Botswana and Oman are building closer economic ties, with tourism included among the sectors identified for cooperation as the two countries expand investment. Officials from both sides discussed opportunities in energy, mining, tourism and food security in January 2026, while agreements signed during subsequent visits have focused on mineral exploration, renewable energy, petroleum storage and medical cooperation. The relationship connects Botswana’s safari destinations with Oman’s Gulf travel market. Ministry of Defense Oman
Tourism enters a broader Botswana-Oman relationship
Tourism was specifically identified as an area for cooperation when officials from Oman and Botswana met in Muscat in January 2026. The discussions covered economic, diplomatic and cultural relations, alongside opportunities for investment in tourism and other sectors. Ministry of Defense Oman
The countries have since moved forward with several economic projects. In April, leaders oversaw agreements covering mineral exploration, petroleum product storage and a solar power plant. The 500 MW solar project is being developed in Maun, the main access point for trips into the Okavango Delta. Ministry of Defense Oman
Maun links investment with safari travel
Maun has a direct connection to Botswana’s tourism economy. It serves as a starting point for journeys into the Okavango Delta, where visitors can take mokoro canoe trips, go on game drives, explore waterways by boat and experience wildlife areas across the delta. The Botswana Tourism Organisation describes the Okavango as the world’s largest intact inland delta. Botswana Tourism
Botswana offers a wide safari circuit
Travel beyond Maun can lead visitors towards Chobe National Park, another major wildlife destination. Kasane provides access to Chobe, which is known for wildlife viewing, river cruises, game drives and birdwatching. Botswana Tourism
Botswana also offers the Central Kalahari Game Reserve, Makgadikgadi and Nxai Pans, Moremi Game Reserve, Northern Tuli Game Reserve and other protected areas. The country’s tourism organisation says about 38% of its land area is devoted to national parks, reserves and wildlife management areas. Botswana Tourism
For travellers from Gulf markets, these destinations provide a route into safari tourism built around wildlife, landscapes, guided activities and lodge stays. Botswana also promotes cultural tourism, arts and crafts, village experiences and heritage sites.
Oman brings a different travel landscape
Oman provides a contrasting destination for travellers. Muscat combines historic forts, palaces, museums, traditional souqs and coastal areas, while nearby locations offer marine activities and seaside stays. Oman’s official tourism platform highlights the Royal Opera House, National Museum and coastal destinations such as Bandar Jissah and Al Sifah. Experience Oman
A stronger Botswana-Oman relationship can therefore connect two distinct tourism environments: southern Africa’s wildlife and wetland landscapes and Oman’s Gulf heritage, mountains, coastlines and desert settings. Tourism remains one of the sectors identified for cooperation. Ministry of Defense Oman
Easier travel adds another layer
Oman and Botswana have also taken a step affecting movement between the two countries. Oman’s Foreign Ministry reported in September that Botswana announced in July an exemption for Omani passport holders entering Botswana for stays of up to 90 days. The measure was presented as part of efforts to strengthen ties and facilitate trade and economic exchanges. Ministry of Defense Oman
For Omani visitors, the change can simplify planning for eligible short stays in Botswana. A safari itinerary could include Maun and the Okavango Delta, followed by Chobe and Kasane. Visitors still need to check entry requirements, passport validity and health requirements before travelling.
Investment can support the wider travel economy
The economic partnership also includes renewable energy, mineral exploration and petroleum infrastructure. In November 2025, Botswana and Oman agreed to cooperate on renewable energy projects with potential capacity of up to 3,000 MW, mineral exploration and petroleum product storage. Daily News Botswana
The Maun solar project subsequently entered implementation, with a planned capacity of 500 MW and battery storage of equivalent capacity. Infrastructure and energy investment are relevant to destinations that depend on accommodation, transport, communications and visitor services. Ministry of Defense Oman
Planning a Botswana and Oman itinerary
Travellers considering both markets should treat them as separate destinations because there is no single visa covering both countries. A Botswana trip can centre on Maun for the Okavango Delta or Kasane for Chobe, while an Oman visit can focus on Muscat before coastal or desert areas. Safari travel varies seasonally, so visitors should confirm park access and accommodation availability for each planned travel date.
Two destinations with room for more connections
Botswana-Oman cooperation is broader than tourism. Official discussions have identified tourism as one area for cooperation, while the agreements already signed are concentrated on strategic economic projects. The relationship is developing through investment, cultural exchanges and movement between the two countries. Ministry of Defense Oman
For travellers, Botswana offers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Kalahari landscapes and cultural experiences, while Oman provides Muscat, coastal escapes, heritage attractions and desert landscapes. As bilateral ties continue to develop, tourism sits within a wider network connecting African wildlife travel with Gulf markets, business links and cultural exchange.
