Botswana is one of the most impressive safari destinations in Africa. The country is known for the Okavango Delta, Chobe National Park, the Kalahari Desert, the Makgadikgadi Pans, and its vast populations of elephants and other wildlife.
Botswana is a landlocked country located in southern Africa, between Namibia, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia.
Capital: Gaborone
Largest tourist centers: Maun and Kasane
Official language: English
National language: Setswana
Currency: Botswana Pula (BWP)
Time zone: UTC+2
Telephone code: +267
The official language is English, and Setswana is the national language. The main currency is the pula.
No. Bulgarian citizens do not need a visa for a short-term visit to Botswana for up to 90 days.
This applies to ordinary, diplomatic and official Bulgarian passports according to current information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria.
The official tourism organization of Botswana also states that citizens of most European countries do not need a visa.
If you plan to stay for more than 90 days, other immigration rules now apply.
It is not advisable to rely on automatic extensions of tourist stays. For longer trips, check the requirements of the Botswana immigration authorities in advance.
Travel with a valid passport with enough free pages.
As a practical recommendation, it is a good idea for your passport to have at least 6 months of remaining validity, especially if the itinerary includes other countries in South Africa.
Wear:
Upon arrival, it is a good idea to be able to present:
The Botswana Tourism Organization strongly recommends that visitors have a valid passport and sufficient funds for their stay.
Bulgaria does not have an embassy in Gaborone.
For Botswana it is accredited Embassy of Bulgaria in Pretoria, South Africa.
Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Pretoria:
1071 Stanza Bopape Street, 0083 Hatfield, Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
Phone: +27 12 342 37 20; +27 12 342 79 41
Fax: +27 12 342 37 21
Emergency phone after hours: +27 79 893 7336
E-mail: Embassy.Pretoria@mfa.bg
Working hours: Monday–Friday, 09:00–12:00.
In case of loss or theft of the passport:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs defines Botswana as Level 2 – increased caution.
Botswana is generally a stable tourist destination, but there is a risk of crime in the major cities. Current British recommendations indicate an increase in violent crime in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun.
In cities:
Particular attention is needed around transportation hubs, markets, and busier urban areas.
The main risk in Botswana is not only crime, but wildlife.
In national parks and reserves:
Wild animals can move even outside protected areas.
The main emergency number in Botswana is:
999 – police / emergency
Botswana Police confirms use of 999 to report.
When on safari, always keep the direct phone number of your operator, lodge or safari camp.
For tourist travel, an eSIM is a convenient option, especially if you are planning safaris, transfers, and self-navigation.
Airalo offers eSIM for Botswana over the network Mascom. Currently available packages include, for example:
Prices are dynamic.
Botswana is not part of the European "roam like at home" zone.
Check the international package of your Bulgarian mobile operator before departure.
For safaris in remote areas, it is good to keep in mind that mobile coverage may be limited or non-existent.
The official currency is botswana pula (BWP).
The pula is divided into 100 thebe.
Major credit cards – Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club – are widely accepted.
In Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, hotels and larger tourist sites, cards are usually a convenient method of payment.
However, when on safari, always carry cash.
Small shops, local markets, and some remote lodges may not accept cards or have connection issues.
There are ATMs in major cities and tourist centers.
It is a good idea to withdraw enough money before:
Tipping is customary in tourist services.
Especially on safari, tips are given to:
The amount depends on the level of service and the length of stay.
Botswana has a predominantly dry climate and large temperature differences between day and night.
During the dry season, daytime temperatures can be pleasant, but mornings and nights can be quite cold.
During the rainy season, temperatures are higher and afternoon storms are more frequent.
The dry season is usually approximately May–October.
This is one of the most popular periods for safari because water is concentrated in certain areas and animals are easier to observe.
The rainy season is approximately November–March.
There is a risk of heavy, short-term rainfall and flooding. Roads in remote areas may become impassable.
However, the landscape becomes greener, and the season is interesting for observing birds and small animals.
For a classic safari, the most popular period is June–October.
For wildlife viewing and drier conditions, July, August and September are particularly suitable.
For greener landscapes, birds, and lower prices, you might also consider the beginning of the rainy season.
For safari, prepare:
When flying on small safari planes, check baggage restrictions in advance.
The Botswana Tourism Organization lists indicative restrictions from 12 kg for flights with small aircraft, including flights to the Okavango Delta region. For domestic scheduled flights, 20 kg is indicated.
On safari, soft luggage is often needed instead of a hard suitcase.
Check the specific conditions of the airline or safari operator.
Okavango Delta is one of Africa's greatest natural attractions.
The Okavango River flows into a vast inland delta, forming channels, lagoons, islands, swamps, and seasonally flooded grasslands.
The size of the delta varies approximately between 15,000 and 22,000 sq km depending on the water cycle.
Okavango offers:
This is one of the best places to combine aquatic and terrestrial wildlife.
Moremi is one of the most famous safari areas in the Okavango Delta.
