Botswana's cultural landscape is shaped by a harmonious blend of traditional Tswana customs, colonial influences, and contemporary practices that have evolved alongside the country's remarkable economic and social development. Since gaining independence in 1966, Botswana has maintained a stable democracy while preserving its cultural heritage, creating a society that balances modernity with deep respect for traditional values.

Key elements of Botswanan culture include:

• Setswana traditions: The majority of Botswana's population belongs to the Tswana ethnic group, with eight major subgroups (merafe or "tribes") each maintaining distinctive dialects and customs while sharing common cultural foundations. Traditional socio-political structures remain important, with the kgotla (community council) serving as a forum for village decision-making led by the kgosi (chief). These traditional governance systems operate in parallel with modern democratic institutions, creating a unique blend of authority structures. Respect for elders, community cooperation, and collective responsibility remain central values in Tswana society, even as urbanization changes community dynamics.
• Botho philosophy: Underpinning Botswanan social interactions is the principle of botho (sometimes rendered as "ubuntu" in other southern African contexts), which emphasizes communal harmony, respect, compassion, and mutual responsibility. This philosophy reflects the understanding that an individual's identity and well-being are inextricably linked to their community. The greeting "Dumela mma/rra" (Hello madam/sir) exemplifies this respect in everyday interactions. This ethical framework guides social relations, business practices, and even government policies, contributing to Botswana's reputation for social cohesion and relative lack of ethnic conflict.
• Artistic expressions: Traditional crafts remain vibrant throughout Botswana, with distinctive regional specialties including pottery, woodcarving, and basket weaving. The Botswana baskets, created primarily by women in the northwest regions, are internationally renowned for their intricate geometric designs and practical beauty. Increasingly, contemporary artists blend traditional motifs with modern forms in painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The innovation hub of Thapong Visual Arts Centre in Gaborone showcases this evolution. Traditional music featuring instruments like the thumb piano (kalimba), hand drums, and musical bows continues alongside popular contemporary genres including gospel and jazz.
• Dance traditions: Dance plays a central role in Botswanan cultural expression, with distinctive styles associated with different communities. The trance dance of the San people combines rhythmic movement, clapping, and breathing techniques to induce healing states. The Kalanga community's Hosana dance celebrates agricultural bounty, while the Hambukushu perform the dynamic Diware dance. The Setapa dance, characterized by synchronized leg movements performed by men in animal-skin skirts, captivates audiences at national celebrations. These traditional dances continue to evolve while maintaining their cultural significance, regularly performed at weddings, festivals, and community gatherings.
• Rural-urban dynamics: Botswana's rapid economic development has accelerated urbanization, creating a cultural spectrum from traditional rural villages to cosmopolitan urban centers. Traditional practices remain stronger in rural areas, where cattle-keeping continues as both economic activity and cultural marker. Extended family compounds (malwapa) with their characteristic circular thatched structures (rondavels) represent traditional rural architecture, though increasingly supplemented by modern building styles. Urban areas, particularly Gaborone, showcase contemporary architectural styles and international influences, while still maintaining connections to traditional values through cultural festivals and community organizations.

Botswanan cuisine reflects both indigenous traditions and regional influences:

• Staple foods: Sorghum and maize provide the foundation for many traditional dishes, most notably bogobe (porridge) which appears in various consistencies from soft morning porridge to firmer dinner accompaniments. Sorghum is also fermented to produce traditional beer (bojalwa). In the Okavango region, molapo farming produces specialized crops along seasonal floodplains. As cattle holding has traditionally signified wealth and status in Tswana society, beef features prominently in celebratory meals, though daily consumption varies by economic status.
• Signature dishes: Seswaa, a simple but flavorful dish of pounded beef served with bogobe (porridge) and morogo (wild spinach or other greens), is considered Botswana's national dish. Other popular foods include traditionally harvested mopane worms (phane), considered a delicacy and important protein source; dikgobe, a bean and sorghum combination; and vetkoek, fried dough bread with South African roots. Wild foods including tubers, berries, and game meat maintain importance, particularly in rural areas and among San communities, where extensive botanical knowledge enables sustainable harvesting.
• Contemporary food culture: Urban centers like Gaborone feature diverse dining options reflecting international influences, from South African braai (barbecue) traditions to Indian, Chinese, and Western cuisines. Fusion approaches increasingly combine traditional ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques. Growing health consciousness has popularized traditional foods like morogo (wild greens) and morama beans for their nutritional properties. Food features prominently in social gatherings, with weddings, funerals, and community events centered around shared meals that reinforce communal bonds.
• Beverages: Traditional drinks include madila (sour milk), often mixed with porridge; homemade ginger beer; and various fermented grain beverages. Tea drinking reflects British colonial influence, while commercially produced beer has largely replaced traditional home-brewed varieties in urban areas. The availability of clean water throughout much of the country represents one of Botswana's development successes, though bottled water remains common among tourists.
• Ceremonial foods: Special occasions feature distinctive food traditions. Wedding celebrations typically include beef slaughtered for the occasion, with choice cuts distributed according to traditional protocols that reinforce social hierarchies. Initiation ceremonies, though less common than historically, maintain specialized food customs. Funeral gatherings provide opportunities for community support through food contributions and shared meals that may continue for several days.

