Botswana Information

Straddling the Tropic of Capricorn, and a little larger than France, the Republic of Botswana is a relatively flat country with hilly areas along its eastern side and isolated groups of hills elsewhere.

Botswana is a semi-arid country where evaporation exceeds rainfall in every month of the year.
Set at an average altitude of 1000m above sea level, Botswana can be hot and cold! Winter begins in May with temperatures dropping to an extreme of about -7 deg ^oC. More commonly they are nearer zero, with July being the coldest month. By August it starts to warm up a little and September can be distinctly hot. October and November are the hot months that herald the rainy season, which extends through to March or April.
Rainfall is erratic, decreasing across the country from north-east to south-west, and as it does so, variability increases. The Okavango and Chobe regions receive about 600 mm a year with a 30% variation.
Given its area and relatively small population of about 1.4 million, Botswana has a low population density.
More than 70% of the country is covered with Kalahari sands - remains of a former desert. Although this vast tract is by no means a desert now, it does support a relatively small number of people. About 80% of Botswana's population is concentrated in the eastern side of the country where population densities are, therefore, quite high. Population growth rate is approximately 3.5% per annum, one of the highest in Africa. The people of Botswana include a number of groups dominated by Setswana-speaking people, all of which are known today as Botswana (plural) or Motswana (singular). History and the division of Africa by colonial powers have divided the Setswana speaking people so that more than 75% of them five outside the country.

GENERAL INFORMATION

CLOTHING
Throughout the year casual, comfortable clothes are worn - blouses, shirts, shorts or light skirts are best. Some hotels in Gaborone do not permit jeans although they are useful on safari. Jerseys and jackets are necessary for winter mornings and evenings. Muted colours are more suitable on safari, and white is not practical. In winter, warmer clothing is needed and track suits are very useful for sleeping in whilst on safari. Sturdy but comfortable shoes are essential.

ACCESSORIES
Sun block lotion, sunglasses, hats and insect repellents are essential. Binoculars are an absolute must. There is a wealth of bird and animal life worth seeing.

HEALTH
There has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of malaria infection amongst both visitors to and residents of, Botswana's malaria endemic areas. Consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to entering Botswana on the necessary precautions against the disease.
As a precaution boil or sterilise drinking water outside of the main towns.
Medical insurance cover is recommended

PUBLIC CAMPSITES
Public campsites must be booked through Dept of Wildlife, Parks & Reserves.
Tel: (+267) 661265 Fax: (+267) 661264.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visas are required by all nationals of foreign countries excluding the following: All Commonwealth countries, Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Namibia, Netherlands, Norway, Pakistan, Samoa (Western), San Marino, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Uruguay and USA. Any visitor wishing to stay more than 90 days will have to apply for prior permission to the Chief Immigration Officer, PO Box 942, Gaborone, Bo . No visitor is allowed to work or seek employment. The following countries, although members of the Commonwealth, do require visas: Ghana, India, Mauritius, Nigeria and Sri Lanka.

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the Pula. Notes are in P5, P10, P50 and P100.
Coins (Thebe) are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 2 5, 50, PI and P2.

COMMERCIAL BANKS
Barclays Bank of Botswana, Standard Chartered Botswana Limited, Stanbic, First National Bank of Botswana, Union Bank of Botswana and Zimbank of Botswana.
Banking Hours:

Monday-Friday: 09h00-l4h30.
Wednesday: 08h00-l2h00.
Saturday: 08h00-l0h45

Major hotels have foreign currency facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept travellers cheques.
Any amount of currency may be imported into Botswana as long as it is declared. On leaving Botswana P200 in cash may be exported. All other currencies may be imported and exported up to the amounts declared.

BORDER POSTS

All border posts open daily.

Kazangula Rd/Kasane/Vic Falls	06h00-18h00
Kazangula (ferry)	06h00-18h00
Zimbabwe (road)	06h00-18h00
Ngoma (bridge)	06h00-18h00
Mamuno (road)	08h00-16h00
Ramokgwebana (road)	06h00-l8h00
Pont Drift (drift)	08h00-l6h00
Platjan (drift)	08h00-l6h00
Saambou (drift)	08h00-16h00
Zanzibar (drift)	08h00-l6h00
Martin's Drift	06h00-18h00
Parr's Halt (drift)	08h00-l6h00
Sikwane (bridge)	07h00-l9h00
Tlokweng (road)	07h00-22h00
Ramadabama (road)	07h00-20h00
Bray (drift)	08h00-l6h00
Werda (drift)	08h00-16h00
Pioneer Gate (Lobatse - road)	07h00-l9h00
Ramotswa (drift)	07h00-l9h00
Phitsane-Molopo	07h30-l6h30

Certain airports function as entry points:

Gaborone	06h00-20h00
Francistown	06h00-l8h00
Maun	06h00-l8h00
Selebi-Phikwe	06h00-l8h00
Ghanzi	06h00-l8h00
Pont Drift	06h00-l6h00

CAR HIRE
Cars can be booked from anywhere in the world to be available on arrival at Gaborone airport. Cars, trucks, minibuses and four-wheel drive vehicles are also available, some with professional guides and drivers.

There are three vehicle-hire companies in Maun. Vehicles from all three companies come with drivers for which there is no additional charge. Prices, which vary, are available on request, but in all cases fuel costs are an extra. Contact Far & Wild Safaris

LANGUAGE
English is the official language. Setswana is the local language.

LOCAL TIME
GMT plus 2 hours

ELECTRICITY
230 V AC 50hz.

INTERNATIONAL TELEPHONE DIALING
From overseas: the international code + 267

Make Enquiry

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