Best Places for Digital Nomads to Live in Botswana

Botswana, the land-locked country in Southern Africa, is an ideal destination for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of adventure, culture, and modern amenities. Known for its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, Botswana offers various vibrant cities and towns that cater to the digital nomad community. Here are ten noteworthy places to consider for your next move.

Gaborone

As Botswana's capital and largest city, Gaborone is a bustling hub of business, culture, and entertainment. Digital nomads will appreciate its reliable internet, numerous co-working spaces, and a thriving nightlife scene. The Botswana National Museum and Botanical Gardens, located in the city center, are must-visit attractions for history and nature enthusiasts.

Cost of Living: Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around BWP 3,500 (approximately USD 350) per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person amounts to around BWP 500 (approximately USD 50). The cost of dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is around BWP 1,000 (approximately USD 100).

Nomad Tip: Don't miss the weekly 'Bontleng Market' for authentic local food, crafts, and a lively atmosphere.

Where to Stay & Eat: Popular neighborhoods for digital nomads include Block 10 and Block 11, offering furnished rentals and convenient access to restaurants like The Grill House and Spur Steak Ranches.

Maun

Maun, situated near the Okavango Delta, is a gateway to Botswana's wildlife and natural wonders. For digital nomads, the town offers reliable internet, co-working spaces, and a variety of outdoor activities. The Maun Museum and Maun Cultural Village provide insights into the local culture.

Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around BWP 3,000 (approximately USD 300) per month. A week's worth of groceries for one person is approximately BWP 400 (approximately USD 40). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink costs around BWP 800 (approximately USD 80).

Nomad Tip: Take a scenic flight over the Okavango Delta for an unforgettable view of the wildlife.

Where to Stay & Eat: Selected areas for digital nomads include Thamalakane River Front and Maun Central Business District, with various lodging options and restaurants like The Elephant Sands and The River Club.

Francistown

Francistown, Botswana's second-largest city, is a multicultural melting pot with a rich history and vibrant arts scene. Digital nomads will enjoy its reliable internet, co-working spaces, and diverse dining options. The Francistown Museum and the Nhabe Museum offer insights into the local culture and history.

Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around BWP 3,000 (approximately USD 300) per month. Weekly groceries for one person total around BWP 450 (approximately USD 45). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink amounts to approximately BWP 900 (approximately USD 90).

Nomad Tip: Attend the annual 'Francistown Carnival' to experience Botswana's colorful and lively cultural traditions.

Where to Stay & Eat: Recommended areas for digital nomads include Leung and New Town, which offer various lodging options and restaurants like The Kgotla and The Spar.

Makgadikgadi Pans

The Makgadikgadi Pans, a vast salt pan desert, offers a unique living experience for digital nomads. The area is known for its stunning beauty, tranquility, and opportunities for adventure. Digital nomads can work remotely while enjoying the serene environment and visiting attractions like the Nxai Pan National Park.

Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a remote, safe area costs around BWP 2,500 (approximately USD 250). A week's worth of groceries for one person totals around BWP 350 (approximately USD 35). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is approximately BWP 700 (approximately USD 70).

Nomad Tip: Join a guided tour to the nearby Meerkat colony for a close-up encounter with these fascinating animals.

Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at lodges and campsites located within the Nxai Pan National Park and surrounding areas, offering unique lodging options and local dining experiences.

Serowe

Serowe, the administrative capital of the Central District, is a historic town rich in culture and natural beauty. Digital nomads will appreciate its reliable internet, co-working spaces, and various local attractions, such as the Serowe Museum and the beautiful Motopi Hills.

Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around BWP 2,500 (approximately USD 250) per month. Weekly groceries for one person are approximately BWP 350 (approximately USD 35). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is around BWP 700 (approximately USD 70).

Nomad Tip: Experience the traditional Botswana dance, 'Tswana Mmamotseo,' during the annual 'Serowe Festival.'

Where to Stay & Eat: Popular areas for digital nomads include South Serowe and North Serowe, offering various lodging options and restaurants like The Thabo Mofutsanyana and The Serowe Hotel.

Masunga

Masunga, nestled in the heart of the Okavango Delta, offers a unique living experience for digital nomads seeking adventure and nature. This remote area is perfect for those who want to work while surrounded by wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Digital nomads can access reliable internet and enjoy various wildlife tours and excursions.

Cost of Living: Monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a safe, remote area costs around BWP 3,500 (approximately USD 350). Weekly groceries for one person total around BWP 500 (approximately USD 50). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is approximately BWP 1,000 (approximately USD 100).

Nomad Tip: Join a guided mokoro (dugout canoe) tour to explore the hidden channels and lush vegetation of the Okavango Delta.

Where to Stay & Eat: Consider staying at eco-lodges and campsites located within the Okavango Delta, offering unique lodging options and local dining experiences.

Tsabong

Tsabong, situated near the border with South Africa, is a vibrant town with a rich mining history and diverse cultural influences. Digital nomads will enjoy its reliable internet, co-working spaces, and various local attractions, such as the Nqwakulu Cave and the beautiful Tshwaragano Falls.

Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a safe, central neighborhood costs around BWP 2,500 (approximately USD 250) per month. Weekly groceries for one person are approximately BWP 350 (approximately USD 35). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is around BWP 800 (approximately USD 80).

Nomad Tip: Experience the unique 'Kgalagadi Cultural Festival' to learn about the diverse local cultures and traditions.

Where to Stay & Eat: Recommended areas for digital nomads include Central Business District and Kopano, offering various lodging options and restaurants like The Tsabong Hotel and The Kopano Motel.

Mahalapye

Mahalapye, a growing town in Botswana's North West District, is an emerging hub for digital nomads seeking affordable living and a vibrant community. Digital nomads can enjoy reliable internet, co-working spaces, and various local attractions, such as the Mahalapye Museum and the beautiful Mosetlhaba Dam.

Cost of Living: A one-bedroom apartment in a safe neighborhood costs around BWP 2,000 (approximately USD 200) per month. Weekly groceries for one person are approximately BWP 300 (approximately USD 30). Dining out for dinner at a moderate restaurant plus one drink is around BWP 600 (approximately USD 60).

Nomad Tip: Attend the annual 'Mahalapye Day' celebrations to immerse yourself in the local culture and traditions.

Where to Stay & Eat: Popular areas for digital nomads include Central Business District and Mmusi, offering various lodging options and restaurants like The Mahalapye Hotel and The Mmusi Lodge.