Here you can observe:
Chobe National Park is one of the most popular safari destinations in Botswana.
The park is particularly famous for its huge herds of elephants.
The town of Kasane is the main base for visiting the area.
The Chobe River is one of the best places for a boat safari.
From a boat you can observe:
The afternoon river cruise is especially popular because of the light and sunset.
Savuti is part of the larger Chobe ecosystem complex and is known for its predators and rich wildlife.
The area is more remote and is usually visited as part of an organized safari.
Linyanti is another prestigious safari area in northern Botswana.
It is suitable for tourists looking for:
Makgadikgadi Pans are a vast system of salt pans and seasonal lakes.
The landscape is completely different from that of the Okavango – wide, open and almost surreal.
The Botswana Tourism Portal includes Makgadikgadi among its major natural attractions.
Nxai Pan National Park is known for its wide grasslands, salt flats, and wildlife.
The area can be included in a longer safari itinerary along with Makgadikgadi.
The Kalahari Desert occupies a huge part of the territory of Botswana.
Despite its name, the Kalahari is not just a lifeless sandy desert – it has grasses, shrubs, wildlife, and seasonal water bodies.
The Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast protected area.
Here the landscape is drier and different from the Okavango.
It is possible to observe:
The San are among the indigenous peoples of South Africa and have a deep connection to the nature of the Kalahari.
Cultural programs with local guides can present traditional knowledge about:
Choose operators who work responsibly with local communities.
The Tsodilo Hills are located in the northwestern part of Botswana.
They are known for their ancient rock paintings and archaeological significance.
The Botswana Tourism Organization includes them among the main tourist sites.
Gaborone is the capital and the main administrative and economic center.
Of interest to tourists are:
Mokolodi is a nature reserve near Gaborone.
It is suitable for a short nature excursion, especially if you have time before or after an international flight.
Maun is known as the gateway to the Okavango Delta.
The city is an important base for:
Kasane is the main tourist base for Chobe National Park.
From here they organize:
Botswana is often combined with a visit to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or Zambia.
Kasane is a convenient starting point for transfers to the waterfalls.
However, with a combined itinerary, you should check the individual visa and border requirements.
Botswana combines perfectly with Namibia.
A popular route is:
Windhoek → Namib Desert → Etosha → Botswana → Okavango → Chobe.
This is an option for a longer safari and nature trip.
Another option is:
Johannesburg → Botswana → Okavango → Chobe → Victoria Falls.
With such a route, South Africa could be a convenient entry point to the region.
In Botswana, there are domestic and charter flights that connect tourist areas.
On safari to Okavango, Moremi or remote camps, small planes are often the most practical means of transport.
On these flights:
Check the conditions in advance.
You can rent a car for travel in Botswana.
For standard roads, 2WD may be sufficient, but for national parks and remote safari areas, it is often necessary 4×4.
A solo safari requires serious preparation.
Driving in Botswana on the left.
Main paved roads can be good, but outside of cities there is a serious risk of animals and livestock on the road.
Night driving outside cities is not recommended.
If you are renting a car, check the specific company's requirements in advance.
Depending on your national license and the company's conditions, an international driving license may be required.
A solo safari is not a good idea for inexperienced tourists.
In remote areas:
For remote safaris, additional supplies of water and fuel are recommended, and on some routes, movement in convoy or with satellite communication.
Botswana has a multi-tiered healthcare system, from health posts and clinics to hospitals and referral hospitals.
In remote safari areas, medical care can be far away.
Therefore, travel insurance should include:
Malaria is a significant health risk in parts of Botswana.
The CDC indicates risk in areas such as:
There is no malaria transmission in Gaborone according to current CDC information.
If you will be visiting safari areas, consult a doctor about prevention.
Use:
When on safari near water areas, protection from mosquitoes is especially important.
Botswana requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate upon arrival from countries or routes designated as at risk for yellow fever.
This is especially important on combined routes through other African countries.
Check the requirements according to your entire route, and not just according to the direct flight to Botswana.
The Botswana Tourism Organization recommends that travelers have up-to-date routine immunizations and cites hepatitis A vaccination and up-to-date protection against tetanus, polio, and diphtheria as reasonable precautions.
The CDC also recommends hepatitis B vaccination for unvaccinated travelers.
In urban areas, use a reliable source of drinking water.
When on safari, always carry enough bottled or purified water.
Never assume natural bodies of water are safe to drink.
Do not swim in rivers, lakes and other natural bodies of water without explicit instruction from a local operator.
Besides diseases, there is a real risk from crocodiles, hippos and other wild animals.
Botswana cuisine includes:
In tourist lodges, food is usually adapted to international visitors.
Seswaa is one of the traditional dishes of Botswana.
It is slow-cooked and shredded meat, usually beef, served with traditional side dishes.
Bogobe is a traditional porridge made from sorghum or other grains.
It is part of the local cuisine and comes in various variations.
English is the official language and is sufficient in a tourist environment.
Setswana is the national language and is widely used in everyday life.
