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The Mokoro is a common type of canoe used to move around in the Okavango Delta's shallow waters. Oarsmen stand in the stern and push with a pole. Traditionally, Mokoros are dug-out from trunks of a large straight tree, like ebony or kigelia.

Old Palapye is a significant multicultural historical site containing artefacts from the Middle Stone Age, the Late Stone Age, and the Early Iron Age. In contemporary times, the village became the 19th century capital of the Bangwato (led by Khama III), who occupied the area from 1889-1902.

There are groups of people and organizations promoting indigenous crafts, newly introduced crafts or western art forms. Their products can be purchased in curio, craft, gift shops and malls in Gaborone, Francistown, Maun and Kasane and at safari camps in the Okavango and Chobe regions.

As more and more cultural tourism options are offered, you will be charmed by the people of Botswana, visiting their villages and experiencing first-hand their rich cultural heritage. But perhaps most of all, Botswana’s greatest gift is its ability to put us in touch with our natural selves.

The gateway to Chobe National Park, Kasane is an essential point of debarkation for the nearby Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia and Namibia's Caprivi Strip.

One of the most sought after wilderness destinations in the world, the Okavango Delta gives entrance to the spectacle of wild Africa such as dreams are made of – the heart-stopping excitement of big game viewing, the supreme tranquility and serenity of an untouched delta, and evocative scenes of extraordinary natural beauty.

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CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization reveals plans to increase international arrivals in 2023

• Published: 2:41 AM UTC, Thu December 8, 2022

On the back of a great year for Botswana’s tourism, the country is devising strategies and taking initiatives for more successes for the industry next year. The country has already set its sights on new international tourism markets and is hoping to build a more vibrant MICE sector.

The Southern African nation saw the return of its biggest tourism and travel event, the Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo (BTTE) in November this year. Earlier in October, the country hosted the 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards. Both events attracted hundreds of participants and boosted confidence in Botswana’s tourism industry while giving a strong indication that it is an emerging destination for the events and meetings sector.

In a conversation with VoyagesAfriq, the CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization, Ms. Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele posited, “2022 has been quite an eventful year for our tourism sector in Botswana, and I must say that what really came out strong was the events and the conferences. For the first time in Botswana, we managed to host with finance international events of a stature that has amazed our patrons and our counterparts regionally.”

According to her, the feat has propelled them to do more in the coming year.

“We walk into 2023 with new vigour and new energy. As we see already, the interest in the MICE sector has increased. We already see different interests in international organizations lobbying for Botswana to host these international events.”

With BTTE 2022 proving to be good in terms of the number of international buyers, Ms. Carl-Ponoesele is hopeful that the country would attract even more in the coming year.

“We received over 100 international buyers in BTTE 2022. So to us, this is a huge blessing and breakthrough because post-Covid one will not expect so much,” the CEO indicated.

As part of the approaches to achieve this, Ms. Carl-Ponoesele hinted that in addition to their traditional source markets, Botswana will turn attention to other international markets in their tourism marketing and promotion campaigns.

“We are not only going to lean ourselves towards the traditional source markets, we are also looking at the new tourist interest because we have the UAE market which is coming up, and by virtue of having the desert, we are looking forward to working with the UAE market. We are also looking at penetrating the Japanese and the Asia markets because they have also been quiet for some time” she stressed.

Ms. also disclosed that they are looking forward to a bigger and better BTTE in 2023. In light of this, they would ensure providing seamless travel for international agents and participants.

The CEO explained, “We are already lobbying for partnerships with other airlines. During the WTM London, we managed to engage with Ethiopian Airlines and lobbied for assistance with the transportation of our international agents for BTTE 2023 to reduce the travel time and the layover time during the transit.”

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CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization reveals plans to increase international arrivals in 2023

On the back of a great year for Botswana’s tourism, the country is devising strategies and taking initiatives for more successes for the industry next year. The country has already set its sights on new international tourism markets and is hoping to build a more vibrant MICE sector.

The Southern African nation saw the return of its biggest tourism and travel event, the Botswana Travel and Tourism Expo (BTTE) in November this year. Earlier in October, the country hosted the 5th Africa Tourism Leadership Forum and Awards. Both events attracted hundreds of participants and boosted confidence in Botswana’s tourism industry while giving a strong indication that it is an emerging destination for the events and meetings sector.

