Botswana

British citizens can visit Botswana visa-free for up to 90 days.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your date of arrival, with at least 3 blank pages

A Yellow Fever certificate is required only if you’re arriving from (or transiting through) a country with yellow fever risk.
Recommended vaccinations include: Hepatitis A & B, Typhoid, Tetanus.
Malaria risk exists in northern Botswana (for example, in the Okavango Delta), so malaria prophylaxis is often advised.
Medical facilities outside cities are limited; in serious cases, patients may be referred to South Africa for advanced care.
It’s strongly recommended to take out travel/medical insurance before going

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/botswana

Botswana Climate by Month
Month
Typical Weather
Temperature & Rainfall Notes
January
Peak of the wet season
Very hot, humid, frequent thunderstorms. In northern areas, rainfall is high.
Maun averages ~30.7°C during the day and ~20.4°C at night.
February
Very wet, still hot
Similar to January: lots of rain, high humidity.
Indus Travel notes around 14 cm of rain in some regions.
March
Rain tapering off
Rain starts to reduce, though showers still common.
Temperature stays high (day ~30 °C), humidity begins to drop later in the month.
April
Transition to dry season
Rain becomes less frequent.
Daytime temps ~29‑30°C; nights cool (~16°C in some places).
May
Start of dry season
Very little rainfall.
Daytime warmth, but nights are cold: in some regions, lows around 9°C.
June
Dry, cool
Virtually no rain.
Night temperatures can drop to ~5°C according to climatology data.
July
Coldest month
Very dry.
Nights can be very cold, especially in interior or Kalahari areas: as low as ~4–5 °C.
August
Still dry
Very low rainfall.
Seasonal dusty winds often pick up, especially in the Kalahari.
September
Warming up
Still dry, but daytime temps start to rise.
Nights warm again; transition toward hotter season.
October
Pre-rain season
Increasing heat, possible early storms later.
One of the hottest months; daytime highs can climb significantly.
November
Rain season begins
Showers get more frequent; thunderstorms may start.
Daytime hot, humidity rising.
December
Wet season fully underway
Heavy rains in many areas, especially northern Botswana.
Temperatures remain high; nights are warm and muggy.

1. Clothing
Neutral-colored clothes (beige, khaki, olive) – for blending into the environment.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants – protects from sun and insects.
Short-sleeved shirts – for hot daytime weather.
Warm layers – fleece or light jacket for early morning/late evening game drives.
Rain jacket or poncho – safaris can include wet seasons.
Hat with wide brim – sun protection.
Swimwear – if staying at lodges with pools.
Comfortable walking shoes – sturdy sneakers or hiking shoes.
Sandals/flip-flops – for relaxing at camps/lodges.
Socks – lightweight and breathable; include some warm socks for early mornings.
Bandana or scarf – for dust protection.

2. Accessories & Gear
Binoculars – essential for wildlife spotting.
Camera with zoom lens – ideally 300mm+ for animals at a distance.
Extra camera batteries and memory cards.
Daypack or small backpack – for carrying essentials on drives/walks.
Reusable water bottle – hydration is key.
Sunglasses with UV protection.
Travel pillow – for long drives or flights.
Flashlight or headlamp – with extra batteries.
Notebook and pen – optional, for wildlife observations.

3. Health & Safety
Insect repellent – with DEET or natural alternatives.
Sunscreen – high SPF recommended.
Personal medications – plus a copy of prescriptions.
Basic first aid kit – bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, diarrhea medication.
Hand sanitizer & wet wipes.
Anti-malaria medication – check with your doctor for recommended prophylaxis.

4. Toiletries
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, soap.
Moisturizer and lip balm – dry air and sun can cause chapping.
Travel towel – lightweight and quick-drying if your lodge doesn’t provide one.
Feminine hygiene products if needed.
Razor and small grooming kit.

5. Documents & Essentials
Passport and visas (if required).
Travel insurance details.
Flight tickets and safari booking confirmations.
Credit cards and some cash in local currency.
Photocopies of important documents – stored separately.

6. Optional but Useful
Guidebooks or wildlife ID books – to identify animals and birds.
Dry bags or ziplock bags – for electronics and documents during wet conditions.
Snacks – nuts or energy bars for long game drives.
Small binoculars for kids – if traveling with family.
Portable power bank – for charging devices on the go.
Camera tripod or monopod – for stable wildlife photography.

Packing Tips
Stick to neutral colors to avoid startling wildlife.
Layer clothing – mornings can be chilly, afternoons hot.
Avoid bright colors and strong perfumes – they can attract insects or scare animals.
Pack light but efficiently – most safari lodges provide laundry services.