{"id":1310605,"date":"2026-10-22T13:58:05","date_gmt":"2026-10-22T13:58:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?page_id=1310605"},"modified":"2026-10-23T09:55:08","modified_gmt":"2026-10-23T09:55:08","slug":"botswana","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/","title":{"rendered":"Botswana"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":200,"featured_media":1310606,"parent":1302039,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"hw-hub-country","meta":{"footnotes":"","hw_hub_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_hero_image":"","hw_hub_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_why_title":"","hw_hub_why_body":"","hw_hub_why_link_label":"","hw_hub_why_link_url":"","hw_hub_why_cards":"","hw_hub_stats":"","hw_hub_countries_title":"","hw_hub_countries_intro":"","hw_hub_featured":"","hw_hub_regions":"","hw_hub_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_type":"","hw_hub_hostels_location_id":"","hw_hub_hostels_currency":"","hw_hub_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_hostels":"","hw_hub_when_title":"","hw_hub_when_intro":"","hw_hub_seasons":"","hw_hub_costs_title":"","hw_hub_costs_body":"","hw_hub_cost_rows":"","hw_hub_cost_note":"","hw_hub_money_reads":"","hw_hub_rail_title":"","hw_hub_rail_body":"","hw_hub_rail_link_label":"","hw_hub_rail_link_url":"","hw_hub_rail_image":"","hw_hub_routes":"","hw_hub_events_title":"","hw_hub_events_intro":"","hw_hub_events_source":"","hw_hub_events_continent":"","hw_hub_events_count":"","hw_hub_events_cache":"","hw_hub_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_events":"","hw_hub_events_pills":"","hw_hub_reads_intro":"","hw_hub_article_rows":"","hw_hub_show_read_time":"","hw_hub_all_title":"","hw_hub_all_body":"","hw_hub_all_cta":"","hw_hub_trips_title":"","hw_hub_trips_note":"","hw_hub_trips":"","hw_hub_faq_title":"","hw_hub_faq_note":"","hw_hub_faqs":"","hw_hub_cta_title":"","hw_hub_cta_body":"","hw_hub_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_hub_term":"","hw_hub_scope_rows":"","hw_hub_country_hero_eyebrow":"Botswana country guide","hw_hub_country_hero_h1":"Botswana Travel Guide","hw_hub_country_hero_intro":"Botswana has some of Africa's best wildlife: the Okavango Delta's channels by mokoro, Chobe's huge elephant herds and the endless salt pans of the Kalahari. It is built for high-end safaris, but backpackers can do it on a budget from Maun and Kasane with campsites, buses and community-run trips.","hw_hub_country_hero_image":"1310606","hw_hub_country_hero_overlay":"medium","hw_hub_country_hero_cta":"Where to go | #cities\r\nWhat it costs | #budget","hw_hub_country_stats":"90 days | Visa-free for UK, EU and US visitors\r\n\u20ac40\u201360 | A budget day, before activities\r\nBWP 270 | Daily park fee for Chobe and Moremi\r\nMay\u2013Oct | Best months for safari","hw_hub_country_intro_title":"What travelling Botswana is actually like","hw_hub_country_intro_body":"Botswana is a large, landlocked country in southern Africa, mostly covered by the Kalahari. Around 40% of the country is protected as national parks, game reserves and wildlife management areas, and it has one of the largest elephant populations in the world.\r\n\r\nThe Okavango Delta, in the north-west, is the highlight. Every year, floodwater from the Angolan highlands spreads into the Kalahari, creating a maze of channels, lagoons and islands full of wildlife. The classic way to explore it is by mokoro, a traditional dugout canoe poled by a local guide. Maun is the gateway town.\r\n\r\nIn the north-east, Chobe National Park, near Kasane, is famous for its elephants, especially along the Chobe river in the dry season, where boat cruises bring you close to herds drinking and swimming. Kasane is just across the border from Zambia and an hour from Victoria Falls, so many travellers visit on a day trip.\r\n\r\nBetween the two, the Makgadikgadi and Nxai salt pans are among the largest in the world, with meerkats, zebra migrations and huge night skies. Further south, the Central Kalahari Game Reserve is one of Africa's biggest and wildest reserves.\r\n\r\nBotswana follows a \"high-value, low-volume\" tourism model, so many lodges are expensive. But the country is safe, stable and well run, with good tarred roads between towns, and budget travellers can get by with campsites, buses and day trips from Maun and Kasane.