Botswana - Travel Tips

Botswana is one of Africa's greatest success stories. The country is sparsely populated, politically stable and rich in resources. It is home to some of the best run and unspoilt game reserves in Africa, which have operated a policy of quality, not quantity. Botswana holds a number of exciting destinations, the most famous of which is the "Jewel of the Kalahari" - The Okavango Delta. This unique environment of crystal clear water channels and lush vegetation can best be experienced in total tranquillity from a mokoro (a traditional dug out canoe).

Riding, elephant back and walking safari's can all be made in the heart and drier areas of the delta and game drives by vehicle may be made in the bordering Moremi National Park.

To the south and east of the delta lie the Nxai and Makgadikgadi Pans National Parks - a region rarely visited by tourists, but an unforgettable sight where white salt pans stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted occasionally by Ilala palm islands and where you will be able to hear the silence! - an unforgettable experience. This unique landscape can be enjoyed from the luxurious Jack's Camp.

The Chobe National Park, famous for its large herds of elephant during the dry season and its riverine beauty and exclusive lodges along the Zambezi, lies to the North East of Botswana.

The Okavango is best reached by plane or Land Rover, but access to the heart of the delta is only possible by motor boat under the guidance of an expert in this region. The operators we represent in the country are all long established in the safari industry, who have spent their lives in the bush and have developed an extensive knowledge of the flora, fauna and their intertwined ecosystems. Fly in and around the delta staying at luxurious permanent camps. Enjoy the ultimate water experience, where most game viewing is by mokoro and where bird life is the dominant feature.

Combine this with the drier regions of the delta, where savannah plains lie in direct contrast alongside marshes and floodplains. The abundant game including predators can be viewed on foot or on game drives. Alternatively take a mobile tented safari - a chance to visit a large cross section of the delta and desert, all in four wheel drive vehicles. This type of safari oozes with tradition, and although the camps are not permanent, all luxuries are still available and personal service is the priority.

Game can be viewed during day and night drives, as well as on walking safaris and mokoro trips. Try something different and unique, spend 5 days on safari amongst a herd of elephants. View the abundant game from atop a back of an elephant. There is even the chance of swimming with these gentle giants. Botswana can be easily combined with several relaxing or adventurous days at the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or with a safari in Zambia.

The People

Both English and Tswana are official languages of the country.   English is spoken and understood across Botswana.

Safety

In the cities, adhere to the following:

Don't walk alone in apparently deserted areas, especially in and around the cities. It is preferable and usually more enjoyable to walk with company or in groups. Don't carry large sums of cash in your purse or pocket.
or display expensive jewelry. Be aware of the possibility of pick-pockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas. Make photocopies of the first few pages of your passport, air ticket and other important travel documents. Keep this separate from the originals. Don't leave money or valuables in a hotel room. Most hotels offer safety deposit box service, and ensure that you have adequate insurance coverage before leaving home.

In the wildlife areas:

Always remember that while some animals have become accustomed to the presence of people they are still wild animals. Keep your distance. It is illegal to feed any animal, make excessive noise to attract their attention, or deviate from designated roads for that closer photograph. Never get out of your vehicle except at designated points. Close all windows and zippers when you leave your room or tent and spray it with insect repellant.

The best way to get the most out of your safari is to take an active interest in everything going on around you, not just the number of species you can see in the shortest possible time. Ask all the questions you can think of and take reference books on not only wildlife but birds, insects and trees and read up about everything you see.

Health

It is advisable to take out emergency medical insurance prior to entering Botswana

Bilharzia: The bilharzia parasite is found in many lakes, streams and rivers on the continent. Avoid swimming in them!

Vaccinations for cholera, tetanus and yellow fever are advised. Malaria is virulent in Botswana. Take prophylactics two weeks before arrival and continue two weeks after leaving. Your chemist or doctor can advise you of the most suitable drug available as certain drugs lose their effectiveness.
Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe.

It is advisable to buy travel insurance covering accidents, illness or hospitalization for the period of your stay.  People who may require emergency medical attention on safari are flown to South Africa for the best medical attention available in the country.

Water

Tap water in the major towns is purified and perfectly safe to drink. In the more remote areas always boil it first, except if you’re staying at a lodge or hotel where drinking water is perfectly safe.