Modern Botswanan culture continues to evolve through ongoing dialogue between tradition and contemporary influences. National holidays like Botswana Day (September 30) feature cultural displays that celebrate traditional music, dance, and attire while affirming national identity. Religious practices blend Christianity (the predominant faith) with traditional spiritual beliefs, particularly regarding ancestral connections. Family remains the foundational social unit, though household structures have diversified with urban migration and changing economic patterns. Traditional gender roles continue to transform, with women increasingly prominent in education, business, and politics, though challenges remain in rural areas. Environmental consciousness is deeply rooted in traditional practices of sustainable resource management, now reinforced by the economic importance of eco-tourism. This combination of cultural continuity and adaptive change has helped Botswana navigate its development path while maintaining its distinctive identity.

Botswana stands as one of Africa's premier wildlife and wilderness destinations, offering extraordinary safari experiences in pristine environments. The country's visionary low-impact, high-value tourism model limits visitor numbers while maximizing conservation and community benefits, creating exceptional experiences that contrast sharply with mass tourism found elsewhere.

Here are some of Botswana's most remarkable destinations:

Okavango Delta: This UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder forms when seasonal floodwaters from Angola transform the Kalahari Desert into a lush inland delta of channels, islands, and floodplains. The Delta supports extraordinary biodiversity, including elephants, hippos, lions, leopards, cheetahs, and over 400 bird species. Visitors experience this unique ecosystem through diverse activities: traditional mokoro (dugout canoe) excursions glide silently through papyrus-lined waterways; guided walking safaris explore islands; motorboat trips access deeper channels; and game drives reveal wildlife concentrations. Accommodation ranges from exclusive luxury lodges on private concessions to more accessible camps around Maun. The Delta's complex seasonal rhythms create different experiences throughout the year, with the peak flood typically arriving between June and August, though climate change has introduced greater variability to these patterns.

Chobe National Park: Famous for having Africa's highest elephant concentration (estimated at 120,000), Chobe offers spectacular wildlife viewing, particularly along the Chobe River frontage where elephants, buffalo, antelopes, and predators gather during the dry season (May-October). The park comprises four distinct ecosystems: the riverfront, Savuti Marsh, Linyanti Swamps, and the dry interior. Boat cruises on the Chobe River provide exceptional photographic opportunities as animals come to drink, often with stunning sunset backdrops. Game drives showcase the park's diverse habitats and wildlife. The accessible Kasane entrance makes Chobe possible to visit as a day trip from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe/Zambia), though longer stays reward visitors with more remote areas like Savuti, known for predator action and ancient rock art sites. Accommodations range from luxury lodges to camping facilities, catering to different budgets.

Moremi Game Reserve: Covering the eastern Okavango Delta, Moremi combines permanent water, seasonal floodplains, and dry land, creating diverse habitats supporting remarkable wildlife densities. Chief's Island, the reserve's largest landmass, hosts exceptional predator populations including lions, leopards, and wild dogs. Unlike some other Botswanan reserves, Moremi permits self-drive safari vehicles, making it more accessible to independent travelers, though guided safari experiences provide deeper insights. The stunning landscapes range from mopane woodlands to riverine forests and open floodplains. Xakanaxa Lagoon offers spectacular birdwatching, while the famous Third Bridge area provides dramatic wildlife encounters. Though largely overshadowed by the Okavango Delta in international recognition, many safari experts consider Moremi among Africa's finest wildlife viewing destinations.

