Botswana is popular because of its exquisite wildlife, which is the main tourist attraction of the country. The country has game parks that are home to thousands of exotic animals. Botswana’s fauna and flora are the things that tourists love to explore.
When traveling to Botswana, tourists are advised to be extra careful, especially when they are doing their own driving. The roads in the urban areas are ranked adequate or good. Main roads are generally well maintained, but are nowhere near the standard you would expect in the UK. You can organise your car hire in Botswana through Car Hire 3000 before you leave the UK, so that your car will be ready for your collection when you arrive.
Drivers have to be careful of wild animals as well. These animals often roam the roads. Livestock, such as ducks and chickens may also stray into the road. Roads can be long and the villages sparsely populated. It is not uncommon to drive for miles without seeing a single person.
The speed limit in Botswana is 60 kmph in major towns. If you are driving on a national road, you can go as fast as 120 kmph when permitted. With that much speed allowed, the use of seat belts is required.
Fuel should not be a problem on main roads. Diesel and gasoline are easily available. Every town will have a petrol station to cater to your fuel needs, although they can be quite far apart. Just to be sure, drivers are advised to maintain their fuel tanks at least half full at all times, and you should fill up whenevet you get the chance.
In Botswana, driving is done on the left. The speed limit indicated is strictly enforced, so make sure you are well within this, or you can be fined heavily.
To drive in Botswana, an International Driving Permit is not necessarily needed. But when you intend to stay for more than six months, it is advisable that you apply for one. A national driver’s licence from tourists coming from the US or the UK is sufficient, and should be carried all the time while on the road. After six months, a locally issued Botswana driver’s license will be issued even without undergoing through driving tests if a valid national licence is submitted for verification.
Botswana is a great place for safari and wildlife adventure. Tourists who love the wild would always recommend Botswana as their holiday destination.
Summary:
- Roads may be poorly maintained so caution is advised
- You should try to fill up with fuel whenever possible
- Seat belts should be worn at all times
- For safety reasons, you should never drink and drive
All information on this page is provided as a guide for our customers. It is intended as an overview of different driving rules, customs and points of interest in each country. It is not a comprehensive guide. Although we try to keep information on this page as accurate and up to date as possible, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. If you find any errors or there is anything you would like us to add, please contact us.