• One of Africa's most stable democracies
• Okavango Delta
• Moremi Game Reserve
BASIC FACTS:
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
Full Name:
Republic of Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland) Capital: Gaborone Independence: 30 September 1966 Time: GMT +2 hours Population: 1 464 167 (estimated July 1999) Area: 600 370 km² (585 370 km² land; 15 000 km² water) Currency: Pula (P) President: President Festus Mogae (since April 1998)
New Year’s Day
- 1 January
Day after New Year’s Day - 2 January
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Saturday (varies)
Easter Sunday (varies)
Easter Monday (varies)
Ascension Day (varies)
President’s Day (varies)
Day after President’s Day (varies)
Botswana Day - 30 September
Day after Botswana Day - 1 October
Christmas Day - 25 December
Boxing Day - 26 December
Day after Boxing Day - 27 December
COMMUNICATION:
ELECTRICITY:
The international dialling code
for calling Botswana is +267. There are no regional codes within
Botswana. The international dialling code when dialling out
from Botswana is 00. A direct international dialling service
is available from the major hotels and lodges in Kasane, Maun,
Gaborone and Francistown. Both local and long distance calls
are metered on a time basis and you pay for every second. Major
hotels and businesses have a fax service. Hotels levy a substantial
surcharge on all calls. Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana
such as the Okavango Delta do not have telephonic communication
facilities. The lodges are able to communicate with the “outside
world” via two-way radio to Maun or Kasane.
Electricity is supplied at 220/240
volts AC, 50hz.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana do not have electricity.
These lodges generally rely on generator power for lighting
and refrigeration but this power only runs at critical times
of the day.
Internet facilities are becoming more available in some of the
main towns of Botswana.
LANGUAGE:
CULTURE:
Although the official language
of Botswana is English, most of the population also speak Tswana.
Guided safaris are always conducted in English.
The main ethnic groups are the
Batswana (descendants of iron age immigrants from Central West
Africa), the Basarwa (San, indigenous hunter gatherers, pre
iron age), and the Herero (pastoralists). About 80% of the population
of Botswana are rural inhabitants.
USEFUL TSWANA PHRASES:
English
Tswana
Hello (to man/woman)
-Dumêla mma/rra
Hello (to group)
-Dumêlang
Goodbye (to person
leaving)
-Tsamayo sentle
Goodbye (to person
staying)
-Sala sentle
Please
-Tsweetswee
Thank you
-Kea itumela
Yes
-Ee
No
-Nnyaa
How are you? (am)
-A o tsogile?
How are you? (pm)
-O tlhotse jang?
Do you speak English?
-A o bua Sekgoa / Seenglish?
Which way is . .
.?
-Tsela . . . e kae?
GEOGRAPHY & LANDSCAPE:
Botswana is a flat, landlocked country, almost
entirely covered by the Kalahari Desert. The Okavango river
flows into the Okavango Delta. This northern basin is a rich,
fertile region. The central and southern regions are arid sandveld
and scrub savannah, with several salt pans. In the north-east
lies Makgadikgadi, the largest salt pan in the world. The vegetation
is generally dry, though seasonal rain greens it up, particularly
around Makgadikgadi and the Okavango Delta.
CLIMATE:
Summer: November to April.
In summer, days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with
possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise
to 38ºC(100ºF) and night temperatures drop to around 20-25ºC(68-77ºF).
The afternoons can be very humid. The rainy season begins late
in October/November and ends in March. The northern areas receive
up to 700mm while the Kalahari Desert area averages as low as
225mm.
Winter: May to October.
During winter, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening
temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach
20ºC(68ºF) and can drop to as low as 5ºC(41ºF) at night. Please
note that exceptionally cold spells can occur (although this
is the exception rather than the rule), so it is recommended
to bring appropriate clothing, just in case!
ACCOMMODATION:
We recommend booking in advance,
as availability is at a premium. Lodges and safari camps are
mostly located in the Chobe, Moremi, Okavango and Tuli Block
areas. They range from tented sites, to established camps with
permanently tented camps (often including an en suite bathroom
with flushing toilets), to chalets built from reeds or brick.
Campsites at the national parks are very basic. One can expect
flushing toilets and open fireplaces at some of the campsites
in Moremi and Chobe, but at most of the other parks, the sites
are often just cleared spots. It is essential that campsites
are booked in advance, as is entrance to the parks.
WHEN TO
GO:
WHAT TO PACK:
Botswana is an all year round
wildlife destination. However, there are certain seasons for
special interest groups to take note of:
Best birding months are November to March, when the Okavango
Delta is brimming with migratory birds.
Best botanical months are December to May, when the vegetation
is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.
Botswana's popularity as a destination is gaining in leaps and
bounds to the extent that seasonal differences are not as marked
as in previous years. Traditionally, however, peak season is
from July to October and middle season is from May to June.
Book well in advance.
Generally, casual comfortable
clothing is suitable throughout the year.
The most practical items to pack for safari are:
T-shirts
Shorts or a light skirt
Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary,
even in summer)
Comfortable walking shoes
Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
Binoculars and a camera are a must
Tracksuit - good for sleeping in during winter months
Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping
bags can be hired from most safari operators)
Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will
protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes
Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night
temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colours are
more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is
best to pack hardy, durable clothing.
VERY IMPORTANT: packing space is limited on all modes
of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage
to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable
amount of camera equipment.