\r\n\r\nGaborone, the capital, is a calm, modern city in the south-east, near the South African border, and a transport hub rather than a destination.","hw_hub_country_facts":"Capital | Gaborone\r\nCurrency | Pula (BWP); about BWP 15.4 to \u20ac1 in October 2026\r\nCash | ATMs in towns; cash for buses and park gates\r\nLanguages | English and Setswana\r\nVisa | Visa-free up to 90 days for UK, EU and US\r\nPassport | Valid 6 months beyond arrival, with 3 blank pages\r\nChildren | Full birth certificate required\r\nTime zone | Central Africa Time (UTC+2) all year\r\nPlugs and voltage | Type D, G and M, 230 V\r\nSIM and eSIM | Mascom, Orange and BTC; passport needed\r\nHealth | Malaria risk in the north\r\nTaxis | Licensed taxis have blue plates\r\nBest time to go | May to October","hw_hub_country_cities_title":"Where to go in Botswana","hw_hub_country_cities_intro":"Most trips focus on the north: Maun and the Okavango Delta, Kasane and Chobe, and the salt pans between them. These are the stops that earn their place, with live hostel counts and dorm prices from Hostelworld.","hw_hub_country_cities_live":"1","hw_hub_country_cities":"Maun | Gateway to the Okavango Delta, with campsites, mokoro trips and scenic flights. |  | 1310674 |  | \nKasane | Riverside town at Chobe National Park, with elephant cruises and the Kazungula bridge to Zambia. |  | 1313951 |  | ","hw_hub_country_trips_title":"Pick your kind of Botswana trip","hw_hub_country_trips_intro":"Botswana is all about wildlife and wilderness. Pick one or two of these and plan your route, as distances are long and transport is limited.","hw_hub_country_trip_types":"Okavango by mokoro | blue | beach | Glide through the delta's channels in a dugout canoe, camp on islands and fly over the waterways. | Mokoro trips;Island walks;Scenic flights;Bush camping | Okavango Delta;Moremi;Thamalakane River | Maun | safari\nChobe and the elephants | sunset | sun | Cruise the Chobe river among elephant herds and hippos, and take a game drive along the riverfront. | Boat cruises;Game drives;Sunset cruises;Photography trips | Chobe National Park;Chobe River;Kasane | Kasane | safari\nSalt pans and the Kalahari | orange | mountain | Meet the meerkats, sleep under the stars on the Makgadikgadi and see Baines' Baobabs at Nxai Pan. | Meerkat visits;Quad-biking;Star-gazing;Zebra migration | Makgadikgadi;Nxai Pan;Baines' Baobabs;CKGR | Maun | hiking\nSan culture and rock art | purple | camera | Visit the rock paintings of Tsodilo Hills and learn about San culture in the Kalahari. | Rock art;San walks;Cultural festivals | Tsodilo Hills;D'Kar;Ghanzi | Maun | culture\nRhinos and birds | green | sun | Track rhinos at Khama Rhino Sanctuary and see flamingos and pelicans at Nata Bird Sanctuary. | Rhino game drives;Birdwatching;Community reserves | Khama Rhino Sanctuary;Nata Bird Sanctuary |  | nature\nAcross the border on KAZA | teal | train | From Kasane, cross to Livingstone or Victoria Falls in an hour and see the falls from both sides. | Victoria Falls;Devil's Pool;Kazungula bridge;Zambezi cruise | Kazungula;Livingstone;Victoria Falls | Kasane | road-trips","hw_hub_country_do_title":"The delta, the elephants and the salt pans","hw_hub_country_do_body":"The Okavango Delta is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Africa's great wildlife areas. From Maun, you can take a mokoro trip into the delta with a local poler, gliding through papyrus and water lilies, with walks on islands to look for elephants, giraffes, zebras and antelope. Day trips and overnight camping trips are possible. Scenic flights over the delta, often shared between a few people, show the scale of the channels and herds.\r\n\r\nMoremi Game Reserve, on the eastern side of the delta, is one of the best places in Africa to see wild dogs, lions and leopards.\r\n\r\nChobe National Park, near Kasane, is home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in Africa. Boat cruises on the Chobe river, especially in the afternoon, bring you close to elephants, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo, and game drives explore the riverfront.\r\n\r\nThe Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, between Maun and Nata, are huge salt flats. In the dry season you can see habituated meerkats, quad-bike across the pans and sleep under the stars. In the rains, zebras and wildebeest migrate through the area. Nxai Pan has Baines' Baobabs, a famous group of ancient trees.\r\n\r\nTsodilo Hills, in the far north-west, is a UNESCO site with thousands of San rock paintings, sacred to the San people.