Click on country name or destination for useful travel information and general information
Botswana
Tourist Information: |
 |
Take a look at the map of Botswana. Boasting one of the strongest economies in Africa, the Republic of Botswana offers unrivalled wildlife and wilderness opportunities evoking that authentic African experience. However the Botswana map does not show that 17% of the land surface has been reserved for national parks and game reserves and 20% has been designated wildlife management areas. Largely due to the in-hospitability of the vast semi arid Kalahari, which covers 80% of the country, Botswana has a population of only 1.5 million people, resulting in a largely unspoilt countryside. Nowhere else in Africa will you find such an abundance of wildlife, birds and reptiles or such a sense of true wilderness.
Visitors can expect sunny blue skies and warm to hot days for most of the year.
Summer: October to April – hot to extremely hot days and nights when temperatures can reach 40 C. Rainfall can be erratic with less than 200 mm / year in the dry south to over 600 mm in the north. Although some years the rains start earlier, December to February is considered the rainy season.
Winter: May to September – dry and warm to hot days but expect cold nights especially in the early hours of the morning when temperatures can plummet to below freezing.
Cars, minibuses and 4x4 vehicles can be hired at all major towns. All major roads are tarred and in good condition but many secondary and park roads are dirt tracks, often requiring 4x4, especially in the rainy season. Therefore it may take longer than expected to cover important distances.
Safety belts must be used at all times and the use of hand-held cellphones when driving is prohibited. Expect police and veterinary roadblocks on the roads and we recommend you keep your drivers license and vehicle papers on hand. Vehicles are driven on the left and signposts are printed in English.
| |
Gaborone |
Kasane |
Maun |
| Gaborone |
|
909 |
615 |
| Kasane |
909 |
|
616 |
| Maun |
615 |
616 |
|
The unit of currency in Botswana is the Pula, which is made up of 100 Thebe. At time of publishing the exchange rate was approximately 1 Euro = P5.6 US$ = P5 and 1 GBP = P8 (www.mastercurrency.co.za)
Foreign currency travellers cheques can be exchanged at most banks.
Major credit cards are accepted in most lodges, hotels, restaurants, shops and airlines.
VAT is charged at 10% on many goods and commodities but non-residents exporting goods can reclaim VAT on departure at the international airports.
Malaria is a serious problem, especially in the north of the country and during the rainy season, we therefore strongly recommend you seek medical advice before visiting these areas. Bilharzia is also endemic and swimming in untreated water is dangerous. Tick bite fever can be a problem when walking in grass and travellers should be aware that the incidence of AIDS is high throughout Southern Africa.
(www.traveldoctor.com)
Medical services in Botswana are of a high standard. However the availability of the services is restricted to the main towns and emergency evacuation from remote areas may attract high costs. An insurance service for tourists is available from rescue companies providing coverage for emergency transport.
It is generally safe to drink tap water in urban areas but boil or sterilise all drinking water elsewhere, or drink bottled water.
230 volt A/C 50 hz, both square and round wall plugs are used.
Visitors from the EU, most Commonwealth countries and the USA do not require visas. Visitors from other countries should check with their local Botswana consulate.
GMT + 2 hours
Though Botswana boasts good fibre optic lines ensuring a widespread and reliable service for mobile phones, most of the lodges are beyond the range of the network. The international dialling code is 267 and there are no regional codes.
E-mail is used extensively and there are internet cafes in all the major towns.
English and Setswana
| Chobe Game Reserve: |
|
Undoubtedly one of the continents premier game viewing and wilderness destinations the Chobe National Park combines exclusive lodges with exceptional game viewing in the unspoilt African bush.
Highlights include:
Exceptional game viewing, one of the densest elephant populations in Africa, river cruises on the Chobe river, secluded luxurious lodge accommodation.
Best time to visit:
May to October
| Maun: |
|
Providing ready access to many of Botswana’s premier tourist destinations including: the Okavango Delta, Moremi and the Makgadikgadi Pans the small town of Maun is at the heart of Botswana’s beating tourism industry.
Highlights include:
Mokoro and boat trips into the Okavango Delta, fishing and the lively restaurants and pubs.
Best time to visit:
All year round.
| The Okavango Delta & Moremi Wildlife Reserve: |
|
Witness a true geographical phenomenon as the Okavango River empties itself into the sands of the Kalahari desert creating a 10,000 square kilometer inland delta of narrow waterways, lagoons and lakelets, bordered by one of the most spectacular and beautiful game reserves in Africa.
Highlights include:
Exceptional game viewing in the spectacular and beautiful Moremi Wildlife Reserve, mokoro (traditional dug out canoe) trips into the delta, birding and the isolated luxurious lodges – a true wilderness experience.
Best time to visit:
August to September best but fascinating all year round
| Makgadikgadi & Nxai Pans: |
|
The startling white flatness of the Magkadikgadi and Nxai pans come to life after good summer rains when they transform into giant lakes only a few centimeters deep and become the focus of important animal and bird migrations.
Highlights include:
The stark, flat, vastness of some of the world’s biggest saltpans, game viewing, bird watching during the wet season.
Best time to visit:
November to April
| Deception Valley: |
|
Located in the northern section of the vast Central Kalahari Game Reserve a visit here is like taking a step back in time.
Highlights include:
Game viewing, an introduction to the traditional San existence, the serenity and peace of the Kalahari.
Best time to visit:
November to April.
|
