Botswana Public Holidays 2025
Botswana has 13 public holidays and 2 observances in 2025. Explore the full holiday calendar below.
All Holidays
| Date | Day | Name | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan | Wed | New Year's Day | public |
| 2 Jan | Thu | New Year's Holiday | public |
| 18 Apr | Fri | Good Friday | public |
| 19 Apr | Sat | Easter Saturday | public |
| 20 Apr | Sun | Easter Sunday | observance |
| 21 Apr | Mon | Easter Monday | public |
| 1 May | Thu | Labour Day | public |
| 11 May | Sun | Mother's Day | observance |
| 29 May | Thu | Ascension Day | public |
| 1 Jul | Tue | Sir Seretse Khama Day | public |
| 21 Jul | Mon | President’s Day | public |
| 22 Jul | Tue | President’s Day Holiday | public |
| 30 Sep | Tue | Botswana Day | public |
| 25 Dec | Thu | Christmas Day | public |
| 26 Dec | Fri | Family Day | public |
About Botswana's Holidays
Botswana marks a mix of national, public and cultural holidays that bring people together. The biggest national day is Independence Day on September 30. There are also public holidays honoring past leaders and national heroes, plus Labour Day and weekend shifts when needed.
Religious holidays follow Christian traditions, with Good Friday and Christmas being widely observed. These days are times for church services, family meals and community gatherings across towns and villages.
Cultural festivals and traditional celebrations happen throughout the year. They celebrate music, dance, harvests and local customs, keeping Setswana culture alive. Many festivals draw visitors and help communities preserve stories, crafts and traditional dress.
Holiday Traditions
Holidays in Botswana are warm and lively. People celebrate with traditional songs and dances like setapa. Drums and rhythmic clapping bring communities together. Many events begin with church services or simple blessings to give thanks and honor ancestors.
Food is very important and shared with family. Common festive dishes include seswaa, a shredded meat stew, and bogobe porridge. Neighbors bring plates to share. Families gather to eat, talk, and teach children about customs and respect for elders.
Public celebrations mix modern and traditional ways. You will see parades, speeches, markets, and people wearing colorful traditional dress. Chiefs and community leaders sometimes take part. These days strengthen community bonds and express pride in culture.
Travel Tips
During the holiday season many government offices, banks and some shops close or have shorter hours. Supermarkets stay open but may have limited stock on popular items. Plan for some services to be unavailable on public holidays.
Flights and long distance buses get busier and more expensive. Domestic flights and safari transfers often sell out. Road traffic increases near towns and parks. Book flights, lodges and transfers well in advance and allow extra travel time.
Tourist areas and popular camps fill up quickly, especially around peak safari zones. Expect longer waits at attractions and restaurants. Some smaller businesses close for family holidays so check ahead.
Bring some cash, a local SIM card and travel insurance. Confirm opening hours and transfers before you go and pack sunscreen and mosquito repellent.