\r\n\r\nKhama Rhino Sanctuary, near Serowe, is a community-run reserve where you can see white and black rhinos on game drives.\r\n\r\nThe Central Kalahari Game Reserve is a vast, remote reserve for self-sufficient 4x4 travellers, with black-maned lions and desert-adapted wildlife.","hw_hub_country_do_points":"Okavango Delta | Mokoro trips from Maun\r\nChobe National Park | Elephant cruises from Kasane\r\nMoremi | Wild dogs, lions and leopards\r\nMakgadikgadi Pans | Meerkats and salt flats\r\nTsodilo Hills | UNESCO-listed San rock art\r\nKhama Rhino Sanctuary | Community-run rhino reserve","hw_hub_country_do_tag":"things-to-do","hw_hub_country_do_more":"All things to do guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_food_title":"Seswaa, pap and phane","hw_hub_country_food_body":"Botswana's national dish is seswaa, beef or goat boiled for hours, then pounded and shredded with salt. It is usually served with pap (bogobe), a stiff maize porridge, and morogo, wild spinach.\r\n\r\nMagwinya, fried dough balls similar to fat cakes, are a popular breakfast and snack, and you can buy them on the street.\r\n\r\nPhane, or mopane worms, are a traditional delicacy, dried or fried with tomato and onion.\r\n\r\nBeef is excellent and cheap, as Botswana is cattle country, so braais (barbecues) and steakhouses are popular.\r\n\r\nIn Maun, Kasane and Gaborone, restaurants and caf\u00e9s serve burgers, pizzas, steak and international food. Supermarkets such as Spar, Choppies and Shoprite are good for self-catering, which most budget travellers do at campsites.\r\n\r\nSt Louis is the local lager, and chibuku is a traditional sorghum beer. Tap water is generally safe in towns, but check locally.","hw_hub_country_food_points":"Seswaa | Pounded beef, the national dish\r\nPap (bogobe) | Maize porridge\r\nMagwinya | Fried dough balls\r\nPhane | Mopane worms\r\nBraai | Cheap, excellent beef\r\nBeer | St Louis and chibuku","hw_hub_country_food_tag":"food","hw_hub_country_food_more":"All food guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_nightlife_title":"Sundowners and campfires","hw_hub_country_nightlife_body":"Botswana is not a nightlife destination. Evenings are about sundowners on the river and campfires under the stars.\r\n\r\nIn Kasane, sunset cruises on the Chobe river end the day, followed by drinks at a lodge bar overlooking the water.\r\n\r\nIn Maun, the bars at the campsites and lodges along the Thamalakane river are where travellers meet, with a few local bars and clubs in town.\r\n\r\nGaborone has the most nightlife, with bars and clubs around the malls.\r\n\r\nDon't walk around at night in towns, and watch for wildlife, such as elephants and hippos, near lodges and rivers after dark.","hw_hub_country_nightlife_points":"Sundowners | Sunset cruises on the Chobe\r\nMaun | Riverside campsite and lodge bars\r\nGaborone | Bars and clubs at the malls\r\nCampfires | Nights under the stars\r\nAt night | Watch for wildlife","hw_hub_country_nightlife_tag":"nightlife","hw_hub_country_nightlife_more":"All nightlife guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_transport_title":"Buses, flights and long roads","hw_hub_country_transport_body":"Botswana's main roads are tarred and in good condition, and buses link the main towns. Buses run from Gaborone to Francistown, Maun and Kasane, and from Francistown to Nata, Maun and Kasane. From Kasane, Mahube Express runs buses to Francistown. To travel between Kasane and Maun, change at Nata, where the routes meet. It is a long day, so start early.\r\n\r\nCombis (minibuses) and shared taxis run short routes in towns. Licensed taxis and combis have blue number plates.\r\n\r\nAir Botswana and other airlines fly between Gaborone, Maun and Kasane, and from Johannesburg and Victoria Falls.\r\n\r\nMany travellers hire a 4x4 to explore the parks independently. Wildlife and livestock wander on the roads, so avoid driving at night. In remote areas, carry water, fuel and supplies, and book campsites in the parks months ahead.\r\n\r\nKasane is the gateway to Zambia, via the Kazungula bridge, and Zimbabwe, by road to Victoria Falls, about an hour away. Many travellers visit Chobe on a day trip from Victoria Falls or Livingstone.","hw_hub_country_transport_points":"Buses | Gaborone, Francistown, Maun, Nata and Kasane\r\nKasane\u2013Maun | Change at Nata; a long day\r\nFlights | Gaborone, Maun and Kasane\r\nTaxis | Licensed taxis have blue plates\r\n4x4 hire | Book park campsites months ahead\r\nTo Zambia | Kazungula bridge from Kasane","hw_hub_country_transport_tag":"transport","hw_hub_country_transport_more":"All transport guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_money_title":"What Botswana costs in 2026","hw_hub_country_money_body":"Botswana uses the pula (BWP). In October 2026, \u20ac1 is about BWP 15.4. ATMs are common in towns, and cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for buses, park gates and markets.