TRAVEL TIPS
Capital City
Gaborone
Population
Estimated 2.1 million with an approximate growth rate of 3.5% per annum
Religion
Botswana is a Christian majority nation but allows freedom of religious practice.
Economy
Meat export, mining and tourism
Botswana was a British protectorate for over 80 years until attaining independence from Britain on 30th September 1966. Since then, the Republic of Botswana has gained the status of one of the most developed and stable countries in Southern Africa.
Botswana is a landlocked country, bordered by Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and South Africa, with a surface of 600 370 km² – that is the size of France.
Formerly known as Bechuanaland, Botswana is named after its most dominant and largest tribe known as the Tswana or Batswana, with the national language known as Setswana and official language as English.
A year-round safari destination, Botswana is home to some of the most renowned and unique game reserves and habitats in Africa. More than 17% of the country is set aside as national parks or game reserves and the government is highly committed to wildlife conservation and ensuring a low impact tourism policy in place.
The mysterious Okavango Delta and its floods, the mesmerising Makgadikgadi Salt Pans and the elephant’s capital city of Chobe National Park, just to mention a few, will certainly provide travellers with an intimate, game rich and exclusive safari experience.
Access
Air Botswana is the national air carrier providing international flights between Maun, Kasane and Gaborone from/to Johannesburg . In addition, a domestic route is currently available between Gaborone and Maun.
By air
Air Botswana is the national air carrier providing international flights between Maun, Kasane and Gaborone from/to Johannesburg . In addition, a domestic route is currently available between Gaborone and Maun.
- South African Airways has twice daily flights between Johannesburg and Gaborone, during the week and a daily flight between Johannesburg and Maun and Kasane. In addition, there is a daily flight that links Cape Town and Maun, Johannesburg with Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) or Johannesburg with Vilanculos (Mozambique.)
- Air Namibia flies daily (except Tuesdays) from Windhoek to Gaborone and Windhoek to Victoria Falls
- Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi to Gaborone and Victoria Falls
- Air charter services are also available.
- Most major international airlines from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia fly to Johannesburg, where connecting flights can be booked to Gaborone, Maun or Kasane. It is also possible to fly from Europe, the United States, Asia and Australia to Victoria Falls or Livingstone
For further information on flights:
Air Botswana
Tel: +267 395-1921
SA Airlink
Tel: +267 390-2210/12
Air Namibia
Tel: +26 461-299-6444
By road
Botswana is accessible by tarred road from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Namibia. Vehicles are driven on the left hand side of the road. Most major roads in Botswana are tarred and driving conditions are generally good.
By bus
There are scheduled bus services across borders between Botswana and South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, as well as internal bus services linking major and minor towns and villages across the country. Please, bear in mind distances are long, road conditions variable and buses are not what you can expect in terms of comfort.
By rail
There are no passenger train services in Botswana.
By taxi
Taxis are normally a convenient way to get around in towns and are reasonably priced. They are easily identified and most of the time you will be sharing with other passengers unless you ask for a “special”, meaning the ride will be just for you and door-to-door.
Currency
The local currency and tender within Botswana is Pula (meaning rain) with denominations of Thebe. In addition, US dollars and Euros are also widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country. All credit cards are accepted at hotels.
Currency
- The local currency and tender within Botswana is Pula (meaning rain) with denominations of Thebe. In addition, US dollars and Euros are also widely accepted at lodges and hotels throughout the country. All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, lodges, shops and restaurants. However, most establishments do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.
- Coins: 5t, 10t, 25t, 50t, P1, P2 and P5 (100 thebe for P1.00)
Notes: P10, P20, P50, P100, P200
- All major credit cards are accepted throughout Botswana, Visa and MasterCard preferred.
- Full banking services and ATM machines are available in major towns and cities throughout Botswana but only local currency is available. Visa and Mastercard are accepted and Maestro cards are usually not accepted in all ATM machines.
