Click on the outline map at the top-left of the screen to view the detailed map (lines in blue are routes undertaken since 2002, lines in green are those undertaken prior to 2002).

My travels in Botswana have been fairly limited. My very first trip outside of South Africa was through Namibia and Botswana, and was before Botswana had started to concentrate on more up-market tourism. On this 1984 trip I entered from Caprivi, drove through Chobe and Savuti south to Maun, before crossing to the east to return to South Africa. Since then I have hardly visited Botswana, except a brief incursion in 1994 for a couple of hours (near Shakawe), and passing through on my way to Angola in November 2002.

My first visit was so memorable - and so cheap - that I have been somewhat unwilling to return as I know I cannot equal it. A further reason is that there are virtually no new bird species for me to find. However, one day I will try to spend some time in exploring the interior.

Botswana is not a very populous country (outside of the Gaberone area), so one has little interaction with the locals. Its northern game reserves are certainly worth a visit, although their management is proving to be very problematic due to the damage caused by elephants.

Overall, a very pleasant country to visit, but probably best to visit the up-market lodges in the north, or to rough it experiencing the desert in the southern and western portion of the country.

No visa is required for South African citizens.

One of the reasons I avoided Botswana was that - prior to 1992 - the borders were often very tiresome, as the officials were not keen on South Africans. However, I never experienced this (on my first trip I was travelling on a UK passport). Since then I have not heard of any problems, although they are very strict about importing fresh meat and other farm products.

Other than that, I am not aware of anyone having had serious problems with officials, nor any problems with bribery.

DISCLAIMER: I have to reiterate that this is based entirely on my own experience, which may not be typical. I am 6 feet 8 inches tall (that is just over 2 metres tall), and not of slender build! Hence, it is quite possible people do not threaten me as much as other tourists. It also means that my experiences may not be applicable to others visiting this country.

I rate Botswana as one of the safest countries in Africa. That doesn't mean there is no risk, but that if you follow normal sensible security awareness, you are unlikely to have a problem.

Tarred roads are generally well maintained, and not pot-holed. Dirt roads are often sandy, and so it is easy for the inexperienced driver to get stuck. I have never tried travelling on dirt roads in Botswana in the wet season, so cannot comment on how the roads handle in wet conditions.

The biggest problem in driving through rural Botswana are the animals on the road. Since the roads are generally very good, people drive fast (the legal limit is 120 km/h), and given the vast open expanses, many people exceed that limit by quite a margin. This is dangerous as there is little hope of avoiding animals that run into the road.

The currency is the Botswanan Pula, and in November 2002 was trading at P 6 to the US $.

On entry, one must pay a P 10 fee for the Road Safety Levy Token, which is compulsory. Payment in Rands is possible, although R20 was equivalent to P11, and no change was offered.

Fuel is freely available, and costs xxx per litre. It is available in most small towns and on the main roads (and tourist areas), and can often be purchased using a credit card.

South African goods are relatively common throughout the country, so most supplies can be purchased in the country if required.

The main two target area for birds are the Chobe NP on the Zambezi and the Okavango swamps.

Not yet available.

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I have no personal contacts in Botswana.

The most comprehensive birding information and links is available from the fatbirder website while the African Bird Club website can provide additional information

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Last updated: April 2003