\r\n\r\nBotswana is one of the more expensive countries in southern Africa for travellers, because of its high-value tourism model. Lodges in the parks can cost hundreds of euros a night.\r\n\r\nOn a budget, it is possible to keep costs down. Hostelworld lists hostels in Kasane with dorm beds from about US$14. Campsites in Maun and Kasane cost around BWP 100 to BWP 150 per person.\r\n\r\nPark fees are a big cost. From April 2026, international visitors pay BWP 270 a day for Chobe and Moremi, and BWP 500 for the Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan and the Central Kalahari. Vehicles cost extra.\r\n\r\nActivities from Maun and Kasane, such as mokoro trips, boat cruises and game drives, cost from around BWP 300 to BWP 600 each, plus park fees. Shared scenic flights over the delta split the cost between a few people.\r\n\r\nOn a budget, allow around \u20ac40 to \u20ac60 a day, before activities and park fees.","hw_hub_country_money_points":"Currency | Pula; about BWP 15.4 to \u20ac1\r\nDorm bed | From about US$14 in Kasane\r\nCamping | About BWP 100\u2013150 per person\r\nChobe and Moremi | BWP 270 a day\r\nOther parks | BWP 500 a day\r\nActivities | About BWP 300\u2013600 each","hw_hub_country_money_tag":"budget","hw_hub_country_money_more":"All budget guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_safety_title":"Staying safe in Botswana","hw_hub_country_safety_body":"Botswana is one of the safest and most stable countries in Africa, and attacks on tourists are rare. But the UK says violent crime is rising, especially in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun, with house burglaries by armed gangs and robberies at restaurants. Keep valuables out of sight, lock your room and use the safe.\r\n\r\nLodges in the Chobe area, especially along the river, have had isolated break-ins, so lock doors and windows.\r\n\r\nThieves sometimes target cars at traffic lights. Keep doors locked and windows closed, and don't pick up hitchhikers.\r\n\r\nWildlife is the biggest risk. Elephants, buffalo and other animals wander through towns and onto roads, especially at night. Follow your guide, never swim in rivers or lakes because of crocodiles, hippos and water-borne disease, and keep your distance.\r\n\r\nSame-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 2019, but attitudes are conservative. Drug penalties are severe, up to 25 years in prison. Don't photograph military or government sites, and ask before photographing people.\r\n\r\nUse licensed taxis with blue plates. Malaria is present in the north, including the Okavango and Chobe, so take advice before you travel.","hw_hub_country_safety_points":"Crime | Rising in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun\r\nLodges | Lock rooms; break-ins in Chobe area\r\nWildlife | Animals in towns and on roads\r\nRivers | Don't swim: crocodiles and hippos\r\nDrugs | Up to 25 years in prison\r\nMalaria | Present in the north","hw_hub_country_safety_tag":"safety","hw_hub_country_safety_more":"All safety guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_entry_title":"Visas and paperwork","hw_hub_country_entry_body":"UK, EU and US passport holders, and many other nationalities, can visit Botswana without a visa for up to 90 days.\r\n\r\nYour passport must be valid for at least six months after you arrive and have at least three blank pages. Make sure your passport is stamped on arrival.\r\n\r\nChildren aged 17 and under need an original or certified copy of their full birth certificate. If one parent is not travelling, they must sign an affidavit consenting to the trip.\r\n\r\nYou must declare cash worth BWP 10,000 or more on arrival.\r\n\r\nYou need a yellow fever certificate only if you are coming from a country with yellow fever risk. Botswana may also screen travellers from areas affected by Ebola, so check current rules.