- Banking hours run from 8:30 -15:30 Monday to Friday and 09:00 -11:00 on Saturdays.
Weather & water levels
Water levels are continuously changing dependant on each year’s rain fall and the Delta flood levels. Should water levels be high, it is likely that some roads may be close due to flooding. Bush airstrips could be also affected.
Should water levels be high, it is likely that some roads may be close due to flooding Bush airstrips could be also affected; some have to close when water levels are high – requiring properties to use alternative airstrips nearby and therefore longer road/game drive transfers into camp. Should this occur we shall advise at the time of booking. Dependant on your travel period, weather conditions may vary. There is no rule of thumb but generally speaking, this is how the weather behaves in Botswana. November to March – these are the summer months and rainy season. Days and nights are hot with temperatures reaching +-30 ⁰C. As it is also the rainy season, showers are to be expected. April and May – it is usually the end of the rainy season; however an odd rain shower or storm might appear here and there experience the odd rain shower. The temperatures are still high during the day, though cooler than over the summer months, but towards night and early morning it starts to get cooler. June to early September – are the winter months here in Botswana. Believe or not early mornings and evenings can get very cold, with temperatures dropping below 10 ⁰C. In more desert-like regions, such as the Kalahari, it gets even colder. On the other hand, the temperature during the day is very pleasant ranging between 23-26 ⁰C. Mid-September and October – September is the end of the winter, where evenings and early mornings could still be bit chilly but the days are rapidly warming up. October is the hottest month of the year day and night temperatures easily oscillate between 30-40 ⁰C.Water levels
Water levels are continuously changing dependant on each year’s rain fall and the Delta flood levels.
Weather
Visas
Any person who wishes to visit Botswana will require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. In addition, a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to cover the stay in Botswana are necessary.
All visitors to Botswana require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. In addition, a return or onward ticket and sufficient funds to cover the stay in Botswana are necessary. With the purpose of growing and promoting the tourism industry, Botswana has broadened its entry requirements to a certain number of countries. Travellers holding the following passports and nationality do not require a visa to enter Botswana and will be granted a 30 day permit on arrival. A maximum of 90 days per annum is available on request at nearest immigration office. Entry and visa requirements are subject to change at any time, therefore we ask you to ensure you personally check all entry requirements in advance and prior to travel. We always recommend reconfirming these details with the nearest Botswana Embassy or High Commission. Note: For countries with which Botswana has no diplomatic representation, visa information and processing is available through British Embassies and High Commissions. Should you require a visa for Botswana, it is highly recommended that these are organised prior to arrival, most visas cannot be obtained on entry to Botswana. For up to date info please always check the below links For entry requirements to South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Mozambique please refer to the below VISA
Communications
Electricity supply in Botswana is 220/240v. Most common wall sockets require 3 pin round or 3 square pin plugs.
It is recommended to bring an international adaptor suitable with the above requirements.
Communications
Electricity
Electricity supply in Botswana is 220/240v.
Most common wall sockets require 3 round or 3 square pin plugs. It is recommended to bring an international adaptor suitable with the above requirements.
Whilst on mobile safari and within many of the remotely located lodges and bush camps, permanent electricity is not available. Lodges and bush camps run on generator and solar power supplies, therefore using invertor systems to provide a 220v power supply to tents and main lounge areas. Guests are able to use these power supplies to charge camera batteries and smaller electrical goods, however note hair dryers, electrical shaving devices etc. will not be possible.
Internet and mobile phones coverage
Mobile phone coverage and internet connection is readily available in major towns and cities.
The majority of wilderness locations and lodges do not have mobile phone coverage or internet connection readily available to guests. A handful of lodges within the Delta and Savuti regions offer limited Wi-Fi connection to guests, available either to use in your room only or alternatively within the main lounge area.
It is preferred that guests do not use satellite phones/cellular phones and or Skype connection whilst in the bush lodges and camps to avoid disturbing other guests and using up the camps/lodges communication network – which is much needed to run the camp logistics and possible emergency situations.
