Best time to visit

The best time to visit Botswana is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. This period offers the best wildlife viewing opportunities as animals gather around water sources, and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot game. The weather is generally cooler and more pleasant, with warm days and cool nights. The wet season, from November to April, brings lush landscapes and an abundance of birdlife, but heavy rains can make some areas difficult to access and wildlife more dispersed.

What to expect

Language: The official language of Botswana is English, which is used in government, business, and education. Setswana (also known as Tswana) is the national language and is widely spoken across the country.

Currency: The currency of Botswana is the Botswana Pula (BWP).

Safety: Botswana is considered one of the safest countries in Africa for travelers. The country has a low crime rate, but visitors should still exercise common precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night, not displaying valuables, and keeping an eye on personal belongings. Wildlife can pose a danger in national parks and reserves, so it's important to follow guidelines and stay in designated areas. Road conditions are generally good, but care should be taken when driving in rural areas, especially during the rainy season when roads can become slippery.

Cuisine: Botswana's cuisine is hearty and reflects the country's agricultural traditions. Some popular dishes include: Seswaa: A traditional dish made from beef, goat, or lamb, which is boiled until tender, pounded, and served with pap (a maize porridge). Morogo: Wild spinach often cooked with onions and tomatoes, served as a side dish. Bogobe: A sorghum or maize porridge, often eaten with meat or vegetable stews. Vetkoek: Deep-fried dough balls, similar to doughnuts, usually enjoyed with savory fillings or as a sweet treat. Dikgobe: A dish made from a mixture of beans and maize, seasoned and cooked together.