Dumela – Hello
Ke a leboga - Thank you
Tsweetswee – Please
Yes – Yes
No – No
Forest – Water
In hotels, lodges and travel agencies, English is widely used.
Botswana has strong traditions related to community, family, and local structures.
Respect:
Always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people.
Do not photograph military and government sites without permission.
British guidelines explicitly warn that filming around military and government facilities is illegal.
On safari, don't get out of the vehicle just to take a better photo.
Do not approach an animal for the sake of photography.
Using a longer lens is much safer than physically zooming in.
Do not buy:
Illegal trade in wild animals and their parts can lead to serious penalties.
Botswana can be an amazing experience for children, especially on safari.
The most suitable are:
For young children, check the minimum age for safaris because some camps have restrictions.
Botswana is an excellent choice for a romantic trip.
Particularly suitable are:
The country is one of the best destinations for wildlife photography.
Particularly interesting are:
The Okavango Delta and aquatic ecosystems are extremely rich in birds.
The most suitable areas for birdwatching are around:
Suitable souvenirs are:
Avoid products from protected animals.
Alcohol is available in hotels, restaurants and tourist lodges.
Do not drive after drinking alcohol.
On safari, alcohol should not alter your behavior – safety around wild animals is an absolute priority.
Traveling with a pet to Botswana requires prior verification of veterinary and border requirements.
For a combined route through South Africa, Namibia or Zimbabwe, check the regulations of each country.
Botswana uses an electrical system based on approximately 230 V / 50 Hz.
The contacts may be different from those used in Bulgaria.
Bring a universal adapter.
At safari camps, electricity may be limited to certain hours or provided by a generator/solar system.
Don't expect constant high-speed internet in all lodges.
Some camps offer Wi-Fi, but in remote areas, connectivity may be limited.
For important documents and maps, use offline copies.
For a first visit we recommend 8–12 days.
A good option is:
2 nights Maun + 3 nights Okavango + 2 nights Chobe + 1–2 nights Kasane.
When combining with Victoria Falls, add another 2–3 days.
Day 1: Arrival in Maun
Day 2: Okavango Delta
Day 3: Okavango – safari
Day 4: Moremi
Day 5: Flight to Kasane
Day 6: Chobe – game drive
Day 7: Chobe River cruise and departure
Days 1–2: Maun
Days 3–5: Okavango Delta
Days 6–7: Moremi
Days 8–9: Chobe / Kasane
Day 10: departure or transfer to Victoria Falls
One of the best combinations in the region is:
Okavango Delta + Chobe + Victoria Falls
So in one trip you can combine:
For a longer adventure, you can add:
This is one of the strongest routes for nature and photography tourism in South Africa.
No:
☐ Passport
☐ Checking the 90-day visa-free regime
☐ Flight tickets
☐ Hotel/safari reservations
☐ Travel medical insurance
☐ Medical evacuation in the policy
☐ Check for yellow fever requirements
☐ Malaria prevention consultation
☐ Repellent
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Warm jacket for morning safari
☐ Binoculars
☐ Camera
☐ Universal adapter
☐ eSIM/roaming
☐ Copies of documents
☐ Cache for remote areas
☐ Soft luggage for small planes
Do I need a visa for Botswana?
No. Bulgarian citizens can visit Botswana without a visa for a short stay of up to 90 days.
What is the currency?
Botswana pula (BWP).
Where is the best safari?
The Okavango Delta, Moremi and Chobe are among the leading areas.
When is the best time for a safari?
Usually June–October.
Is there malaria?
Yes. There is a risk in a significant part of the tourist safari areas, including Chobe and Okavango.
Is there malaria in Gaborone?
The CDC states that there is no malaria transmission in Gaborone.
Is a yellow fever vaccine needed?
Not for every tourist, but a certificate is required upon arrival from certain high-risk countries or routes.
Is it possible to travel by car?
Yes, but safari areas require serious preparation and often a 4×4 vehicle.
Is it safe to go on a solo safari?
It is not recommended for inexperienced hikers. In remote areas there are real risks from wild animals, damage, lack of connectivity and difficult access to help.
Is Botswana suitable for families?
Yes, but you need to choose an appropriate camp and check the age restrictions for the specific safari activities.
Can it be combined with Victoria Falls?
Yes. Kasane is a particularly convenient base for such a combination.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria – Botswana
Official Tourism Organization of Botswana
To the current information of the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs from October 15, 2025. Botswana is with Level 2 – increased caution, and for Bulgarian citizens a visa is not required for a short-term stay of up to 90 days.
However, when going on safari, it should be borne in mind that the conditions are different from a standard city trip. Wild animals, remoteness, limited mobile coverage and road conditions require better preparation.
Before departure, check:
Botswana is a destination where a well-organized itinerary is particularly important – from flights and transfers to safari camps and domestic flights.
If you are planning a trip to Botswana combined with Namibia, South Africa or Victoria Falls, check out the current offers on „"Journey Group"“.
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