Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Routine vaccines are a must, including MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella, polio, and your yearly flu shot.
Consider Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines, as you can contract these through contaminated food or water in Botswana.
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in rural areas, a rabies vaccine might be wise.
Yellow fever vaccination isn’t typically required unless you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Speak with a travel health specialist to tailor the vaccines to your itinerary.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Botswana, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for BotswanaCulture & Customs
Respect traditional customs by greeting people with a handshake or a polite nod. Use your right hand for giving and receiving items. Dress modestly, especially in rural areas. For women, avoid overly revealing clothing. Public displays of affection, especially same-sex, can attract unwanted attention. Homosexuality is illegal in Botswana, so LGBTQ travelers should exercise discretion. Always ask for permission before photographing locals. Be punctual, as time is respected in business and formal settings. Avoid discussing politics or religion unless you’re sure it’s appropriate.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Botswana.
- Seswaa: This is a traditional meat dish usually made from beef, goat, or lamb. The meat is boiled with just salt and water until tender and then pounded. It’s often served with pap (maize meal) and is a staple at celebrations. It’s a true taste of Botswana’s culinary heritage.
- Morogo: Essentially wild spinach, Morogo is a nutritious side dish that is often cooked with onions and tomatoes. It’s popular due to its availability and health benefits, symbolizing the resourcefulness of the local cuisine.
- Vetkoek: While originally from South Africa, these fried dough balls are a beloved snack in Botswana. Often filled with ground beef or enjoyed with jam, they’re a tasty example of regional culinary influence.
- Bogobe: Made from sorghum or maize, this porridge is a dietary staple in Botswana. It’s often paired with meat or vegetables and holds cultural significance as a traditional meal enjoyed by many.
- Mopane Worms: Not for the faint-hearted, these caterpillars are a protein-rich delicacy. Usually dried or fried, they’re a unique part of the diet and an adventurous culinary experience.
Tap water in Botswana is generally safe for locals, but it might not sit well with travelers due to varying water treatment standards. It’s advisable for tourists to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any stomach issues. Always check the latest local advice, as water quality can vary in rural areas.
The main language in Botswana is
Setswana. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Setswana skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Botswana includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - is widely spoken in Botswana, serving as the official language and the medium of instruction in schools. Approximately 70% of the population is proficient in English, particularly in urban areas such as Gaborone and Francistown. In these cities, you’ll find that most people, especially in the hospitality and tourism sectors, can communicate effectively in English.
However, in rural regions, the proficiency may vary. While many locals understand basic English, they may primarily speak Setswana, the national language. Travelers might encounter situations where English is less commonly spoken, but most Batswana are friendly and eager to help, often using a mix of English and Setswana to communicate.
Overall, English is a practical language for travelers, and you are unlikely to face significant language barriers. It’s always appreciated if visitors learn a few basic phrases in Setswana, as this shows respect for the local culture and can enhance interactions.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Botswana is BWP (P).
ATMs in Botswana are fairly accessible in cities like Gaborone and Maun, but don’t count on them in rural areas. Always have a backup stash of cash for those remote adventures. South African Rand, US Dollars, and Euros are generally accepted at exchange bureaus, but USD is your best bet for better rates. If you’re planning to exchange, do it at banks or authorized exchange offices to avoid hefty fees. Credit card acceptance is growing, especially in urban areas, but small towns and local markets might only take cash. Carry some pula for day-to-day expenses. Keep in mind that some ATMs might run out of cash or have connectivity issues, so plan ahead!
Tipping in Botswana isn’t obligatory, but it’s appreciated. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if service isn’t included. For safari guides and lodge staff, tipping varies based on service quality, typically around BWP 50-100 per day.
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.