Central Kalahari Game Reserve: This vast reserve, one of Africa's largest protected areas, presents a dramatically different experience from Botswana's water-rich northern parks. The seemingly endless grasslands, ancient riverbeds, and salt pans create an austere beauty that contrasts sharply with the Okavango's lushness. During and after the brief summer rains (December-March), the desert transforms as wildflowers bloom and fresh grasses attract large herbivore herds, followed by predators, creating exceptional wildlife viewing. The dry season offers starker landscapes but concentrated wildlife around permanent water sources. The reserve holds cultural significance as the ancestral homeland of the San people (Bushmen), whose traditional knowledge and desert adaptation represent remarkable human ingenuity. Several safari operators offer cultural experiences led by San guides who share insights into traditional tracking, plant use, and survival techniques.

Makgadikgadi Pans: These vast salt flats, remnants of an ancient superlake, create one of Earth's most surreal landscapes. During the dry season, the cracked white surface extends to the horizon, creating disorienting optical illusions and extraordinary stargazing opportunities unhindered by light pollution. When seasonal rains transform parts of the pans into shallow lakes, southern Africa's largest flamingo populations arrive to breed, creating spectacular pink masses against the sky. The area also hosts Africa's second-largest zebra migration, less known than the Serengeti's but equally impressive as thousands move between the pans and Boteti River. Distinctive experiences include quad biking across the salt crust, spending time with habituated meerkats, and visiting Kubu Island's ancient baobabs and archaeological sites. Upscale safari operators like Jack's Camp offer luxury desert experiences that blend wildlife viewing with cultural and archaeological insights.

Beyond these highlights, other remarkable destinations include the Tuli Block along the Limpopo River, combining dramatic rocky landscapes with wildlife viewing; Nxai Pan National Park, famous for its iconic baobab trees and seasonal wildlife concentrations; Gaborone, the capital city, offering insights into contemporary Botswanan culture at the National Museum and Thapong Visual Arts Centre; and Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 4,500 rock paintings dating back millennia. For travelers seeking deeper cultural experiences, village stays and community tourism initiatives provide authentic interactions with both traditional Tswana communities and the indigenous San people, whose ancient connection to the land offers profound perspectives on human adaptation and environmental knowledge.

Transportation in Botswana reflects the country's unique geographic challenges and tourism focus, with varying options depending on destination and budget. The vast distances, sparse population, and wilderness areas require thoughtful planning, but reward travelers with extraordinary landscapes and wildlife encounters.

• Road network: Botswana maintains an excellent main road system, with well-paved highways connecting major centers including Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, and Kasane. The primary artery, the A1, runs north-south through the eastern population centers. Beyond these main routes, road conditions vary significantly, from reasonable gravel roads to challenging sandy tracks in remote areas. During the rainy season (November-March), some routes become impassable, particularly around the Makgadikgadi Pans and in the Okavango region. Urban areas have good road infrastructure, though traffic in Gaborone can be congested during rush hours. Road signs follow international standards and are generally in good condition on major routes.
• Self-drive options: For independent travelers, self-driving offers flexibility and cost savings, particularly for those comfortable with remote travel. Both conventional vehicles and 4x4s can be rented in major cities, though a high-clearance 4WD vehicle is essential for accessing many wildlife areas. Major international rental companies operate alongside local firms, with pickup possible at airports and major towns. Self-drive requires careful preparation: detailed maps (both paper and GPS), extra fuel, water supplies, basic vehicle tools, and communication equipment are essential for remote areas. Many tourists combine self-drive for main routes with guided safari services for wilderness areas, allowing both independence and expert assistance where most valuable.
• Public transportation: Intercity bus services connect major population centers with reasonable comfort and affordability. Companies like Seabelo Express operate scheduled services on main routes. For shorter distances and more remote areas, shared minibuses (combis) provide transportation, though with less predictable schedules and comfort levels. These depart when full from designated stations in towns and villages. While budget-friendly, these services have limited or no space for substantial luggage, making them impractical for most safari travelers. Urban public transport consists primarily of shared taxis and minibuses operating on set routes in larger cities, supplemented by individual taxis which can be hailed on streets or at designated ranks.
• Air travel: For accessing remote wildlife areas and saving time across vast distances, domestic flights are invaluable. Air Botswana operates scheduled services connecting Gaborone, Maun, Kasane, and Francistown with modern aircraft. From safari gateways like Maun and Kasane, numerous charter companies operate smaller aircraft to airstrips throughout the Okavango Delta and other wildlife regions. These services range from scheduled air taxi operations with multiple stops to exclusive charters. While relatively expensive, these flights offer magnificent aerial views of landscapes and wildlife while avoiding long, difficult drives. Most luxury safari packages include these flights between camps, allowing more time for wildlife viewing.
• Safari transportation: Within wildlife areas, specialized vehicles dominate. Open-sided 4x4 safari vehicles, typically Land Cruisers or Land Rovers modified with tiered seating, provide optimal wildlife viewing during game drives. In the Okavango Delta, mokoro (traditional dugout canoes, increasingly made from eco-friendly fiberglass) offer silent water-level exploration guided by skilled polers. Motorboats access deeper channels in the Delta and along the Chobe River frontage. Walking safaris, led by armed professional guides, provide intimate ground-level wildlife experiences in designated areas. Safari operators coordinate these specialized transport options as part of their packages, ensuring appropriate vehicles for specific environments.
• Border crossings: Botswana's position makes it ideal for multi-country southern African itineraries. Major border posts connect with Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, with the Kazungula Bridge (opened 2021) significantly improving Zambia connections. Border procedures are typically straightforward for tourists with proper documentation, though queues can form at popular crossings like Tlokweng (South Africa) and Kazungula. Temporary vehicle import permits are required for bringing rental vehicles across borders, and not all rental companies permit international travel with their vehicles. The Chobe-Victoria Falls-Hwange circuit is particularly popular, combining Botswana's wildlife with Zimbabwe's famous waterfall.

