Botswana is not one of the fancy touristy places to lay back and relax. It is a paradise for wildlife lovers.
Calling it a developed nation would be incorrect. But, the diamond-rich country enjoys a decent economy. Unlike most countries in the continent, Botswana is safe. The country is free from unwanted political mess and instability.
A jewel of South Africa, Botswana is one of the top safari destinations in Africa. The country is rich with diverse ecosystems. If you have been longing to watch an array of wildlife in their natural habitat, a trip to Botswana is what you need.
There are plenty of activities to indulge in, and the country is safe for travelers. It will surprise you to learn that the police in Botswana do not carry firearms.
Most countries in Africa are infamous for crimes, political instability, and other issues. Luckily, Botswana is not on the list. It is a very safe place to visit. Wildlife viewing opportunities here are enticing.
Come to Botswana and experience the magnificence of nature and wildlife, but first purchase travel insurance to stay protected against any unexpected accidents, illnesses or injuries.
Botswana Trip Cancellation Insurance for International Travelers - FAQs
Traveling to Botswana is an expensive affair. If you are making last-minute cancellations, are you expecting to get complete reimbursement? It is a slim chance. Buy Botswana trip cancellation insurance instead. It could keep you safe from incurring massive financial losses if you or a third-party company cancels the trip.
Why buy trip cancellation insurance for Botswana?
Buying a Botswana trip cancellation insurance plan might seem like an added expense. In reality, it is worth investing in a trip cancellation insurance plan with good coverage.
There could be a hundred different problems that spring up before or after you have set off on your trip. Flight delays, cancellation of hotel reservations, a glitch by your tour operator, and so much more could happen that might disrupt the trip.
Having a Botswana trip cancellation insurance plan guarantees that your money is not wasted, as long as you cancel for a covered reason as listed in your policy’s certificate wording. If you’re eligible, you’ll get reimbursed for any pre-paid, non-refundable expenses you put down. Be sure to check the fine print of your plan to learn what reasons for cancellation are (and aren’t) covered.
What all is covered under travel insurance for Botswana?
When you buy travel insurance, it saves you from a world of disasters. Travel insurance for tourists, traveling to Botswana is a must. It covers for an array of things like:
- Cancellation or delay in trips
- Baggage loss
- Car rentals
- Cruise bookings
- Hotel bookings
Things can turn upside-down at any time. So, buy travel insurance and secure your vacation. This is your chance to unwind and relax in the beautiful land of Botswana.
Things to Do for Travelers In Botswana
If activities like safari and wildlife spotting draw you, Botswana will fascinate you. The country is full of picturesque landscapes. Believe it or not, Botswana is a treat for the eyes and the soul. The place promises you unforgettable experiences and a wide choice of activities.
When in Botswana, you can enjoy the following activities:
Elephants on Safari
Take a million pictures if that’s your gig. Leaving the African continent without watching the African elephants is a big miss. There are over 120,000 elephants in the country alone. Trying to watch the enormous African elephants bathe, play, and stroll away in leisure? You should take a tour in the Chobe National Park. Botswana provides a safe refuge for the largest breeds of elephants on earth, the African elephant. You can also book a trip to the Linyanti Wetlands, where the number of elephants in the place will take you by surprise. The country does a wonderful job of keeping away poachers. Elephants here are in a safe and happy place.
A Wonderland for Birdwatchers
Is bird-watching your passion? Botswana is a paradise for people like you. There are more than 500 exquisite species of birds you can spot. The natural habitats and lush greenery throughout the country are praise-worthy. They make Botswana a favorite nest for the birds too. Wondering if you should go into the rainforest or stick to the floodplains? Well, the rainforest sounds exciting, but dense vegetation and canopies here can limit these sightings. So, it is always better to stay grounded on the plains. It makes bird-watching easy.
Look for the San bushmen
Let’s give you a clear picture of the country first. The southern region of Botswana includes the spectacular Kalahari Desert. The east is famous for places like Makgadikgadi and Nxai. These are the salt pans in the country. The San clan conquered and claimed rights to the lands. It is synonymous with the Kalahari decades ago. If you can arrange a tour to some of the San villages, you will cherish an experience of a lifetime. Many lodges and camps in Botswana give you an opportunity to sit down and interact with the San. You can drop by the villages and witness the culture by yourself, though most camps arrange these trips. Some of the favorites are the Kalahari Plains Camp and the Tau Pan Camp. The San talk about everything. Their struggles, survival skills, the importance of natural medicinal plants, and much more. Are you a fan of folklore? If yes, the San bushmen are the best storytellers. They will tell you how the world came into existence and things like the secrets behind the horns of the eland. It is a pleasure-filled experience.
Doing the drills of powerboating on the delta
You cannot skip a visit to the Okavango Delta. Botswana is famous for a lot of reasons. The delta is one of these. It is humongous and the world’s largest inland delta. There are channels from amidst the dense reeds in the delta. Go ahead and do some powerboating. Don’t worry, as there will always be a guide in your team. Okavango Delta is also home to an array of wildlife. You can spot crocodiles, sitatunga antelopes, hippopotamus, and elephants of course. You will be lucky if you get the opportunity to enjoy the thrills of powerboating. If the water levels are not high enough, it will kill your chances of boating. So, be wise and choose your lodge, if you are eager to do some powerboating amidst the delta. Camp Xakanaxa, Xugana Island, and Vumbura Plains are some good options. These camps arrange ways to help tourists take pleasure in powerboating.
Safari to spot the predators
If sighting a leopard is on your to-do list, you must opt for a safari at the Moremi Game Reserve. It is a World Heritage Site. So, your chances of spotting a leopard are higher in sites like these. Since you are in Africa, you know there will be lions. To see some of the biggest and regal breeds of lions, plan a safari in the Savute. Lions dwelling on the marsh pride is a sight you do not want to miss. These are no ordinary lions. They are powerful beyond imagination, and hunters by nature. It might surprise you, but lions in the marsh pride can take down elephants. If you are lucky enough, you can spot a few lion cubs too. Lions are social, compared to the other big cats. For best spotting, try taking a safari in Xigera or the Little Mombo. Always bear in mind: No safari in Africa is complete without spotting the “Big 5”. The Big 5 includes African elephants, lions, leopards, hippos, and rhinoceros.
Travel Risks for International Travelers in Botswana
Is this your first time stepping foot onto the African continent? If yes, then Botswana is a good pick. The country is safe. There are no political outbreaks that cause havoc, like in some African countries.
The country experiences heat waves that pave the way for droughts. Other than that there are no major risks related to climate.
There are a few risks you must be aware of before traveling to Botswana.
- Water in most parts of Botswana is contaminated. You could suffer from typhoid if you drink unclean water.
- Malaria is a persistent problem. Avoid places where you're not sure of the hygiene.
- Stray animals are dangerous. Stay away from these.
Before You Travel to Botswana - Do This
Planning for an amazing safari adventure in Botswana is a big hit. But take care of a few things before you travel.
- Follow up with the vaccinations you require. For instance, you must get vaccinated for hepatitis A, diphtheria, yellow fever, and tetanus.
- You must have a valid passport. U.S. citizens can enter the country without a visa and stay up to 90 days. If you are traveling from countries that have a visa abolition agreement set up with Botswana, of course, a visa is not essential. Residents of Commonwealth countries like India must apply for a visa before entering the country. These countries include India, Cameroon, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, Ghana, and Sri Lanka, for example.
- While the country is safe, you still will be better off with adequate Botswana travel insurance to help cover your expenses in case things go wrong. Compare plans and select the one that best fits your needs.