In a conversation with VoyagesAfriq, the CEO of Botswana Tourism Organization, Ms. Tshoganetso Carl-Ponoesele posited, “2022 has been quite an eventful year for our tourism sector in Botswana, and I must say that what really came out strong was the events and the conferences. For the first time in Botswana, we managed to host with finance international events of a stature that has amazed our patrons and our counterparts regionally.”

Source: VoyagesAfriq

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Botswana’s tourism recovering from negative effect of travel bans

• At a counter for coronavirus quarantine and test appointments inside Schiphol Airport, the Netherlands.
• Image Credits :
• SABC-News Omicron
• Lerato Matlala
• 24 December 2021, 19:13 [SAST]

Southern Africa’s tourism industry took a massive hit at the end of last month after Botswana and South Africa alerted the world of the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant.

The sophisticated genome sequencing systems in both countries led to the discovery and confirmation of a new strain of the virus which has subsequently been named Omicron.

Western countries immediately without any basis placed several countries in southern Africa on their travel ban lists – known as Red Lists. Their discriminatory approach led to massive holiday cancellations.

Recently, most Europeans countries have backtracked following a huge spike in Omicron cases in their own countries .

This has bode well for Botswana’s tourism sector.

Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone, is seeing increased foot traffic after Europe and other nations lifted their travel ban on the Southern Africa country. The tourism industry is the country’s second-biggest employer after the diamond mining – and the Red List had severely impacted it.

Botswana has some of Africa’s best safari offerings with the Okavango Delta being a major drawcard.

“After we have been taken off from the red list , yes we are starting to see bookings coming in and we are seeing confirmation after the postponements,” says Hospitality and Tourism Association of Botswana’s Lily Rakorong.

Tour operators and accommodation managers are hopeful that the steady influx over the holiday season will help get their businesses back on track.

“Our cancellations have been minimal, we’ve seen new bookings coming in and for later next year. Our COVID-protocols are in place,” says Great Plains Conservation in Bostwana’s Sharon Unwin.

The reopening of travel has seen tourists flock in again. Many were excited that their chance to see African savannahs were not postponed indefinitely and most were pleasantly surprised at the easy arrival process through Gaborone.

“Botswana is a nice country and it’s very organised in spite of COVID-19, that’s a global pandemic,” says one of the travellers.

Another traveller says; “The only reason we are back is because everything is absolutely fantastic.”

The pandemic continues to ravage the economies with sectors such as travel and leisure hit arguably the hardest. Discriminating policies only make being resilient that much harder.

Botswana’s tourism economy relies heavily on tourism and seeing revellers stream brings some relief.

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Will the new Tourism Policy finally empower Batswana?

After 13 years of planning, the new Tourism Policy was recently unveiled, spelling out various ways to further develop the industry. One question, however, is whether the new plan will finally give citizens a bigger piece of the multi-billion pula industry? Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI reports

According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), which produces the world’s most authoritative reports on value in the tourism sector, Botswana’s travel and tourism sector contributed about P19 billion to the overall economy in 2019, while employing about 71,000 workers.

COVID-19 and its impact on travel, borders and arrivals, shrank this contribution down to P9.6 billion last year, with about 53,000 jobs.

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19 things to know before visiting Botswana

Oct 22, 2023 • 9 min read

These top tips can help you make the most out of a visit to Botswana © wetraveltolive / Shutterstock

Having driven alone around Botswana and across most of southern Africa, I've learned a few things from traveling as a female . The most important lesson? Just go.

From Botswana’s arid south to the Okavango Delta and bountiful Chobe region beyond, this peaceful country is a joy to explore. Here are the top things to know before you visit Botswana.

1. Getting around is a challenge, and you'll probably need a 4WD vehicle

Botswana's best adventures are wild and far from civilization – but public transport will only get you so far. It’s possible to plan a sedan-friendly road trip on paved roads, but Botswana is known for the allure of its remote wilderness rather than its big cities.

If you’re traveling independently and national parks are on your bucket list, you need a 4WD vehicle and must understand seasonal road conditions.

