Planning Your Journey to Botswana

Traveling to Botswana is straightforward, safe and deeply rewarding. With a little preparation, your safari experience can be seamless from the moment you leave home. 

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Here is what you should know before your travel. 

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Visa and Entry Requirements:

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Many nationalities do not require a visa for short tourist stays in Botswana, while others can obtain one on arrival or apply in advance. Requirements can change, so we always recommend checking with your nearest Botswana embassy or official government website before departing. 

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Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates and should have several blank pages available for entry stamps. 

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If your journey combines Botswana with neighbouring countries such as South Africa, Namibia or Zimbabwe, make sure to verify entry rules for each country. 

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Health and Malaria:

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Parts of northern Botswana, including areas such as Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park, are considered malaria areas, particularly during and after the rainy season.

We strongly advice consulting your travel doctor well in advance to discuss:

• Malaria prophylaxis

• Routine vaccinations

• Travel insurance with medical coverage

Preventive measures are simple and effective:

• Use insect repellent

• Wear long sleeves in the evenings

• Sleep under mosquito nets where provided

Vaccinations and Health Preparation: 

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Before traveling to Botswana, it is important to review your vaccination status with a qualified travel doctor or health clinic, ideally 4 to 8 weeks before departure.

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Make sure your standard vaccinations are up to date. These typically include:

• Tetanus

• Diphtheria

• Polio

• Measles, mumps and rubella

Keeping routine immunisations current is an essential part of safe international travel.

Depending on your medical history and travel plans, doctors may recommend:

• Hepatitis A

• Hepatitis B

• Typhoid

These are commonly advised for travel in parts of southern Africa.

Botswana itself is not a yellow fever country. However, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required if you are arriving from, or transiting through, a country where yellow fever is present. Always verify current regulations before travel.

When to Travel:

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Botswana is a year round safari destination. 

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Dry season rom May to October offers cooler temperatures, minimal rainfall and excellent wildlife concentration around water sources. 

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Green season from November to March brings dramatic skies, newborn animals and exceptional birdlife. Landscapes are lush and photography conditions can be extraordinary. 

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Each season offers a different experience. There is no wrong Tim, only different perspectives. 

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Travel Requirements with Children:

Traveling with children to Botswana is absolutely possible and can be an unforgettable family experience. However, southern Africa has specific entry regulations designed to protect minors and prevent child trafficking. Proper documentation is essential.

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Passports - Every child must have their own valid passport. Passports should be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel and contain sufficient blank pages for entry stamps. Children cannot travel on a parent’s passport.

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Visa Requirements - Visa rules for children are generally the same as for adults and depend on nationality. Always verify the latest requirements with the nearest Botswana embassy or official government source before departure.

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Traveling with Both Parents - When a child travels with both parents, typically only valid passports are required. However, airlines may occasionally request proof of relationship, so carrying a copy of the child’s birth certificate is recommended.

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Travelling with One Parent - If a child is traveling with only one parent, immigration authorities may require:

• A certified copy of the child’s full birth certificate showing both parents’ details

• A written consent letter from the non traveling parent

• A copy of the non traveling parent’s passport or ID

These documents should be in English or accompanied by a certified translation.

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Travelling with a Guardian or Without Parents - If a minor is traveling with grandparents, relatives, or another guardian, additional documentation is usually required:

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• Certified birth certificate

• Written consent from both parents

• Copies of both parents’ identification documents

• Contact details of parents and guardian

Requirements can vary slightly depending on routing and airline policies, especially if connecting through countries such as South Africa, which has particularly strict minor travel regulations.

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Vaccinations and Health - Children should meet the same health requirements as adults, including routine vaccinations and, where applicable, malaria precautions for northern safari areas. Consult a pediatrician or travel clinic well in advance to ensure all medical preparations are appropriate for the child’s age.

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Lodges and Safari Policies - Many safari camps in areas such as the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park have minimum age requirements, particularly for walking safaris or mokoro excursions. Private vehicles are often recommended for families to allow flexibility, safety and comfort.