Lodges and hotels within Maun, Kasane, Victoria Falls and Livingstone offer internet connection and cellular phone coverage.
Whilst on safari, emergency contact between the safari operators and office bases in towns is via radio link and/or satellite phone connections. Botswana Holidays will act as an emergency local contact at all times during your safari and will assist when necessary.
Air transfers & luggage
Inter camp flights are booked on a seat rate basis, which may entail at least 2 stopovers prior to reaching your destination. Flight times are scheduled no more than 48 hours prior to travel and will be advised the day prior.
Inter-camp flights are booked on a seat rate basis, which may entail at least 2 stopovers prior to reaching your destination. Flight times are scheduled no more than 48 hours prior to travel and will be advised the day prior by the charter company to your accommodation. The majority of lodges have bush airstrips which are inspected regularly by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to make sure they are in good condition and comply with all safety requirements. On occasion, these airstrips may be closed due to weather and flooding and Botswana Holidays may need to fly you into a nearby airstrip and transfer you to camp in which case times will be affected. We will endeavour to advise you in good time of any changes – but we do also ask you be flexible as conditions can change at the last minute. Our preferred air charter company is Mack Air. Operating since 1994, Mack Air has proved to be a reliable and efficient operator with an impeccable reputation built up over the years. Recently, 10 new Grand Caravans EX have been added to the fleet allowing travellers for more comfort. All aircrafts are regularly inspected and adhere to the CAA regulations. Occasionally, and due to airstrips regulations, we will book alternative reputable air charter companies based in Maun. We will advise this to you in your travel schedule. Air charter planes have pods under the plane which carry the luggage and, for this reason weight, size and style of bag is very important. Please, carefully read through the below Depending upon the time of year you are travelling to Botswana, light weight clothing in neutral colours such as cotton and cotton blends are most suitable. During winter and rainy season months, warm/windproof jackets are strongly recommended. Walking shoes and sandals are recommended whilst in the bush areas. A swimming costume is also recommended as many lodges do have swimming pools – and you will appreciate it over the summer months! For the evenings around dinner table and fire gathering, we suggest light weight neutral long sleeved shirts and trousers – it is important to keep the mosquitoes away! Regarding your camera equipment, it would be a good idea to get your travel insurance to cover it. Make sure you carry sufficient memory cards for your cameras – once you start your safari there are very few places to purchase these. We also recommend that you carry a battery charger and extra batteries, as although in many places these can be charged, there may be times when this is not possible – especially whilst on a camping mobile safari. Equipment needs to be kept in soft sided cases and we recommend you carry this with you as hand luggage planes.Air transfers & luggage restriction
Mack Air carries a fully comprehensive Passenger Liability insurance of US$100 million Combined Single Limit
Should passengers have excess luggage, we will gladly assist and try to make arrangements to store the excess for the duration of the safari – however, we cannot guarantee this as it will depend on the charter company! Excess luggage can be also booked to at an additional cost.What to pack
Road transfers & self-driving
Road transfers are booked on a seat rate basis unless otherwise advised, but private transfers can also be organised on request for an additional cost. We commonly arrange many cross border transfers from Botswana to Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
Road transfers are booked on a seat rate basis unless otherwise advised, but private transfers can be also organised on request for an additional cost. We commonly arrange many cross border transfers from Botswana to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) or between Zambia and Zimbabwe with our preferred partner, Wild Horizons. Note scheduled seat rate transfers may entail one or two stopovers prior to final destination. Scheduled transfers run with a minimum of 2 persons (so single supplements will apply for single travellers). This means you may be picking up and dropping off other people en route to your hotel. Private transfers are possible with a minimum charge of 4 persons. All cross border transfers are air-conditioned and staff will help you with border formalities. The border crossing between Kasane and Livingstone requires a short motorboat excursion/ferry across the Chobe River. Transfers are conducted in small air conditioned mini buses, open 