WHEN TO TRAVEL TO Botswana

Location

Climate

Low and high tourist season periods

Tourist numbers in Botswana vary according to the season. There are two main periods:

• High season (May to October) Summer: During this period, temperatures are pleasant and rainfall less abundant, making it easier to visit national parks and wildlife reserves. This is also the period when some of the country's biggest cultural events are held. On the other hand, rates for accommodation and activities can be higher, and availability limited. It is therefore advisable to book in advance.
• Low season (November to April) The rainy season: This period corresponds to the rainy season, with higher temperatures and high humidity. While some parks and reserves may be less accessible, nature is lush and the scenery magnificent. Accommodation and activities are also generally more affordable during this period.

Public holidays in Botswana

It's important to know the public holidays in Botswana before planning your trip, as they can affect the opening times of tourist sites, transport or services available. Here's a list of the main public holidays:

• January 1: New Year's Day
• March 3: National Sports Day
• April 30: Labour Day (celebrated on May 1)
• Ascension (date varies)
• July 1: Sir Seretse Khama Day (celebrated on the first Monday in July)
• July 15: Presidents' Day (celebrated on the third Monday in July)
• September 30: Botswana Day (celebrated on the first Monday in October)
• December 25: Christmas
• December 26: Boxing Day

Major cultural events not to be missed

Botswana is rich in cultural events that allow visitors to discover the diversity and richness of local traditions. Here are just a few of the must-see annual events:

Maitisong Festival

Held every April, the Maitisong Festival is one of Botswana's biggest arts and culture festivals. It takes place mainly in the capital, Gaborone, and features a varied program of theater, dance, music, poetry and other forms of artistic expression. The festival attracts local and international artists, as well as large audiences.

Okavango Delta Music Festival

This open-air music festival takes place every August in the Okavango region, famous for its exceptional landscapes and abundant wildlife. The event brings together international and local musicians, offering eclectic concerts ranging from rock to electro and world music. In addition to musical performances, the Okavango Delta Music Festival also features outdoor activities and cultural workshops.

Gaborone International Film Festival

Every September, Botswana's capital hosts this festival dedicated to the seventh art. For several days, screenings of local and international films are organized at various venues around the city. The festival allows film buffs to discover new works and provides a showcase for Botswana filmmakers.

Kuru Dance Festival

The Kuru Dance Festival is a biennial event celebrating the traditional dances of the San peoples of Botswana. It usually takes place in August, in the Central Kalahari region. Several groups of dancers from different parts of the country take part in the competition, presenting their performances to enthusiastic audiences.

Botswana is a southern African country that is attracting increasing interest from tourists and immigrants alike, thanks to its political stability, growing economy and impressive natural resources.

Immigration to Botswana: statistics and trends

In recent years, Botswana has seen a steady increase in the number of foreigners settling in the country.. According to government data, the number of people granted work or residence permits in Botswana increased by 7 % between 2015 and 2019.

Geographical origin of immigrants

Immigrants to Botswana mainly come from other African countries, notably the United States. Zimbabwethe Zambia and theSouth Africa. However, there is also a significant presence of Europeans, Americans and Asians among the new arrivals. The main reasons why foreigners choose to settle in Botswana are :

• Job offers in sectors such as mining, tourism, education and NGOs
• Investment opportunities in local businesses
• Looking for a stable, secure environment in which to raise a family

Most popular visas in Botswana

The Botswana government offers several types of visa to foreigners wishing to enter the country, whether for a short stay or to settle permanently. The most commonly requested visas are :

• Visitor visa This visa is intended for people wishing to visit Botswana for tourist, family or business reasons. It is generally valid for 30 days, but can be extended up to 90 days on request.
• Student visa This type of visa is granted to foreign students enrolled in an accredited higher education institution in Botswana. The length of validity of the visa depends on the duration of the program of study.
• Work visa Botswana: People who have obtained employment in Botswana must apply for a work visa before entering the country. To obtain such a visa, proof of employment and a letter from the employer detailing the conditions and duration of the contract are required.
• Investor Visa This visa is granted to foreigners investing in a local business in Botswana. To be eligible, you usually have to make a significant financial contribution and create a certain number of jobs for Botswana citizens.

Visa application procedure

To apply for a visa in Botswana, you usually need to submit a series of documents, including :

• A passport valid for the duration of the planned stay
• A recent passport photo
• Proof of sufficient financial resources to cover accommodation costs
• A duly completed and signed application form
• Additional documents specific to the type of visa requested (e.g. a letter of invitation for a visitor's visa or an employment contract for a work visa).

It is important to note that visa applications can take several weeks or even months to process.. It is therefore essential to plan your trip accordingly and to submit your request well in advance.

International tourism figures for Botswana

Tourism is one of Botswana's main economic sectorsrepresenting around 12 % of national GDP and employing nearly 25,000 people. In 2019, the country welcomed over 1.6 million international visitors, representing an increase of 3.5 % on the previous year. The main outbound tourist markets were:

1. South Africa
2. Zimbabwe
3. Zambia
4. United Kingdom
5. Germany

Popular tourist attractions

Botswana is famous for its national parks and nature reserves, which offer an exceptional safari experience. Among the most popular sites are :

• THE Chobe National Parkhome to Africa's largest elephant population
• THE Okavango Deltaa unique ecosystem listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• There Moremi reserverenowned for its diverse wildlife and spectacular scenery
• THE Kalahari Desertthe world's largest continuous sand desert

In addition to safaris, visitors can also discover Botswana's rich culture and history through museums, archaeological sites and traditional villages.

Tourist spending

Botswana's tourism sector generates significant revenue for the national economy. In 2019, spending by international tourists reached almost 900 million USD, an increase of 5 % on the previous year. The main categories of expenditure were:

• Hosting
• Food and beverages
• Tourism and leisure activities
• Local transport
• Souvenirs and other consumer goods