Practical information Botswana

French, Belgian, Swiss and Luxembourgish nationals are exempt from visa requirements for tourist stays of less than 90 days. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your return date and have two consecutive blank pages for entry and exit stamps. No prior formalities are required; the stamp is issued upon arrival at Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone, Maun or Kasane depending on your entry point. If you're combining with Zimbabwe for Victoria Falls, the KAZA Univisa at 50 USD allows multiple entries between the two countries. Our team verifies up-to-date formalities before each departure.

No vaccine is mandatory to enter Botswana from France, except if you are arriving from a country at risk of yellow fever (a certificate is then required). Our team recommends being up to date on DTP, hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and yellow fever if you are combining your trip with an endemic country. Malaria is present year-round in the north of the country (Okavango, Chobe, Linyanti) and seasonally elsewhere: prophylaxis is strongly advised, to be discussed with your doctor based on your duration and the areas you will visit. Also plan for strong insect repellent, long clothing in the evening, and antimalarial medication on hand. Consult an international vaccination centre at least six weeks before departure.

Botswana is one of Africa's most expensive safari destinations, a direct result of its low-density tourism policy. Budget an average of 400 to 700 euros per day and per person for all-inclusive lodge packages (accommodation, meals, activities, internal transfers), excluding international flights. Luxury camps in private concessions like those in Linyanti or Selinda often exceed 1,000 euros per day. Cessna charter flights between camps cost 250 to 400 euros per segment. Guided mobile camping packages allow you to reduce costs to 250 to 350 euros per day. Additionally, budget for tips (10 USD per day and per guide), premium beverages, and personal purchases.

The dry season, from April to October, remains the prime period for safaris. Animals concentrate around watering holes, vegetation thins out, and wildlife viewing is optimal. From July to September, temperatures stay pleasant during the day (20 to 28°C) but cool at night, sometimes dropping to 5°C in June. October becomes very hot, up to 40°C, but is the densest month for wildlife. The green season, from November to March, brings rainfall, spectacular landscapes, the birth of herbivores and many migratory birds, but some camps close and access to tracks becomes difficult. For the Okavango Delta, June to August offers peak flooding, ideal for mokoro excursions.

The main mode of transport between camps is charter flights in small aircraft (Cessna 206 or 208), departing from Maun or Kasane bases. Flight segments last 30 to 60 minutes and baggage allowance is limited to 20 kg in soft bags. Internal transfers within a camp are made in open 4x4 vehicles with a guide. For independent travellers, renting a 4x4 equipped for camping is possible but requires off-road experience, and crossing the Moremi demands solid mechanical knowledge. Main paved roads (Gaborone-Francistown-Kasane, Maun-Nata) are in good condition. For long-distance independent travel, allow plenty of time, as some tracks do not exceed 30 km/h.

Botswana is among Africa's most stable and safe countries. Democracy has functioned uninterrupted since independence in 1966, and crime remains low, particularly in tourist areas and bush camps. In Gaborone and Francistown, standard urban precautions apply: avoid walking alone at night, refrain from displaying valuables. In the wilderness, follow your guides' instructions scrupulously—never leave an open camp alone, especially at night. Roads require vigilance as wildlife and livestock frequently cross; avoid driving after sunset. Our team in Gaborone remains available 7 days a week throughout your stay.