Why visit
Botswana is the Okavango Delta, Chobe's elephant herds, and the Makgadikgadi salt pans. It deliberately runs low-volume, high-value safari tourism, so camps are remote and wildlife densities are exceptional.
Country - Africa
Botswana
natureadventure
How to use this result
Use it as a country shortlist
Botswana works best as a first-pass travel idea. Start with the region, season, and themes on this page, then compare flights, entry rules, safety guidance, and local transport before treating it as a real option.
Compare the capital and side trips
Use Gaborone as the administrative starting point, then check whether the strongest trip idea is actually the capital, a coastal area, a nature route, or another city in Botswana.
At a glance
Location
-22.0°, 24.0°
Coast
Landlocked
Country area
582,000 km²
224,711 mi²
Country population
2.7 million
5/km²
Subregion
Southern Africa
Currency
Botswana pula (P)
BWP
Dial
+267
Languages
English, Tswana
Demonym
Motswana
Internet
.bw
UN
Member state
ISO code
BW / BWA
Where in the world
-22.0° - 24.0°
Botswana
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Botswana's Okavango Delta is one of the world's last great inland deltas: a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Botswana has the highest concentration of elephants in Africa: over 130,000 in Chobe National Park alone.
- Botswana's economy grew faster than any other country between 1966 (independence) and 2000: powered by diamond mining.
Bordering Botswana
Traveler notes
- The Okavango floods peak around June to August, ideal for mokoro canoe trips
- Chobe has one of the densest elephant populations on earth
- Self-drive through Moremi and Savuti suits experienced 4x4 travelers
Plan checks
- Start research with the capital Gaborone, then compare two or three other regions.
- Check passport validity, visa rules, health requirements, and travel insurance for current conditions.
- Bring layered clothing and verify trail/park access before arrival.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Botswana
What is the capital of Botswana?
Gaborone is the capital of Botswana.
What currency does Botswana use?
Botswana uses the Botswana pula (P), ISO code BWP.
What languages are spoken in Botswana?
The primary languages are English and Tswana.
Is Botswana landlocked?
Yes, Botswana is landlocked: it has no sea coastline.
What countries border Botswana?
Botswana borders Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe.
What is the international calling code for Botswana?
The calling code is +267.
When is the best time to visit Botswana?
May–Oct. Check current weather and local events before booking.
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