Travel Guide - Botswana

Botswana

Botswana is a beautiful land locked nation bordered by Namibia to the west and northwest, Zimbabwe to the east and South Africa to the south. Botswana`s geo-set up is characterized by a sandy basins and scrub savannah. The country`s most prolific touristic gem is the Kalahari Desert and her vast expanse of semi-arid valleys. The desert covers almost 85 percent of the entire country.

Other attractions include the Okavango River up North, and several wildlife reserves that make Botswana an authentic African country. These wildlife reserves include Moremi Wildlife Reserve and the Chobe National Park, as well as the Makgadikdadi and Nxai Pans National Park.

Climate

Botswana is landlocked and has a subtropical desert climate characterized by great differences in day and night temperatures, virtually no rainfall and overall low humidity. The dry season runs May to October with little to no rain during the entire winter and low humidity, 20 to 40%. The temperatures are relatively cool, typically 10°C in the morning and 28°C in the afternoon. The wet season starts November to April where Clouds start to appear, bringing cooler temperatures and an occasional late afternoon shower. This pattern of change continues in December, with typical temperatures between 20°C in the morning and 33°C in the afternoon.

Topography

Botswana is a broad tableland with average altitude of 1,000 metres. A vast plateau about 1,200 metres in height, extending from near Kanye north to the Zimbabwean border, divides the country into two distinct topographical regions. The eastern region is hilly bush country and grassland. To the west lie the Okavango Swamps and the Kalahari Desert. The only sources of year-round surface water are the Chobe River in the north, the Limpopo in the southeast, and the Okavango in the northwest.

Language

Official language is English. Setswana is spoken by the majority of the population.

Electric Supply

Installations are of British standard and appliances should be fitted with a square, three in plugs of the British style. The voltage is 240 Volts 50 Hz for domestic use. The voltage fluctuates continually, however, the proper surge protectors are advisable for any expensive equipment.

Time

Two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GTM+2).

Banking Hours

Banking hours are from 09:00 to 14:30 hrs on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. On Wednesdays from 08:15 hrs to noon in major towns.

Communication

Communication includes a system of Telephone, Radio and Television broadcasts, Internet, mail, and several Newspapers,Telex, Fax and Airmail services. International direct calling is available at most hotels and the several Internet cafes.

Medical Services

Botswana has good health services, with some good government and private hospitals and clinics in the major cities and other towns. Air rescue services are also available.

Currency

The Botswana Pula is the currency of Botswana. Coins P5, P2, P1, 50t, 25t, 10t, and 5t. Notes P10, P20, P50, P100 and P200.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards can only be used in large hotels, resorts, and with certain travel agents.

Working Hours

Government Offices: 07:30 to 16:30 hrs

Business: 08:00 to 17:00 hrs

Shops 09:00 to 18:00hrs Monday to Friday 09:00 to 15:00 hrs Saturday and Sunday 09:00 to 13:00hrs

Public Holidays

Customs Regulations

Free import

Wines - 2 litres, Spirituous and other alcoholic beverages - 1 litre. Cigarettes – 200, Cigars – 20, Cigarette or pipe tobacco - 250 grammes, Perfume - 50 mililitres, Toilet water - 250 mililitres.

Restricted items

Further details regarding restrictions on the importation of agricultural products can be obtained from the Director of Animal Health and Production, Gaborone and the Director of Crop Production and Forestry, Private Bag 003, Gaborone. There are quantiy restrictions on Red meat, goat or lamb, Poultry meat, tinned poultry meat, Eggs, Fresh milk, Maize and maize products.

Wheat, Sorghum and sorghum products, Cabbage, Onions, Potatoes, Oranges, Tomatoes. The regulations on importing meat and meat products change frequently because they are based on disease outbreaks in different countries.

Prohibited items

Narcotic, habit-forming drugs and related substances in any form, Military firearms, ammunition and explosives, Indecent and obscene material such as pornographic books, magazines, films, videos, DVDs and software.

Health Requirements

All visitors are advised to take an antimalarial prophylactic beginning two weeks before the arrival and continuing for six weeks after their departure. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over one year of age coming from countries with infected areas. Other travellers are strongly advised to obtain vaccination against the disease before visiting the country.