Botswana

The Republic of Botswana is a landlocked country constituted by a vast plateau that provides a natural habitat for a huge variety of African wildlife. This scenic wonderland draws thousands of tourists from around the world throughout the year. Most visitors arrive under the auspices of expensive safari-package operators.

At the time that it gained Independence in 1966, Botswana was counted among the ten poorest nations on earth. A dramatic turnaround came just a few years later when a treasure-trove of diamonds was discovered. Now the country is the third largest producer of diamonds in the world and Botswana is enjoying a growth rate and economic buoyancy unparalleled in Africa.

The country is bordered by South Africa in the south and southeast; Zambia and Zimbabwe in the northeast; and Namibia in the north and west. It is the northwest corner of the country that is the most sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts because it is here that the Okavango River drains inland from Angola to form the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world - which provides sustenance to a rich profusion of wildlife. The delta is extremely beautiful, big sky country with spectacular scenery across grassy plains and limpid lagoons. The Moremi Wildlife Reserve, covering 700 square miles (1,812 sq km) in the northeast corner of the Okavango Delta, is the ultimate African safari destination.

Climate

The hottest time of year in Botswana is also the wettest. The rainy season occurs in summer between October and April. Dry and cool weather, with cold and often frosty nights, occurs between May and September, when the average daytime temperature is a pleasant 25ºC (77ºF). The months between April and October are ideal for tourists in terms of weather and game viewing. This is the time when the wildlife is most prolific and easily spotted around the natural waterholes and dams.

Language

English is the official language. Setswana is widely spoken.

Time

GMT +2.

Money

The unit of currency is the Botswana Pula (BWP), which is divided into 100 Thebe. The word 'Pula' means rain and 'Thebe' means shield. The shield appears on the national coat of arms. Major credit cards are accepted widely, and travellers cheques and foreign currency are accepted at most large hotels and lodges. There are banks and exchange bureaux in all the main towns, as well as ATM machines. Surcharges are often high on travellers cheques, and it is best to carry cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Activities

Game viewing
It is the northwest corner of the country that is the most sought-after by wildlife enthusiasts because it is here that the Okavango River drains inland from Angola to form the Okavango Delta - the largest inland delta in the world - which provides sustenance to a rich profusion of wildlife. The favoured way to travel through the Delta's channels is on a makoro, a dug-out canoe, poled by a local guide, which gives a close-up wildlife viewing experience, but this is best done during the dry season (April to October) when the grass is short. Within the delta itself is the Moremi Wildlife Reserve, a primary game-viewing destination in a pristine wilderness area, while the Chobe National Park, also in the north, is particularly well known for its enormous elephant population.

Passport Visa

A valid passport, return or onward ticket, and sufficient funds to cover stay in Botswana are required by all visitors.

Entry Requirements

US nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. UK nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Canadian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Australian nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. South African nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Irish nationals do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to 90 days.

Embassy Consulates

United States Embassy, Gaborone: +267 395 3982.

British High Commission, Gaborone: +267 395 2841.

Consulate of Canada, Gaborone: +267 3904 411.

Australian High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 (0)12 423 6000.

South African High Commission, Gaborone: +267 390 4800/1/2.

Irish Honorary Consul, Gaborone: +267 390 5807.

New Zealand High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa (also responsible for Botswana): +27 (0)12 342 8656/7/8/9.

Health

The major health risks in Botswana are malaria, typhoid and HIV/Aids. Malaria is a particular risk between November and June in the northern parts of the country. There are no compulsory vaccinations, but a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from infected countries. Occasional outbreaks of anthrax occur among wild animals, and visitors to affected national parks should seek local advice. Botswana has a good public health system, but facilities are limited outside urban areas. Health insurance for visitors is vital. Tap water in towns is safe to drink, and all foodstuffs are safe to consume.

Safety

The majority of visits to Botswana are trouble-free, but visitors should be aware of the increasing incidence of crime, particularly armed robbery and rape, in the main towns. Wildlife and livestock make driving hazardous, so driving at night should be avoided.

Electricity

230 volts, 50Hz. Both the round three-pin and UK-style three pin plugs are used.

Business

Business is fairly relaxed in Botswana; dress is generally smart casual with a tie. Handshakes begin and end meetings, which are usually held in private. Women are often viewed with a certain amount of sexism, but will be politely treated. Office hours are usually 8am to 5pm Monday to Friday, or 7.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday between October and April.

Communications

The international access code for Botswana is +267. The outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0027 for South Africa). Gaborone's area code is 31, 35, 36 or 39; there is no NDD prefix for calling within Botswana. Mobile phones operate on a GSM 900 network and are limited to urban areas; most North American cell phones will not work. Internet cafes are available in Gaborone and Maun.

Duty Free

Travellers to Botswana can enter the country with goods to the value of P500 without incurring customs duty. These include 400 cigarettes and 50 cigars and 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of alcoholic beverages; and 50ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette.