|
Safari Destinations – Botswana
home > safari destinations > botswana
Introduction
Botswana is a land locked country, dominated in geographical terms by the Kalahari Desert, but it is probably more famous for its spectacular inland Okavango Delta.
Botswana offers travelers truly amazing and diverse safari experiences in pristine environments.
Explore the fascinating deserts, wetlands, savannahs, the delta and wildlife-packed game reserves of one of the wildest regions in Africa.
Botswana is a sparsely populated country and is backed by a stable, democratic government.
It is often described as 'Africa 's success story' since its independence in 1966, and it continues to achieve growth and economic development today.
Full Name: Republic of Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland)
Capital: Gaborone
Population: 1,464,167 (estimated July 1999)
Time Zone: GMT + 2 hours
Currency: Pula (P), which is divided into 100 Thebes (Pula also means rain or greeting in Tswana)
International Dialing Code: 09267+
Visas and Entry Requirements
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).
Where applicable, visas should be obtained from your nearest Botswana Consulate. The cost is Pula 25.
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.
Language
Although the official language of Botswana is English, most of the population also speaks Setswana. Guided safaris are always conducted in English.
Culture
The main ethnic groups are the Botswana (descendants of Iron Age immigrants from Central West Africa), the Basarwa (San, indigenous hunter gatherers, pre iron age), and the Herero (Paternalists). Eighty percent of the population of Botswana are rural inhabitants.
Money / Currency
The unit of currency is the Pula (P), which is divided into 100 Thebes. Notes are in P5, P10, P20, P50 and P100. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 (Thebes) and P1 & P2.
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. However, please note that 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. Tips for porters are usually P1.50 per bag, golf caddies usually around P20 a round, and your game ranger P10 per person per day.
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 minimizes 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 immunization is recommended. Travelers 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.
When to Go?
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 Nov - March when the Delta is brimming with migratory birds.
Best botanical months are Dec - 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 - October and middle season is from May - June. Note that availability is at a premium during these seasons so you will need to book well in advance.
There are several reasons for November to April being a less popular time for travel. This is the wet season and due to the abundance of water, it is less certain that one will see wildlife at perennial water holes. Also, the heavy rains can make dirt roads impassable.
Weather, Seasons & Climate
Summer: November to April
Days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 38°C and night temperatures drop to around 20°C - 25°C. 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
Days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20°C and can drop to as low as 5°C 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!
General Accommodation Information
It is strongly recommended that you reserve all your accommodation as far in advance as possible, since most of the lodges in Botswana are very small and availability for most accommodation is at a premium. Lodges and safari camps are predominantly located in the Chobe, Moremi, Okavango and Tuli Block areas and range from tented sites, to established camps with permanently tented camps (often including an en suite bathroom with flush toilet), to chalets built from reeds or brick. Campsites at the national parks are very basic. One can expect flush 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.
Clothes / What to Pack?
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year.
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.
Baggage
If you are traveling with an organized 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.
Electricity
220/240 Volts AC, 50Hz.
Shopping
xxx
Travel Tips / Safety
Botswana is a very safe destination with a low crime rate. The people of Botswana are generally very friendly. Hitchhiking is commonly practiced and it is quite safe to do so. The greatest dangers are out in the wild and visitors should adhere to the rules when visiting parks. Never get out of your vehicle unless absolutely safe to do so and never confront wild animals.
Water
Throughout Botswana at hotels, inns, lodges and other public places, tap water is purified and safe to drink. Please remember that water is a scarce resource, especially in a drought-stricken area such as Botswana so please be respectful and help to conserve water.
Public Holidays
- New Year´s Day - 1st January
- Day after New Year´s - Day 2nd 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 - 30th September
- Day after Botswana Day - 1st October
- Christmas Day - 25th December
- Boxing Day - 26th December
- Day after Boxing Day - 27th December
|