\r\n\r\nThe KAZA visa, sold in Zambia and Zimbabwe, allows day trips into Botswana through Kazungula. If you need a visa for Botswana and plan to stay longer, check the rules with the Botswana High Commission.","hw_hub_country_entry_points":"Visa | Visa-free up to 90 days for UK, EU and US\r\nPassport | 6 months' validity and 3 blank pages\r\nChildren | Full birth certificate needed\r\nCash | Declare BWP 10,000 or more\r\nYellow fever | Only if arriving from a risk country\r\nStamp | Make sure your passport is stamped","hw_hub_country_entry_tag":"travel-tips","hw_hub_country_entry_more":"All travel tips guides for Botswana","hw_hub_country_season_title":"When to go to Botswana","hw_hub_country_season_intro":"The dry season from May to October is the best time for safaris, when wildlife gathers at rivers and waterholes and the bush thins out. The Okavango floods peak from about June to August, despite the dry weather. The rains run from November to March, when the salt pans attract migrating zebras.","hw_hub_country_season_note":"Temperatures are average daily highs in Maun (weather2travel climate data). Desert nights in June and July can drop close to freezing. Crowd levels are our own rough estimate.","hw_hub_country_season_rows":"January | 33 | 2 | Rainy; green season discounts\r\nFebruary | 32 | 2 | Rainy; zebra migration on the pans\r\nMarch | 31 | 2 | Rains easing\r\nApril | 30 | 3 | Dry season begins\r\nMay | 28 | 3 | Floods arriving in the delta\r\nJune | 25 | 4 | Cool; floods high; cold nights\r\nJuly | 26 | 5 | Peak season; Sir Seretse Khama Day\r\nAugust | 29 | 5 | Peak safari\r\nSeptember | 32 | 5 | Hot; great game viewing\r\nOctober | 34 | 4 | Hottest; animals at water\r\nNovember | 34 | 3 | Rains begin\r\nDecember | 33 | 2 | Rainy; holidays","hw_hub_country_budget_title":"How much a day in Botswana costs","hw_hub_country_budget_intro":"Pick a travel style and the number of nights to see a rough total. Figures are per person per day in euros, based on hostels or campsites, self-catering, buses and a mix of activities.","hw_hub_country_budget_note":"Rough figures for 2026, converted from pula prices. Park fees, lodges and flights can add hundreds of euros.","hw_hub_country_budget_rows":"Shoestring | 12 | 10 | 6 | 15\r\nMiddle of the road | 35 | 20 | 15 | 35\r\nComfortable | 90 | 35 | 30 | 60","hw_hub_country_budget_currency":"\u20ac","hw_hub_country_events_title":"Festivals and events in Botswana","hw_hub_country_events_intro":"National holidays and cultural festivals in Maun and the Kalahari shape the Botswanan calendar.","hw_hub_country_events_source":"api","hw_hub_country_events_country":"botswana","hw_hub_country_events_count":"8","hw_hub_country_events_cache":"24","hw_hub_country_events_cta_label":"All events in Botswana","hw_hub_country_events_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/events\/africa\/botswana\/","hw_hub_country_events":"Maun Festival | Usually April | Maun | Music, dance, crafts and parades celebrating the town and the delta. |  | \nSir Seretse Khama Day | 1 July | Nationwide | Public holiday for Botswana's first president. |  | \nKuru Dance Festival | Usually August | D'Kar, near Ghanzi | San music and dance festival in the Kalahari. |  | \nIndependence Day | 30 September | Nationwide | Public holiday marking independence in 1966. |  | \nPresident's Day | Third Monday of July and the Tuesday after | Nationwide | Public holidays. |  | ","hw_hub_country_hostels_title":"Top-rated hostels in Botswana","hw_hub_country_hostels_intro":"Botswana has only a handful of hostels, mostly in Kasane, near Chobe. These are the best-rated right now, with live prices.","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_label":"All hostels in Botswana","hw_hub_country_hostels_cta_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/botswana\/","hw_hub_country_hostels_source":"api","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_type":"country","hw_hub_country_hostels_location_id":"196","hw_hub_country_hostels_currency":"EUR","hw_hub_country_hostels_count":"12","hw_hub_country_hostels_cache":"12","hw_hub_country_hostels":"","hw_hub_country_team_title":"","hw_hub_country_team_intro":"","hw_hub_country_team":"","hw_hub_country_faq_title":"Botswana travel FAQs","hw_hub_country_faq_note":"Visa, price and timetable details were checked in October 2026. Rules change, so confirm with official sources before you travel.","hw_hub_country_faqs":"Do I need a visa for Botswana? | UK, EU and US passport holders can visit visa-free for up to 90 days. Your passport needs six months' validity and three blank pages.