A fully equipped 4WD is typically rigged with rooftop tents. This means you can sleep higher up away from dangerous animals, and it comes with all the necessary camping gear for a self-sufficient adventure. These rugged vehicles can be picked up in Maun , Kasane , or Johannesburg (South Africa) and rented from companies such as Bushtrackers Africa . They generally cost US$150 per day.

Ask the rental company about the best times to visit specific areas (the answer will often be in the dry season) and explain their emergency protocols and recovery support. For example, do they have an office and spare parts in Maun?

Driving through Botswana's national parks and game reserves is not to be underestimated. As a rule, it's safest to travel with a satellite phone in case of a breakdown or with at least one other vehicle.

2. Plan for roads to be in bad condition

The back roads in Botswana generally aren’t in good condition – and neither are some of the main highways. If you see a track or dirt road to the left of the main route, the road ahead is likely horribly potholed. As a rule, it’s almost always best to take the unofficial detour.

Whether paved or not, don't be fooled by short distances. Plan extra time into your itinerary to account for these slow-going conditions – potholes, rutted roads and deep sand – and breathing room to stop and snap more photographs. Refer to Tracks4Africa  and download the Maps.Me app. This is the most accurate way to judge time over a given distance for Botswana's best off-road routes. Having paper maps, especially ones that include dirt roads and tracks, is useful as well.

3. Book campsites and lodges in advance during Botswana’s peak season

Luxury stays in faraway fairytale locations and self-drive expeditions between remote campsites both require a decent amount of advance booking – especially when traveling in peak season between June and September.

July and August are the busiest months in Botswana when campsites fill up with intrepid travelers from overseas and safari-loving South Africans enjoying a winter bush break. Campgrounds inside the national parks are limited and run by different private operators. Call directly to book and start planning well in advance. Typically, response times over email are prolonged.

4. Carry physical proof of your booking

There is very little cellular signal and connectivity in these wonderful wilds, meaning you won’t be able to search your inbox easily. Print out proof of booking before your journey and draw cash in the local currency (pula) to pay the park fees. Expect to be turned away at the park's gate if there is no space (and it's invariably a long trip back to the nearest town).

5. How long should I spend in Botswana?

Most safaris start either in Maun or Kasane and circuit from there. With a week or less, maximize your time by flying into a lodge or camp. It's easy to reach most far-flung lodges and camps by charter flight on the six-, nine- and 12-seater Cessna planes. You’ll touch down in the middle of nowhere (between 20 to 50 minutes’ flight time from Maun), where wildlife wanders across the runway. Spending three nights in one place will best compensate for the travel time (and airport waits) between locations.

If you have 10 days or more, discover Botswana on a road trip, although the journey will feel rushed if you try to cram in all the wildlife hotspots, especially with the added toils of camping every day. Two weeks is a more reasonable duration to soak up the gorgeous diversity of the Delta and the desert and to make an overnight sightseeing stop at Victoria Falls.

6. Travel solo outside of peak safari season, but don’t drive alone

Solo supplements are often waived outside peak season, and this is the easiest time to nab a last-minute booking. The cheapest time to visit Botswana is between November and February, and you can still spot wildlife then. The landscape is lush, green, dramatic with epic cloud formations, and brimming with colorful birds, blooms, and butterflies. However, this “green season” can also be the trickiest period to self-drive because the national parks and campsites have more mud and water, making some tracks impassable.

Instead, it’s a superb time to fly into a high-end lodge. Many companies waive the single supplement for solo travelers in the low season, too – and you’ll find plenty of company. Dinner is frequently enjoyed around a communal table to compare sightings with other guests and learn more about life in Botswana from local camp managers or your guide. Another plus? More daylight hours to enjoy it all.

7. Just remember, you can't hop into a mokoro at any time of the year

Water levels are generally at their highest in the Okavango Delta during July and August (which is also the priciest time of year to go on safari). Ask about the seasonality of gliding in a mokoro (traditional canoe) and time your trip to guarantee an outing on the water. For a fun weekend and more traditional insight into the importance of the mokoro , tie your trip with a visit to the annual Nkashi Classic festival .

8. Greet people in Setswana

The Batswana emphasize extensive greetings. Before asking for help, salutations go a long way and it’s respectful to greet everyone present, starting with the elders. If you are addressing a woman, say “Dumela, mma” and to a man, “Dumela, rra”. For a group of people, a simple “Dumelang” will do. Asking how a person is doing and whether they slept well will score even more points.