Transportation tips: Consider these factors when planning travel in Botswana:

• Distances between destinations are substantial – Gaborone to Maun is approximately 900 km by road, requiring a full day's drive
• Fuel availability is reliable in towns and major thoroughfares, but travelers should fill up when possible and carry reserves for remote areas
• Wildlife presents genuine road hazards, particularly at dawn and dusk; night driving outside urban areas is strongly discouraged
• GPS coordinates for destinations are essential for self-drive safaris, as many wilderness lodges have no formal addresses or signage
• During peak tourist season (July-October), advance booking for flights, safari vehicles, and guided experiences is essential
• The combination of high sun and sandy or salt-pan environments creates challenging driving conditions; polarized sunglasses are recommended
• Mobile phone coverage is surprisingly good along major routes but non-existent in many wilderness areas; satellite phones or personal locator beacons are recommended for remote travel

Botswana's aviation infrastructure serves its tourism-focused economy and dispersed population centers, with international gateways and a network of smaller airfields supporting wilderness access. The system balances modern facilities in major cities with the practical needs of safari operations.

• Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (GBE): Serving the capital Gaborone, this modern facility is Botswana's primary international gateway, handling approximately 300,000 passengers annually. Recently upgraded with a new terminal, the airport features standard international amenities including restaurants, shops, banking services, and car rental counters. Airlines serving Gaborone include Air Botswana, South African Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, and Qatar Airways, connecting to regional hubs like Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, and Doha. While many safari travelers bypass Gaborone, the airport provides essential business connections and serves as entry point for those exploring the southern parts of the country. Located approximately 15 km north of the city center, the airport is connected by taxis and some hotel shuttle services.
• Maun International Airport (MUB): Despite its modest size, this facility serves as the primary gateway to the Okavango Delta and northern safari regions, making it Botswana's busiest airport by aircraft movements. The airport handles both scheduled commercial flights from Gaborone, Johannesburg, and Cape Town, plus hundreds of safari charter operations. The terminal provides basic services including restaurants, souvenir shops, and car rental facilities. Most significant is the extensive safari charter operation, with companies like Mack Air, Safari Air, and Delta Air operating fleets of small aircraft (typically Cessna Grand Caravans) connecting Maun with remote airstrips throughout the Delta and beyond. For many luxury safari travelers, their Botswana experience begins with boarding these small aircraft for flights that offer spectacular aerial views of the Delta landscape.
• Kasane Airport (BBK): This northern facility serves as gateway to Chobe National Park and connects Botswana with nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe/Zambia. The recently upgraded terminal handles flights from Gaborone, Johannesburg, and safari charter operations. Though smaller than Maun, Kasane's strategic location at the intersection of four countries (Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe) makes it important for regional tourism circuits. The airport's proximity to Chobe River and the main park entrance (just 10 minutes away) allows visitors to transition quickly from arrival to wildlife experiences. Facilities include basic dining, car rental, and tour operator services, though more limited than those in larger airports.
• Francistown Airport (FRW): Serving Botswana's second-largest city, this facility handles primarily domestic connections with some regional flights. While less relevant for most tourists, the airport provides important access to northeastern Botswana and connections to the mining and industrial sectors. Air Botswana operates regular services connecting Francistown with Gaborone and Johannesburg. Facilities include basic passenger amenities and car rental services.
• Safari airstrips: Beyond the main airports, Botswana maintains an extensive network of bush airstrips serving safari operations, particularly in the Okavango Delta and other wildlife areas. These range from reasonably developed facilities with small terminal buildings at destinations like Sanctuary Chief's Camp or &Beyond Nxabega to simple cleared strips with minimal infrastructure in more remote locations. These airstrips typically accommodate only small aircraft (4-12 passengers) and have no regular scheduled services, instead operating on charter basis. Landing authorization is generally restricted to specific operators with landing rights agreements. These airstrips form a critical component of the high-end safari infrastructure, allowing quick transfers between camps and efficient use of visitor time.

