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Botswana Travel Information

 

1.  Getting to Botswana

Although international flights arrive in Gaborone, courtesy of South African Airways and British Airways, it's usually cheaper to do your long-haul flying to Windhoek (Namibia) or Johannesburg (South Africa), then travel overland. You can enter overland from all of Botswana's neighbours, though you'll have to put your car tyres and your shoes through cattle-dip (to prevent the spread of foot and mouth disease) before Botswana will let you in. The Trans-Namib bus runs between Ghanzi and Gobabis (Namibia) although it's not always reliable. Buses and Minibuses run between Gaborone and Johannesburg as does the luxury coach service, Intercape Mainliner. Buses to Zimbabwe include the Gaborone to Francistown, Bulawayo and Harare service and the Kasane to Victoria Falls service, although these services are prone to disruption due to flaring upheaval in Zimbabwe. The bus line between Livingstone (Zambia), Victoria Falls and Windhoek passes through Kasane. To get to Zambia otherwise, you need to catch the Kazunguka ferry over the Zambezi River.

 

2.  When to go

Autumn and winter (April through August) are good times to visit Botswana, as the days are generally pleasant and the wildlife never wanders far from water sources. Bear in mind, however, that this is also the time of European, North American and South African school holidays, so things can get a bit crowded. In general, June, early July and mid to late September are the least crowded times to visit. Summer isn't the best time to hit the back roads, enjoy wildlife viewing or explore the Okavango, as prolonged rains may render sandy roads uncrossable, and animals disperse when water is abundant. From December to March it is very difficult to get around Chobe and Moremi national parks due to heavy rains, and many lodges actually close.

  • The best birding months are November - March, when the delta is brimming with migratory birds
  • The best botanical months are December - May, when the vegetation is lush and green and most plants are in flower

3.  Languages

English (Official)

ONly 2.1% of the population speak English.

Setswana

Regardless of their tribal affiliations nearly all Batswana speak Setswana - around 80% of Botswana's total population.

 

4. Health

It is imperative that you obtain malaria prophylactics before entering Botswana. When purchasing these, please tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Botswana. Start your course at least 24 hours before entering Botswana and continue taking the pills for 6 weeks after leaving the country. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner as this usually minimises the effect of the symptoms.

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-sleeve 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.

Tetanus immunisation is recommended. Travellers should be aware that there is a presence of bilharzia and sleeping sickness.

Medical Services

Botswana does not have a national health welfare scheme. It is therefore 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 as most tourist areas are in remote areas, it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may require with you.

Travel Insurance

5.  Currency

Pula (P)

6.  Electical Plugs

220-240V 50 HzHz

 

7.  Country Dialling Code

267

8.  Visa Information

(as at Dec 2004)

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, India, 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, Mauritius, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Western Samoa, San Marino, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay, USA and Yugoslavia.

Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest Botswana Consulate.

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. A letter of support from your host or host company or your confirmed hotel bookings/tour itinerary may also be necessary.

9.  Money

Most visitors will find the exchange rate is in their favour. Generally, you will find that fine cuisine, wine, and entertainment cost less than in equivalent establishments elsewhere in the world.

Banks

Banks in Maun & Kasane:

  • Mon - Fri 08h30 - 14h30
  • Sat 08h15 - 10h45

First National Bank, Maun:

  • Mon - Fri 09h00 - 12h45; 14h15 - 15h30
  • Sat 08h30 - 11h00

Standard Chartered Bank, Maun:

  • Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 08h15 - 14h00
  • Wed 08h15 - 13h00
  • Sat 08h15 - 10h45

Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller’s cheques.

Credit Cards

All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. However, certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express. Credit cards are not accepted at petrol filling stations.

Tipping

Service is not usually included in the bill. Provided the service is good, it is usual to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies, game rangers and trackers. Generally speaking, gratuities to waiters and taxi drivers should amount to around 10% of the cost of the service. Porterage is usually P1.50 per bag, golf caddies usually receive around P20 a round, and game rangers P10 per person per day.

10. Clothes

Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:

  • blouses with long sleeves (even in summer, they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes)
  • t-shirts
  • shorts or a light skirt
  • jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
  • fleece or sweater and a warm jacket 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

Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colours are more suitable for safari, while white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing.

If you are travelling with an organised safari, it is important to check what your weight limit is. Generally you will need to restrict your luggage to 10-12 kg (packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment.

 

 




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