Botswana Travel Guide
Tourist season
Are December and January good months to visit Botswana?
December
Off
season
January
Off
season
Did you know?
The population of Botswana is around 2.35 mil., which puts the country in 143. place in terms of population (out of 231 countries and dependent territories).
How far is it?
1. The site uses the Great Circle method of calculating distances between two points on the Earth
2. To change the cities for comparison, change Your Country in settings
The distance between Gaborone (BW) and Washington D.C. (US) is 7936 miles
To calculate distance between your location and Gaborone click here
Country Comparison
Compare Botswana to any country in the world and see key differences between them side-by-side.
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Cities and Top Tourist Attractions
From historical cities to picturesque landmarks and fascinating places - don't miss out on these attractions when planning a visit to Botswana
| Miles | Gaborone | Francistown | Palapye | Maun | Serowe | Kazungula | Nxai Pan National Park | Makgadikgadi Pan |
| Gaborone | - | 261 | 163 | 360 | 164 | 476 | 327 | 276 |
| Francistown | 261 | - | 99 | 277 | 99 | 276 | 194 | 178 |
| Palapye | 163 | 99 | - | 295 | 27 | 350 | 229 | 191 |
| Maun | 360 | 277 | 295 | - | 269 | 192 | 87 | 104 |
| Serowe | 164 | 99 | 27 | 269 | - | 331 | 205 | 165 |
| Kazungula | 476 | 276 | 350 | 192 | 331 | - | 158 | 210 |
| Nxai Pan National Park | 327 | 194 | 229 | 87 | 205 | 158 | - | 52 |
| Makgadikgadi Pan | 276 | 178 | 191 | 104 | 165 | 210 | 52 | - |
Best Ways to Experience Botswana
- Cuisine
- Animals
Practical Information for Travelers
- Budget
- Currency
- Vaccinations
- Visa
- Electricity
Determine the expenses for your travel or vacation budget, as well as the expenditures associated with residing in another country
MoreBackpacker's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel in a standard close to 1 star (hostels, public transport). When traveling alone, the cost may be slightly higher (hotel room) or the same (dormitory accommodation).from
Tourist's budget
Daily budget for one person, assuming that two people travel (they share the cost of a hotel room, taxis, etc.) to a standard close to 3 stars. Costs for a solo traveler will be higher.from
Currency
MorePula (BWP)
- BWP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
- BWP
- EUR
- GBP
- USD
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Vaccinations
MoreAll travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccinations may also be required in Botswana.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
Some travelers
Vaccinations and medications that may be recommended under certain conditions, depending on where you will be, the length of your stay and the nature of your stay.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B is a disease caused by the hepatitis B virus.Infection occurs through contact of injured skin or mucous membranes with virus-infected blood or other secretions (e.g. during sexual contact, through contaminated needles or as a result of medical procedures).Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
Malaria
Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes.Prevention
- Take antimalarial meds
- Prevent bug bites
Estimated relative risk of malaria in Botswana
Areas with malaria
Rabies
Rabies is an acute infectious disease caused by neurotrophic viruses from the rhabdovirus family.The infection is most often caused by biting a sick animal or other contact of its saliva with mucous membranes, conjunctiva or damaged skin.Prevention
- Get vaccinated
- Keep away from animals
With or without a visa?
Visa requirements for citizens of
- United States
visiting 
Botswana for tourism
A visa is not required.
- Allowed stay: 90 days
- 90 days within any one-year period
Electricity
230V (50 Hz)
In Botswana the standard voltage is 230V and the frequency is 50 Hz. Type D, G sockets are used.
Click on the socket icon to see more information
Type D
Type GFacts and Figures
Fundamental socio-economic statistical data pertaining to the country
Population | 143 / 231 Ranking | 2 351 627 Tswana (or Setswana) 79%, Kalanga 11%, Basarwa 3%, other, including Kgalagadi and white 7% |
Area | 48 / 230 Ranking | 224.7 thous. mi² It is approximately 6% of the territory of United States. |
Life expectancy | 171 / 196 Ranking | 65.2 Life expectancy expressed in years.men 63.2women 67.3 |
Median age | 48 / 157 Ranking | 25.7 Average age of population expressed in years.men 24.5women 26.7 |
Population growth | 65 / 172 Ranking | 1.43% The difference between live births and deaths. A negative value means natural loss. |
Literacy | 67 / 131 Ranking | 88.5% Ability to read, write and count.men 88%women 88.9% |
GDP | 84 / 194 Ranking | 15 453 INT$ GDP per capita is gross domestic product converted to international dollars (Int$) using purchasing power parity rates and divided by total population. |
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