Botswana is one of Africa’s top tourist attractions, and with good reason.
The evergreen jewel of the continent is home to majestic wildlife, luscious landscapes and some of the friendliest locals you could ever meet, not to mention fantastic resorts like The Grand Palm Hotel Casino and Convention Resort.
Take a trip to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve where you might just be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the endangered white rhino, or venture to Kgale Hill for a pleasant hike with breath-taking views of the dam and city. But before you do that, here are a few things to consider before planning your Botswana adventure.
The best time to visit Botswana depends on the type of holiday you’re after. While weather patterns may vary, rain and thunderstorms are more likely during the summer months between December and March, while the weather in April and May is generally clear with lush landscapes.
Have a look at online weather forecasts to help you decide when would be the best time to book your holiday, which will also give you a good idea of what you will need to pack.
Pack lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothing and sunhats for summer, and a light jacket or jersey in case of unexpected weather changes or rain.
Where to stay
While there are many guesthouses and lodges around Botswana, you may want to consider staying at a resort where you can enjoy the natural beauty of this beautiful country with the added benefit of comfortable beds, great dining-out options and plenty of entertainment for the whole family.
The Grand Palm resort, for instance, is located just a stone’s throw from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport and some of Botswana’s most beautiful tourist attractions and cultural sites.
The resort offers luxurious and affordable accommodation in two hotels, a thrilling casino, restaurants, a Camelot health spa, The Boys Hair Salon and an outdoor area dedicated to keeping the children entertained.
Health and safety
No matter where you’re travelling to, it’s important to find out whether you will be needing any inoculations ahead of your trip, and it’s worth finding out if your destination falls within a malaria-risk area.
If you’re visiting remote areas of Botswana, it’s also a good idea to take a precautionary approach by making sure you have travel insurance that covers you and your family in case of a medical emergency while on holiday.
Getting there
If you’re flying to Botswana, be sure to book your air tickets after booking any activity you may want to do, for instance game drives and tours, as many of these activities will require you to arrive by a specific time and day. You should also find out whether you’ll be needing a visa to enter the country, which you can easily check online.
If you’re road-tripping, keep in mind that many areas in Botswana are only accessible in a 4x4, and may require some off-road experience. Have a look online for a list of recommended 4x4 self-drive routes before your journey – and don’t forget to pack your passports