Airport Transportation: Options for reaching your destination from major airports include:

• Sir Seretse Khama International Airport (Gaborone): Taxis are readily available outside the terminal, with fixed rates to city destinations (approximately 200-300 pula to most city hotels). Some hotels offer shuttle services with advance arrangement. Car rental facilities operate on-site from several international and local companies. The airport's relatively close proximity to the city makes transfers straightforward, typically taking 15-30 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
• Maun and Kasane Airports: For independent travelers, taxis and car rental services are available, though pre-booking is strongly recommended, particularly during high season. The majority of safari travelers have transfers arranged by their lodges or tour operators, who meet arrivals at the terminal. For those connecting to charter flights to safari camps, transfer services are typically coordinated between charter companies, with staff assisting with luggage transfers and check-in procedures. Both airports' compact size makes these connections relatively seamless compared to larger facilities.
• Safari airstrips: Transportation from remote airstrips is invariably handled by the destination safari camps, typically using 4x4 vehicles that often incorporate game viewing opportunities during the transfer. These arrangements are included in safari packages and require no separate organization by travelers.

Important notes: Botswana's airport procedures reflect both international standards and local conditions. Security screening is thorough but typically efficient due to the relatively small passenger volumes. Immigration procedures are straightforward for most visitors, with visa-free entry or visa-on-arrival for many nationalities. Weight restrictions are particularly important on small aircraft serving safari destinations, with strict limits (typically 15-20kg in soft-sided bags) enforced for safety reasons; passengers themselves may also be weighed for proper aircraft balance. Travelers requiring special accommodation due to mobility issues should communicate needs well in advance, as smaller airports and charter operations have limited facilities. While Botswana's major airports are modern and well-maintained, amenities remain more basic than in major international hubs, and flight delays occasionally occur due to weather or operational factors, particularly affecting charter operations.

Botswana maintains relatively straightforward entry requirements for tourists, with visa-free access for many nationalities. This visitor-friendly approach, combined with excellent safety standards, makes the country one of Africa's more accessible destinations for international travelers.

Visa Options by Nationality

The following table outlines visa requirements for common nationalities:

Nationality	Visa Requirement	Maximum Stay
USA, Canada, UK, most EU countries, Australia, New Zealand, Japan	Visa-Free	90 days
South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, other SADC countries	Visa-Free	90 days
Most Asian countries, Latin American countries	Visa on Arrival	30-90 days
Various other nationalities	Visa Required	30-90 days

Visa Application Process: For travelers requiring visas before arrival:

• Applications must be submitted to Botswanan embassies or consulates in the traveler's home country
• Required documents typically include:
  • Valid passport with at least six months validity and blank pages
  • Completed application form
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Proof of accommodation/tour bookings
  • Return or onward travel tickets
  • Proof of sufficient funds
• Processing generally takes 5-10 business days
• Fees vary by nationality, typically ranging from $30-100 USD
• For those eligible for visa on arrival, similar documentation requirements apply, with processing at the port of entry

Entry requirements: All visitors to Botswana must have:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the planned period of stay, with at least two blank pages
• Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of stay
• Return or onward travel tickets
• Yellow fever vaccination certificate if arriving from or transiting through a yellow fever endemic country
• For those driving across borders, appropriate vehicle documentation including registration, insurance, and driver's license