9. Dress respectfully in rural areas

While most tourist haunts adhere to Western dressing norms, this isn't the case everywhere, particularly in rural areas. Women in Botswana typically dress modestly and wear skirts that cover the knees. It's best to follow this custom when visiting an office, police station, or government building and when meeting distinguished members of society, such as the chief.

10. You don't have to wear khaki on safari

Any neutral-toned clothing will do as long as it's comfortable and lightweight and your shirt isn't too brightly colored. The only time beige and blending in is genuinely preferred is during a walking safari .

11. Pack a warm coat, but also a bathing suit

It's essential to layer up because Botswana experiences chilly mornings and evenings. Game drives and morning activities can be cold. In winter, temperatures can drop below freezing in desert areas, but then the mercury climbs with the sun and you can frequently take a dip in the pool come afternoon.

12. A pair of binoculars will revolutionize your safari

Unless you’re on safari in a private reserve where guides can off-road into the bush, you'll probably witness wildlife from a distance. Bring a good pair of general-purpose binoculars (specifications 8x40 or 10x42) and a decent zoom camera lens.

13. How to leave a tip in Botswana

It's customary to tip lodge staff and safari guides, providing the service was good. Travel agents advise giving roughly US$15 per guest, per day directly to the guide and $10 to the rest of the staff, which usually goes into a collective kitty. The US dollar is widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country.

14. Is Botswana a conservative country?

Women traveling alone can expect to be asked if they have a husband or boyfriend. It's still not common to see independent travelers, and a band on your wedding finger can deter unwanted advances. It's even less common to see same-sex relationships. Homosexuality was decriminalized in 2019 but it is still stigmatized, and public displays of affection could attract negative attention.

15. Whatever you do, avoid driving at night

Obstinate donkeys, roaming elephants, goats, wayward cattle and ostriches are just some of the wildlife that walk the roads of Botswana. Drive with extreme caution and avoid driving at night.

16. Your shoes might carry disease

Beef is a valuable export and cows are a treasured signifier of cultural wealth in Botswana. To prevent the spread of disease, specifically foot-and-mouth, fences have been erected to separate domestic beasts from wild animals (admittedly, not always effectively). Farmers, families, and industry face financial catastrophe if cattle succumb to this infectious disease.

It’s illegal to transport raw animal products or select fruits and vegetables from wilderness areas (mainly in the north) to rural areas (mostly in the south). Always stop at the official fence boundaries and road gates, even if they appear abandoned. Sometimes, an official sitting in the shade nearby will wave you through, but every vehicle is subject to inspection.

Ready the cooler boxes and make fridges accessible for checks. You'll also need to disinfect your shoes and stamp them in a sanitizing station to stop the potential spread. Keep all shoes aside or in crates to prevent the disinfectant from covering other gear.

17. You can drink the tap water in Botswana, but...

Tap water in towns is usually fine but probably not what you're used to, which can cause stomach upsets. At tourist lodges, the tap water is filtered. Many campsites do not have water at all, but grocery stores stock big bottles for overlanders.

18. Pack insect repellent and use it for a peaceful sleep

Malaria is present in Botswana and widespread in the north. Consult your doctor about the latest anti-malaria precautions before you travel. Use insect repellent liberally. Most lodgings supply an insect repellent called Peaceful Sleep, which locals use to keep unwanted buzzing and biting at bay.

19. Watch out for petty theft

Although crime is rare in Botswana, petty theft and sometimes pickpocketing can occur in the cities. As you would in most cities, be vigilant with your valuables and avoid walking alone at night or in poorly lit areas.

There has also been a spate of midnight thefts at campsites near safari pit stops. Thieves typically smash the windows of a car to snatch valuables. Do not leave your passport, camera, wallet, or phone visible or within reach.

This article was first published Sep 7, 2022 and updated Oct 22, 2023.

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This report covers Botswana's tourism industry, which is largely centred around game reserves, wildlife, and wilderness tourism. The report includes country information, latest available tourism statistics, descriptions of major tourist destinations, players and corporate and government actions, and influencing factors including the economic environment and the effect of coronavirus on the sector.