\r\nIs Botswana safe for backpackers? | Yes, it is one of Africa's safest countries. Crime is rising in Gaborone, Francistown and Maun, so lock your room and keep valuables hidden. Wildlife is the biggest risk: never walk alone in the bush or swim in rivers.\r\nCan you visit Botswana on a budget? | Yes, with campsites, buses and day trips from Maun and Kasane. Lodges are expensive, but mokoro trips, Chobe cruises and shared scenic flights are affordable.\r\nHow much are Botswana park fees? | From April 2026, international visitors pay BWP 270 a day for Chobe and Moremi, and BWP 500 for the Makgadikgadi, Nxai Pan and the Central Kalahari. Vehicles cost extra.\r\nHow do I get from Kasane to Maun? | By bus, changing at Nata, where the routes meet. It is a long day, so start early. You can also fly.\r\nCan I visit Chobe from Victoria Falls? | Yes. Day trips from Victoria Falls and Livingstone cross to Kasane, about an hour away, for a boat cruise and game drive. Bring your passport and budget for park fees.\r\nWhen is the best time to visit Botswana? | May to October, the dry season, is best for safaris. The Okavango floods peak from about June to August.\r\nWhat currency does Botswana use? | The pula (BWP). ATMs are common in towns, and cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for buses and park gates.\r\nIs Botswana safe for LGBT+ travellers? | Same-sex activity was decriminalised in 2019, but attitudes are conservative and public displays of affection may draw attention.","hw_hub_country_cta_title":"Say yes to hostels, meet the world","hw_hub_country_cta_body":"Compare Botswana hostels: live prices, real reviews and free cancellation on most bookings. Then meet the people already there in the app.","hw_hub_country_cta_buttons":"Find a hostel in Botswana | https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/hostels\/africa\/botswana\/\r\nGet the app | https:\/\/hostelworld.onelink.me\/IdiK\/f5a50nhd","hw_hub_country_newsletter_title":"Get the good stuff monthly","hw_hub_country_newsletter_body":"New city guides, deals and route ideas. No filler.","hw_hub_country_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_country_hub_term":"botswana","hw_hub_country_parent_hub":"africa","hw_hub_country_scope_rows":"1","hw_hub_city_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_city_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_city_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_city_hero_image":"","hw_hub_city_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_city_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_city_live_stats":"","hw_hub_city_stats":"","hw_hub_city_intro_title":"","hw_hub_city_intro_body":"","hw_hub_city_facts":"","hw_hub_city_areas_title":"","hw_hub_city_areas_intro":"","hw_hub_city_areas_map":"","hw_hub_city_areas_zoom":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_pins":"","hw_hub_city_areas_live":"","hw_hub_city_areas":"","hw_hub_city_itin_title":"","hw_hub_city_itin_intro":"","hw_hub_city_itin":"","hw_hub_city_do_title":"","hw_hub_city_do_body":"","hw_hub_city_do_points":"","hw_hub_city_do_tag":"","hw_hub_city_do_more":"","hw_hub_city_free_title":"","hw_hub_city_free_body":"","hw_hub_city_free_points":"","hw_hub_city_free_tag":"","hw_hub_city_free_more":"","hw_hub_city_food_title":"","hw_hub_city_food_body":"","hw_hub_city_food_points":"","hw_hub_city_food_tag":"","hw_hub_city_food_more":"","hw_hub_city_nightlife_title":"","hw_hub_city_nightlife_body":"","hw_hub_city_nightlife_points":"","hw_hub_city_nightlife_tag":"","hw_hub_city_nightlife_more":"","hw_hub_city_transport_title":"","hw_hub_city_transport_body":"","hw_hub_city_transport_points":"","hw_hub_city_transport_tag":"","hw_hub_city_transport_more":"","hw_hub_city_money_title":"","hw_hub_city_money_body":"","hw_hub_city_money_points":"","hw_hub_city_money_tag":"","hw_hub_city_money_more":"","hw_hub_city_safety_title":"","hw_hub_city_safety_body":"","hw_hub_city_safety_points":"","hw_hub_city_safety_tag":"","hw_hub_city_safety_more":"","hw_hub_city_trips_title":"","hw_hub_city_trips_intro":"","hw_hub_city_trips":"","hw_hub_city_trips_tag":"","hw_hub_city_trips_more":"","hw_hub_city_season_title":"","hw_hub_city_season_intro":"","hw_hub_city_season_note":"","hw_hub_city_season_rows":"","hw_hub_city_events_title":"","hw_hub_city_events_intro":"","hw_hub_city_events_source":"","hw_hub_city_events_count":"","hw_hub_city_events_cache":"","hw_hub_city_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_city_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