1.411638
ZWD 26.925231
ZWG 1.981301
ZWL 4,950.724331

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.