Botswana eSIM

Staying connected in Botswana

The simplest way to get online in Botswana is to install a travel eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land in Gaborone, Maun or Kasane. AirOva sells Botswana plans from $7.49, each with a fixed amount of data, all data only, with no call minutes, SMS or local number. Plans run on beMobile and Orange; each plan card names its network and whether it is listed as 4G or 5G.

Which Botswana plan to choose

All Botswana plans are GB plans; there is no unlimited option for this country. Maps and messaging take little data; video calls and safari photo or video uploads take much more. Not sure? See how much data you need.

beMobile, Orange and coverage in the bush

beMobile is the brand BTC launched its mobile service under in 2008; today it is BTC Mobile. In the regulator BOCRA's 2025 figures, Orange held 46% of Botswana's mobile market, Mascom 40% and BTC 14%; Mascom is not on our plans. Orange says its 4G reaches about 70% of the population. The Okavango Delta, Savuti and Chobe are among the places least likely to have any cell coverage, and in the Central Kalahari Game Reserve phone signal is non-existent.

Arriving in Gaborone, Maun or Kasane

Sir Seretse Khama International (GBE), 15 km north of Gaborone, is the country's busiest airport. For safaris, Maun (MUB) is the main gateway to the Okavango Delta and Moremi, and Kasane International (BBK) lies close to Chobe National Park. Install the eSIM over Wi-Fi before you fly. After landing, turn off airplane mode, switch the eSIM line on, choose it for mobile data and enable Data Roaming for that line; the data is prepaid, so roaming adds no charge. Keep roaming off on your home SIM.

Self-drives, remote camps and power cuts

On a self-drive into the Central Kalahari or the Delta, plan for days without signal and tell someone at home when you expect to check in again. Some high-end lodges offer Wi-Fi in main areas or rooms; ask your camp before you go. BOCRA's 2024 annual report blames gaps in network availability mainly on mains power cuts, especially in the south and west; if data drops, toggle airplane mode or try again later.

Tip: download maps, bookings and e-tickets in Maun or Kasane, and watch your data balance, since Botswana plans have a fixed allowance. Carry a power bank, and keep your home SIM in for bank codes with its roaming off.