_city_events":"","hw_hub_city_budget_title":"","hw_hub_city_budget_intro":"","hw_hub_city_budget_note":"","hw_hub_city_budget_rows":"","hw_hub_city_budget_currency":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_city_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_city_picks":"","hw_hub_city_hostels":"","hw_hub_city_team_title":"","hw_hub_city_team_intro":"","hw_hub_city_team":"","hw_hub_city_faq_title":"","hw_hub_city_faq_note":"","hw_hub_city_faqs":"","hw_hub_city_cta_title":"","hw_hub_city_cta_body":"","hw_hub_city_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_city_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_city_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_city_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_city_hub_term":"","hw_hub_city_city_slug":"","hw_hub_city_country_slug":"","hw_hub_city_parent_hub":"","hw_hub_city_good_for":"","hw_hub_city_currency":"","hw_hub_city_scope_rows":"","hw_hub_country_states_title":"","hw_hub_country_states_intro":"","hw_hub_country_state_regions":"","hw_hub_country_states":"","hw_hub_state_hero_eyebrow":"","hw_hub_state_hero_h1":"","hw_hub_state_hero_intro":"","hw_hub_state_hero_image":"","hw_hub_state_hero_overlay":"","hw_hub_state_hero_cta":"","hw_hub_state_live_stats":"","hw_hub_state_stats":"","hw_hub_state_intro_title":"","hw_hub_state_intro_body":"","hw_hub_state_facts":"","hw_hub_state_areas_title":"","hw_hub_state_areas_intro":"","hw_hub_state_areas_zoom":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_pins":"","hw_hub_state_areas":"","hw_hub_state_itin_title":"","hw_hub_state_itin_intro":"","hw_hub_state_itin":"","hw_hub_state_do_title":"","hw_hub_state_do_body":"","hw_hub_state_do_points":"","hw_hub_state_do_tag":"","hw_hub_state_do_more":"","hw_hub_state_free_title":"","hw_hub_state_free_body":"","hw_hub_state_free_points":"","hw_hub_state_free_tag":"","hw_hub_state_free_more":"","hw_hub_state_food_title":"","hw_hub_state_food_body":"","hw_hub_state_food_points":"","hw_hub_state_food_tag":"","hw_hub_state_food_more":"","hw_hub_state_nightlife_title":"","hw_hub_state_nightlife_body":"","hw_hub_state_nightlife_points":"","hw_hub_state_nightlife_tag":"","hw_hub_state_nightlife_more":"","hw_hub_state_transport_title":"","hw_hub_state_transport_body":"","hw_hub_state_transport_points":"","hw_hub_state_transport_tag":"","hw_hub_state_transport_more":"","hw_hub_state_money_title":"","hw_hub_state_money_body":"","hw_hub_state_money_points":"","hw_hub_state_money_tag":"","hw_hub_state_money_more":"","hw_hub_state_safety_title":"","hw_hub_state_safety_body":"","hw_hub_state_safety_points":"","hw_hub_state_safety_tag":"","hw_hub_state_safety_more":"","hw_hub_state_layout":"","hw_hub_state_cities_title":"","hw_hub_state_cities_intro":"","hw_hub_state_cities_live":"","hw_hub_state_cities":"","hw_hub_state_cities_tag":"","hw_hub_state_cities_more":"","hw_hub_state_season_title":"","hw_hub_state_season_intro":"","hw_hub_state_season_note":"","hw_hub_state_season_rows":"","hw_hub_state_events_title":"","hw_hub_state_events_intro":"","hw_hub_state_events_source":"","hw_hub_state_events_count":"","hw_hub_state_events_cache":"","hw_hub_state_events_cta_label":"","hw_hub_state_events_cta_url":"","hw_hub_state_events":"","hw_hub_state_budget_title":"","hw_hub_state_budget_intro":"","hw_hub_state_budget_note":"","hw_hub_state_budget_rows":"","hw_hub_state_budget_currency":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_title":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_intro":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_cta_label":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_cta_url":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_source":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_count":"","hw_hub_state_hostels_cache":"","hw_hub_state_picks":"","hw_hub_state_hostels":"","hw_hub_state_faq_title":"","hw_hub_state_faq_note":"","hw_hub_state_faqs":"","hw_hub_state_cta_title":"","hw_hub_state_cta_body":"","hw_hub_state_cta_buttons":"","hw_hub_state_newsletter_title":"","hw_hub_state_newsletter_body":"","hw_hub_state_newsletter_shortcode":"","hw_hub_state_hub_term":"","hw_hub_state_country_slug":"","hw_hub_state_parent_hub":"","hw_hub_state_currency":"","hw_hub_state_scope_rows":""},"class_list":["post-1310605","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","wpbf-post"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Hostelworld