Chemists / pharmacies

Travellers should carry an adequate supply of medicines and first aid accessories with them as supplies are limited in the more remote areas of Botswana. Most chemists in the major towns are open from 08h30 to 12h30 and 14h00 to 17h00. Monday to Friday and 08h00 to 13h00 on Saturdays.

Accommodation

Standards and services range from up-market to tourist. Deluxe and first class hotels are found in the main cities. Luxurious lodges are set in exotic locations, while comfortable tented camps are found in the main game parks.

Electricity

Power supply is 220/240 volt 50 cycle. Plugs are usually 13-amp 3 pin square (British type)

Banks

Banking hours are standardized across the country. They are from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; from 8:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon on Wednesday and from 8:15 a.m. to 10:45 on Saturday. There are no foreign currency transactions on Saturday, but hotels and lodges exchange money.

Currency

The local currency is the Pula. Visitors can take out any foreign currency they bring into the country, but only 500 may be taken out in cash, the rest in Traveler's Checks.

Credit Cards, Cash and Traveler's Checks

International credit cards are accepted by most restaurants, stores, hotels, lodges, camps, car rental firms, etc. However, many small shops in rural areas will not  accept them. American Express, Thomas Cook, Visa and MasterCard Traveler's Checks are widely accepted.

Tipping

A tip of 10% for good service is adequate. Service charges are frequently added and it is usual to tip a tour driver or guide at least US $5 a day.

Communications

Postal services are fairly well organized in Botswana and you should have no problem sending or receiving letters. All major hotels have fax machines at the disposal of their guests as well as telex services. Telephone directories will list all the international dialing codes. Both local and long-distance calls are metered on a time basis.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Botswana is during the Winter/Spring months between May and September. This is the best time to view wildlife. While days are warm during this time of the year, nights can be quite cool.

Climate

Botswana has a sub- tropical climate, with October to April being the rainy season.

Clothing

Lightweight casual clothes can be worn all year round, with a jacket or sweater for early winter mornings and evenings. On safari keep clothes to a minimum and mostly of neutral coloring - khakis, browns and greens. A sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are a must. Bring a hat, good walking shoes and sun screen. Don't forget swim wear and binoculars. Some city restaurants  and clubs have dress codes - casual jacket and tie for men, informal dresses for women.

Laundry

Most hotels and lodges will offer a laundry service. In most places one could hire someone to do your washing.

Photography

Botswana offers breathtaking scenery and wildlife and photographic opportunities. Be sure to bring your own photo supplies including plenty of film (video cassettes if you're bringing a camcorder) and batteries - they will not be readily available everywhere. A telephoto lens of at least 200 mm is useful for wildlife photography, and an ultra violet filter and lens cap are strongly recommended. Note that taking pictures of government and military personnel and installations is not advised. It is customary to ask before you photograph people.

Driving

Driving is done on the left side of the road. Drivers require a valid license that must include a picture of the holder.

If you’re doing a vehicle trip through Botswana it is a good idea to carry a range of tools and essential spares with you. Two spare wheels and a couple of spare tubes are a must due to the condition of the roads. Spare jerry cans of fuel and water, a tow rope, compressor, winch and a spotlight are useful items to have. Many of the villages along the main routes offer tire mending services at a very reasonable fee. .

Be very careful in towns and villages not to leave your vehicle open and unattended. People with little are easily tempted. You should have no problem sleeping outdoors in designated camping areas or remote places along the way, but get into the habit of locking things away before you go to sleep.

Car Rental

Car rental companies are represented at the major airports and in the cities, as are taxis.

Transportation by Air

There are two international airports, one at Gaborone and a new airport in Kasane. From these airports, you can take chartered links to Maun near Botswana's game parks and other areas throughout Southern Africa.

Botswana has a fairly well developed road system. However, roads in remote areas are often poor quality. Four-wheel drives tend to be the vehicles of choice, particularly if you want to venture off the beaten track.

Departure Tax

An airport departure tax of U.S. $20 is envisaged, but not yet in operation.

Customs Requirements

Visitors to Botswana are subject to clearance through customs. Personal property which will be re-exported at the end of your visit is not subject to customs duties. Americans and Canadians do not require visas.

Time Differences

Throughout the year, Standard Time in Botswana  is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, one hour ahead of Central European Winter Time, and seven hours ahead of Eastern Standard Winter Time in the U.S.

African Safari Consultants
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