Road: South Africa/Botswana
Martin’s Drift (Johannesburg/Botswana) 08:00 - 18:00
Parr’s Halt (Johannesburg/Botswana) 08:00 - 16:00
Tlokweng (Johannesburg/Botswana) 07:00 - 22:00
Rail & Bus: A single railway line runs from Ramatlabama on the South
African border to Ramokgwebana on the Zimbabwean border. The
main stops on this route are Lobatse, Gaborone, Mahalapye, Palapye,
Serule and Francistown.
Public transport is very limited. Bus and minibus services operate
in the more populated areas, but service is generally unscheduled
and run according to demand. As rail service is scheduled, it
is a more reliable form of public transport.
Airports:
Domestic air services operate between the major airports:
Gaborone Airport (GBE)
Francistown Airport (FRW)
Maun Airport (MUB)
Kasane (BBK)
There are a total of 92 runways in Botswana, of which only 12
are paved. Charter services can be arranged to reach remote
areas. These tend to be very expensive, but are cheaper when
booked through a tour operator.
Roads: There are 18 482 km of highways in Botswana, of which 4
343 km are paved. Road conditions in the reserves of Botswana
are extremely rough and dusty, and the roads tend to be badly
signposted. Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as are
considerable driving skills to negotiate these roads in the
wild. Botswana is definitely not recommended as a self-drive
destination.
If you will be driving in Botswana, your home driving license
is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving
is on the left side of the road. The national speed limit on
tarred roads is 120 km/h and 60 km/h in towns and villages.
Watch out for wildlife on the roads!
HEALTH
REQUIREMENTS & SERVICES:
Health Requirements Before entering Botswana, you will have to get malaria prophylactics.
When buying them, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend
visiting Botswana, as certain anti-malarials are tailored to
particular areas. If you suffer from side effects, try taking
your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner. Take precautionary
measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping
under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember
to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation
with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion
or stick and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and
socks when outside at night.
Any person entering Botswana from or via a yellow fever infected
area must be in possession of a valid International Certificate
of Vaccination against yellow fever.
It is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival.
Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent hospitals
in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well-stocked
pharmacies, but it is recommended that you bring any medicines
you may require with you.
Insurance
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, which
includes curtailment and cancellation cover, as well as medical
cover, upon confirming your booking.
If you are coming on safari with Afro Ventures, you will automatically
be covered by our Emergency Evacuation Insurance, underwritten
by Europ Assistance. This guarantees all reasonable, practical
assistance in obtaining primary and/or emergency medical services
for an insured person who suffers illness or injury. Please
note that this is evacuation insurance only and does not replace
the normal travel insurance which you need to purchase.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:
(as at August 2000)
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid
for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should
be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival.
Nationals of the following countries do not require visas
for a stay of less than 90 days:
All Commonwealth Countries (except nationals of Ghana,
Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, who do require
a visa), Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, German
Federal Republic, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland,
Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, the Netherlands,
Norway, Western Samoa, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland,
Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.
Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest
Botswana consulate. The cost is P25.
Requirements for obtaining a visa are:
photocopy of passport
original application form and two passport photos
All visitors may be requested to show proof of sufficient
funds and onward travel/return ticket
This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Botswana
Consulate for up-to-date information.
SOUVENIRS:
PHOTOGRAPHY:
Botswana is well-known for beautifully
decorative baskets, which are both functional and ornamental.
These can be purchased directly from the villages or from curio
shops. Weavings and textiles are usually quite expensive, but
one is guaranteed quality and a unique item. Original San (Bushman)
jewellery and leatherwork, including miniature items (like bows
and arrows) can be purchased. In the north-west, traditional
dolls can be bought from the Herero people. These depict Herero
women in the four stages of life (childhood, puberty, adulthood
and old age), dressed in their distinctive costume, as well
as their traditional clothing worn before European influence.
Film is available at most game
lodges, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes
only. For game and bird photography, a telephoto lens of between
200 and 300mm is strongly recommended. Larger lenses which require
a tripod are generally impractical for game photography from
vehicles, as are double lens reflex cameras. A lens hood and
ultra violet filter are advisable and a dust cover (plastic
bag) is essential. Remember to bring spare batteries for your
camera, as these are seldom available on safari. Binoculars
are invaluable for bird and game viewing.
MONEY
MATTERS:
Currency: The unit of currency is the pula (P), which is divided into
100 thebe. Notes are in P5, P10, P20, P50 and P100. Coins are
in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 (thebe) and P1 & P2. (Pula
also means rain or greeting in Tswana.)
Exchange Rate: Most visitors will find the exchange rate is in their favour.
Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment
cost a fraction of the tariff charged by equivalent establishments
elsewhere in the world.
Credit Cards:
All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants.
Certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners
or American Express.
Tipping:
Service is not usually included in the bill. It is usual to
tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies,
game rangers, guides and trackers. Generally speaking, gratuities
to waiters and taxi drivers should amount to around 10% of the
cost of the service. Porterage is usually US$1.50 per bag, golf
caddies usually around US$20 a round, and your game ranger/guide
US$10 per person per day.
Banks Banks in Maun & Kasane:
Mon-Fri 08:30 - 14:30
Sat 08:15 - 10:45
First National Bank, Maun:
Mon-Fri 09:00 - 12:45; 14:15 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 11:00
Standard Chartered Bank, Maun:
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 08:15 - 14:00
Wed 08:h15 - 13:00
Sat 08:15 - 10:45
Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops,
lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques.
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African Safari Destinations