4wd safari vehicles or saloon cars, dependant on destination and number of guests. Botswana Holidays will only book through air charter and vehicle transfer companies that meet, or better, the Botswana Tourism public liability insurance guideline. United Kingdom and international driver’s licences are accepted in Botswana for a maximum of 90 days. Do not forget to carry along the vehicle registration documents Self -driving across the national parks and game reserves in Botswana require rugged 4WD vehicles with high clearance. Should guests be entering these areas, it is important to ensure that your vehicle has spare tyres, additional fuel reserves and suitable equipment required such as shovels, tow ropes etc. Many car hire companies will offer a GPS and a satellite phone included in the rate. If not, please do not hesitate to request these items to be included. Your peace of mind and safety are worth a few more extra dollars. Campsites within the national parks and game reserves are not fenced. Wildlife is free to roam through the campsites day and night. Always respect and follow the park rules! Common sense must prevail above the adventure mood. Always start your trip when there is day light and avoid driving at dusk/dawn and at night on the main roads. The road conditions will not be as good as you are probably used to and the presence of livestock all over the country makes driving bit challenging sometimesRoad transfers
Self-driving
Health & travel insurance
Botswana is a malaria risk area; you are therefore required to take all necessary precautions, prior, during and after your safari.
Talk to your doctor to get further information and advice about how to prevent malaria and precautions to be taken.
Botswana is a malaria risk area, and you are therefore required to take all necessary precautions, prior, during and after your safari. Talk to your doctor to get further information and advice about how to prevent malaria and precautions to be taken. Areas of Botswana with risk of malaria: Boteti, Chobe (including Chobe National Park), Ngamiland, Okavango Delta and Ghanzi. Yellow Fever vaccinations are required for travellers who have visited yellow fever declared country within 6 months of their arrival in Botswana. For a full list of yellow fever declared countries, please check the World Health Organization website. Guests arriving in Botswana from Kenya or other yellow fever affected countries may also be required to show vaccination records. Up until 2015, these documents were required; however it has been advised that it is no longer needed to show proof of vaccination. Nonetheless, and because regulations might change, we highly do recommend you contact your local doctor, Embassy or for up to date information Other several vaccinations, such as typhoid and Hepatitis A & B are recommended when visiting Botswana. If you decide to take these vaccinations, ensure you visit your doctor in advance to have enough time to complete your course of vaccinations. All guests travelling to Botswana must be adequately covered by comprehensive travel insurance to take into account all aspects of their holiday. You should clearly indicate to the insurance company you will be on a safari, as this type of trip might have different. We highly recommend organising your travel insurance in your home country. All the below aspects should be considered and included in the policy: Please, double check with your insurance company that your insurance policy will be accepted by service providers in Botswana. Reasonably priced medical services are available at government clinics and hospitals throughout the country. Private medical practitioners are available in the cities and major towns, such as Gaborone, Francistown, Kasane and Maun. Sense of Africa, trading as Botswana Holidays, is covered by comprehensive liability insurance for up to 20 million Botswana pula per incident.Health
Travel and medical insurance
Travelling with children
It is a requirement that for all travel via South Africa, even if in transit, in order to enter Botswana all adults travelling with children under the age of 18 years will be required to carry an original copy of the child’s unabridged (full version) birth certificate.
It is a requirement that for all travel via South Africa, even if in transit, and to enter Botswana, all adults travelling with children under the age of 18 years will be required to carry an original copy of the child’s unabridged (full version) birth certificate. It is also advised that should you be travelling as a solo parent with your child/children, you carry a certified affidavit with permission from the other parent clearly stating authorisation for the child/children to travel. Should you visit other neighbouring countries, please check for latest information with the correspondent embassy. Extreme heat and dryness can affect children badly – use sunblock cream and hats, keep them well hydrated at all times and avoid direct sun exposition as much as possible.Travelling with children