There are profiles of 10 companies including the relatively large tourism and hotel groups such as Chobe, Cresta Marakanelo and Wilderness, and tour operators such as Gondwana Travel & Tours, Kalahari Breeze Safaris and Ngamiland Explorations.

The Botswana government identified tourism as a sector that could contribute to the diversification of the economy from its reliance on commodities. Tourism contributed 13.1% of Botswana's GDP in 2019, increasing from 6.3% in 2000. In 2019, travel and tourism accounted for 8.9% of total employment in Botswana. The country's principal tourist attractions are its game reserves, wildlife, and wilderness.

Coronavirus

Botswana has maintained strict coronavirus regulations for the movement of tourists, resulting in operational and financial challenges for the tourism industry. Tourism marketing has traditionally been focused on international tourists, but domestic marketing has been explored since the pandemic. The country's tourism products are largely wildlife-based and highly priced, leaving many citizens with little option but to travel outside the country.

Environmental Concerns

In Botswana, positive environmental impacts include raised awareness and promotion of ecotourism and sustainable tourism. Destinations including the Okavango Delta and Kalahari Desert have initiatives that promote environmentally-friendly activities and resources.

Environmental concerns have been raised in the northern part of Botswana, particularly in the Okavango Delta, including noise, land, water, and air pollution. Over the years, there has been an increased number of vehicles including mobile safaris, private cars, and suppliers of goods.

Key Topics Covered:

1. INTRODUCTION

2. COUNTRY INFORMATION

3. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY

3.1. Industry Value Chain

3.2. Geographic Position

4. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY

5. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY

5.1.1. Corporate and Government Actions

5.1.2 Regulations and Government Policies

5.1.2. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development

5.2. Continental

5.3. International

6. INFLUENCING FACTORS

6.1. Coronavirus

6.2. Economic Environment

6.3. Rising Operating Costs

6.4. Government Incentives and Support

6.5. Environmental Concerns

6.6. Sharing Economy

6.7. Cyclicality

6.8. Crime and Safety

6.9. Technology, Research and Development and Innovation

6.10. Labour

7. COMPETITION

7.1. Barriers to Entry

8. SWOT ANALYSIS

10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

11. REFERENCES

Companies Mentioned

• Chobe Holdings Ltd
• Cresta Marakanelo Ltd
• Gondwana Travel & Tours (Pty) Ltd
• Kalahari Breeze Safaris (Pty) Ltd
• Mosu Safari Tours (Pty) Ltd
• Ngamiland Explorations Ltd
• Peermont Global (Botswana) Ltd
• Savuti Linyanti Khwai Group of Camps (Pty) Ltd
• Shifting Sands Services (Pty) Ltd
• Wilderness Holdings Ltd

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/14fpij

ResearchAndMarkets.com Laura Wood, Senior Press Manager [email protected] For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

UN Tourism | Bringing the world closer

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National Workshop with Tourism Stakeholders in Botswana in Maun on 9 February-Project of the Development of National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan of Botswana

UNWTO and the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism of Botswana are collaborating to prepare a National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan which will guide tourism development from 2022-2032.

The Tourism Strategy and Master Plan come at a strategic time- where it will address not only measures to stimulate the recovery of the tourism sector during COVID times but also pave the way for the sustainable development of Botswana through tourism. The workshop was organized to convene the stakeholders to prioritize issues to be addressed in the National Tourism Strategy and Master Plan for Botswana.

“We are looking for a Tourism Strategy and Master Plan which is robust, practical and implementable and which will enable Botswana to become the destination of choice” stated Dr. Oduetse Koboto, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism stated at the Opening Ceremony of the National Workshop.

The current phase of the project includes a detailed review of the tourism sector in Botswana, taking into account the Government’s Vision 2036 and Revised Tourism Policy for future tourism development and the role the sector will play in the country’s socio-economic advancement. in addition to the identification of the key areas and issues that should be addressed through the preparation of a long-term National Tourism Development Strategy and Master Plan for Botswana 2022-2032 which will be the next step of the project.

The National Strategy and Master Plan will provide guidance in terms of implementing and managing the Revised Tourism Policy of Botswana with a view toward the efficient management of tourism resources, both cultural and natural; the mainstreaming of tourism in the Government planning process; and the increased participation and ownership of the local communities in the development of the sector.

Tourism Strategy and Master Plan

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