Important Travel Considerations

• Currency and payments: The Botswana Pula (BWP) maintains relative stability compared to other African currencies. ATMs are widely available in cities, towns, and major tourist areas, accepting major international cards. Credit cards (particularly Visa and Mastercard) are accepted at better hotels, restaurants, and safari lodges, though American Express has more limited acceptance. For remote areas and local markets, cash remains essential. Currency exchange is available at banks, airports, and authorized dealers, with South African Rand and US Dollars most easily exchanged. Many safari operations quote prices in US Dollars, though payment can typically be made in Pula. Tipping is customary in tourism contexts, with 10-15% standard for restaurants and specific guidelines for safari staff that your operator can advise on.
• Language: English is Botswana's official language and is widely spoken in tourism, business, and government contexts. Setswana serves as the national language and primary tongue for most citizens. Basic Setswana greetings like "Dumela" (Hello) are appreciated by locals, but visitors can generally navigate comfortably with English throughout the country. Safari guides are typically fluent English speakers, often with remarkable knowledge of wildlife terminologies and natural history.
• Health considerations: Botswana maintains good health standards, with clean water available in most established areas (though bottled water is recommended for sensitive travelers). Malaria precautions are essential for northern regions including the Okavango Delta and Chobe, particularly during the rainy season (November-March), though risk is lower in the central and southern regions. Medical facilities in Gaborone and Francistown offer good care for routine issues, but serious conditions may require evacuation to South Africa. Comprehensive travel insurance including evacuation coverage is strongly recommended. Pharmacies in major centers are well-stocked, though travelers should bring adequate supplies of regular medications. The harsh sun necessitates high-SPF sunscreen, protective clothing, and adequate hydration.
• Safety and security: Botswana ranks among Africa's safest countries, with low crime rates, political stability, and minimal corruption. Standard precautions regarding valuables are advisable in urban areas, but violent crime against tourists is rare. The primary safety concerns relate to road conditions, wildlife encounters, and natural hazards in remote areas. Professional safari guides provide essential safety briefings and protocols for wildlife viewing. The Botswana Police Service is generally helpful and non-threatening to tourists. Emergency services are reliable in major towns but have limited reach in wilderness areas, reinforcing the importance of traveling with reputable operators in remote regions.

Best time to visit: Botswana's climate creates distinct seasonal experiences:

• Dry season (May to October): Generally considered the prime wildlife viewing period, particularly July through September. Animals concentrate around permanent water sources, vegetation thins for better visibility, and mosquito activity is minimal. The Okavango Delta floodwaters typically peak in June-July, creating ideal conditions for water activities. Temperatures are moderate to cool, with chilly mornings on safari (particularly June-August) requiring warm layers for early game drives. This period represents high season with premium pricing and advance booking essential.
• Green season (November to April): The summer rains transform landscapes, with lush vegetation and dispersed wildlife. While game viewing can be more challenging due to thick foliage and scattered water sources, this period offers compensating advantages: dramatic stormy skies perfect for photography, newborn animals, abundant birdlife as migrants arrive, lower tourist numbers, and reduced rates at many lodges. The Central Kalahari is particularly spectacular during and immediately after rains. Temperatures are higher, with humidity increasing before storms. Road conditions can deteriorate in remote areas, with some tracks becoming impassable.
• Shoulder seasons (April-May and October-November): These transitional periods offer good value and reasonable wildlife viewing with fewer visitors. October can be extremely hot before the rains arrive, while April-May features moderate temperatures and lingering greenery as the dry season begins.

Cultural etiquette: Botswana society values respect, courtesy, and proper greetings:

• Greetings are important; taking time to say hello and ask about someone's well-being before business matters shows respect
• The traditional greeting "Dumela mma" (for women) or "Dumela rra" (for men) is appreciated
• When visiting villages or meeting village elders, modest dress is appropriate; women should consider skirts/dresses below the knee
• Ask permission before photographing people, particularly in rural communities or at traditional ceremonies
• Public displays of affection are generally conservative, particularly outside major urban areas
• When invited to eat with locals, it is customary to wash hands before meals, typically from a pitcher and basin provided
• Respect for elders is important; standing when older people enter a room and offering seats to elders on public transport is customary
• When visiting wildlife areas, respecting guide instructions ensures both safety and quality experiences for all visitors