Botswana
Untamed Beauty, Legendary Safaris & Soulful Stillness
Where Nature Speaks Loudest in Silence
Welcome to Botswana, where conservation is king and the wild reigns supreme. This is a country that has chosen quality over quantity - a safari destination that favours fewer tourists, unspoiled parks, and deeper immersion. From the watery wonders of the Okavango Delta to the stark magic of the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, Botswana is full of contrasts, calm, and quiet power.
It’s also home to some of Africa’s most respected wildlife guides, community-led conservancies, and remarkable cultural experiences. Whether you're gliding past hippos in a traditional mokoro, tracking lions across golden grasslands, or stargazing in silence, Botswana offers a safari that’s not just seen - but felt.
Visa Requirements
UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Botswana for tourism up to 90 days per year. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months and have at least two blank pages for stamps.
Key Airports
- Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, Gaborone (GBE) – Main airport in the capital city, ideal for business or southern destinations.
- Maun International Airport (MUB) – Gateway to the Okavango Delta and Botswana’s safari circuit.
- Kasane International Airport (BBK) – Best for visiting Chobe National Park and cross-border travel to Victoria Falls (Zambia/Zimbabwe).
Spoken Languages
English is the official language and widely spoken, especially in tourism. The national language is Setswana, spoken throughout the country.
Try these local phrases:
- Dumêlang! – Hello
- Ke a leboga– Thank you
- O kae? – How are you?
- Tsamaea sentle – Go well / Safe travels
- Pula! – Rain (used as a blessing – also the name of the currency)
Botswana is known for its warm, respectful and welcoming culture.
Holidays to Botswana
During the Summer
From November to March, Botswana experiences its green season - hot and wet with occasional dramatic thunderstorms. Temperatures range from 25–35°C. Wildlife is harder to spot but the landscapes are lush and full of life.
During the Winter
From May to August, it's dry and cool, perfect for safaris. Expect warm days (20–27°C) and cold nights (sometimes as low as 5°C). Water levels in the Okavango Delta begin to rise, creating extraordinary scenery and wildlife activity.
Top Botswana Hot Spots
Glide through the Okavango Delta in a mokoro canoe and feel completely at peace with nature. Experience a game drive or river cruise in Chobe National Park, where elephants gather in vast herds. Then stand in awe of the surreal Makgadikgadi Salt Pans, where the silence stretches to the horizon.
Okavango Delta – Nature’s Masterpiece
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the planet’s most extraordinary ecosystems. Flooded plains, winding waterways, and abundant wildlife make for a safari like no other - best explored by boat or light aircraft.
Chobe National Park – Elephant Kingdom
Home to Africa’s largest elephant population, Chobe also offers thrilling boat safaris along the Chobe River, where crocodiles bask and buffalo drink at sunset.
Makgadikgadi Salt Pans – Earth’s Mirror
Vast, glittering and surreal, these salt flats are among the largest in the world. Visit during the zebra migration or take a quad bike safari across the lunar-like landscape.
Moremi Game Reserve – Delta’s Hidden Treasure
Located within the Okavango Delta, Moremi combines permanent water and dry woodland, offering rich biodiversity and intimate, luxurious safari camps.
Top Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Holiday
- Pack Light but Smart - Neutral clothing (no bright colours), warm layers for early game drives, and a good hat are essential. Many camps offer laundry services - so no need to overpack!
- Go on a Water-Based Safari - The mokoro canoe safari is uniquely Botswanan - silent, smooth, and deeply meditative. It’s an unforgettable way to see the Delta from the water’s edge.
- Choose Small, Eco-Friendly Camps - Botswana’s low-impact tourism model means smaller camps and fewer visitors - resulting in a more personal, peaceful safari experience.
- Respect the Rhythm of the Wild - Botswana is all about immersion, not rush. Let go of tight schedules, slow down, and let nature unfold in its own majestic time.
Why You Should Go (And Go with Marhaban Travel)
Botswana is ideal for travellers who crave quiet luxury, intimate encounters with wildlife, and the kind of soulful solitude that only untouched nature can offer. It’s perfect for couples, seasoned adventurers, photographers, and anyone who values authenticity over crowds.
With Marhaban Travel, your journey into Botswana’s wild heart is seamless and sensational. We work with top lodges, guides, and conservation partners to give you an experience that is not only unforgettable - but meaningful.
Wilderness in its purest form. Botswana is calling.