Travel Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Hostelworld\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-23T09:55:08+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1333\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@hostelworld\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/\",\"name\":\"Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-22T13:58:05+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-23T09:55:08+00:00\",\"description\":\"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg\",\"width\":2000,\"height\":1333,\"caption\":\"Photo by Nicola Toscan on Pexels\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/botswana\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Travel Blog\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Africa\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/africa\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":3,\"name\":\"Botswana\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"name\":\"Hostelworld Travel Blog\",\"description\":\"Cheap Travel and Backpacking Tips\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Hostelworld\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"\",\"contentUrl\":\"\",\"caption\":\"Hostelworld\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.hostelworld.com\\\/blog\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/Hostelworld\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/hostelworld\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.instagram.com\\\/hostelworld\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.pinterest.co.uk\\\/hostelworld\\\/\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/hostelworld\"]}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari","description":"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari","og_description":"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/","og_site_name":"Hostelworld Travel Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Hostelworld","article_modified_time":"2026-10-23T09:55:08+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2000,"height":1333,"url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_site":"@hostelworld","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/","url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/","name":"Botswana Travel Guide: Okavango, Chobe and the Kalahari","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg","datePublished":"2026-10-22T13:58:05+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-23T09:55:08+00:00","description":"Plan Botswana on a budget: visa-free entry, Okavango mokoro trips from Maun, Chobe from Kasane, the salt pans, park fees, buses, pula costs and safety.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/botswana-pexels-39464982.jpg","width":2000,"height":1333,"caption":"Photo by Nicola Toscan on Pexels"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/botswana\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Travel Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Africa","item":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/africa\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Botswana"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/","name":"Hostelworld Travel Blog","description":"Cheap Travel and Backpacking Tips","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#organization","name":"Hostelworld","url":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"","contentUrl":"","caption":"Hostelworld"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Hostelworld","https:\/\/x.com\/hostelworld","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/hostelworld","https:\/\/www.pinterest.co.uk\/hostelworld\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/hostelworld"]}]}},"lang":"en","translations":{"en":1310605,"fr":1310842,"de":1311836},"brizy_media":[],"pll_sync_post":{},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1310605","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/200"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1310605"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1310605\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1310800,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1310605\/revisions\/1310800"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1302039"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1310606"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1310605"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}