Famous for its spectacular inland delta, BOTSWANA lies landlocked in the heart of Southern Africa amid South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. The sparse population of this flat, peaceful land is doubly blessed with an exquisite subtropical wilderness surrounded by one of the most beautiful deserts on earth. Backed by a stable, democratic government, it is a true Eden in Africa.

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The People
The main ethnic groups are the Batswana (descendants of iron age immigrants from Central West Africa), the Basarwa (san, indigenous hunter gatherers, pre iron age) and the Herero (pastoralists). 80% of the population of Botswana are rural inhabitants.

Although the official language of Botswana is English, most of the population also speak Tswana.

The Climate

• In Summer (November to April), days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 38’C (100’F) and night temperatures drop to around 20 – 25’C (68 – 77’F). 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.
• During Winter (May to October), days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20’C (68’F) and can drop to as low as 5’C (41’F) 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!

Entry Formalities
All foreign visitors to Botswana must have a passport valid for at least 12 months from date of departure. Visas are required by most nationals with a few exceptions. Please contact your local embassy for more information. KOKANYA TOURS is also able to provide you with this information on request.

Customs Concession
The following may be imported into Botswana without incurring customs duty: 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco; 2 litres of wine and 1 litre of spirits; 50 ml of perfume and 250 ml of eau de toilette; goods up to the value of P500-00.

Currency
The unit of currency is the pula (P), which is divided into 100 thebe. Notes are in P5, P10, P 20, P 50 and P 100. Coins are in denominations of 2,5, 10, 25, 50 (thebe) and P1 & P2 (Pula also means rain or greeting in Tswana)

Health Requirements
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.

Before entering Botswana, you will have to get malaria prophylactics. Also take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes.

Bank Hours
Banking hours are 9.00 – 15.30 Monday to Friday and 8.15 – 10.45 on Saturdays.

Public Transport
Public transport is very limited.

• Bus - Bus and minibus services operate in the more populated areas, but service is generally unscheduled and run according to demand.
• Rail - As rail service is scheduled, it is a more reliable form of public transport. A single railway line runs from Ramatlabama on the South African border to Ramokgwebana on the Zimbabwean border. The main stops on this route are Lobatse, Gabarone, Mahalapye, Palapye, Serule and Francistown.

Airports
Domestic air services operate between major airports:
Gabarone Airport (GBE)
Francistown Airport (FRW)
Maun Airport (MUB)
Kasane (BBK)
There are a total of 92 runways in Botswana, of which only 12 are paved. Charter services can be arranged to reach remote areas. These tend to be expensive, but are reasonably priced when booked through a tour operator such as KOKANYA TOURS.

Roads
There are 18 842 km of highways in Botswana, of which 4343 km are paved. Road conditions in the reserves of Botswana are extremely rough and dusty, and the roads tend to be badly signposted. Botswana is definitely not recommended as a self-drive destination - Four-wheel drive vehicles are essential, as are considerable driving skills to negotiate these roads in the wild. If you will be driving in Botswana, your home driving license is accepted, with an English translation if necessary. Driving is on the left hand side of the road.

The Weather
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 to October and middle season is from May to June. Book well in advance to avoid disappointment.
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 November to March, when the Okavango Delta is brimming with migratory birds.
• Best botanical months are December to May, when the vegetation is lush and green, and also when most plants are in flower.

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.

Electrical Appliances
Electricity is supplied at 220/240 volts AC, 50Hz.

Shopping in Botswana
Botswana is well known for:

• Beautifully decorative baskets, which are both functional and ornamental. These can be purchased directly from the villages or from curio shops.
• Weavings and textiles are usually quite expensive, but one is guaranteed quality and a unique item.
• Original San (Bushman) jewellery and leatherwork, including miniature items (like bows and arrows) can be purchased.
• In the north-west, traditional dolls can be bought from the Herero people. These depict Herero women in the four stages of life (childhood, puberty, adulthood and old age), dressed in their distinctive costume, as well as their traditional clothing worn before European influence.

CHOBE NATIONAL PARK
Home to the largest elephant herds in the world, the world renowned Chobe National Park measures 11 700km² and incorporates two principal wildlife areas: the riverfront and the Savute.

• The riverfront stretches along the banks of the Chobe River from Kasane through Serondela to Ngoma Bridge. The river roads offer excellent game viewing and spectacular scenery. This region is also known for superb bird viewing, especially during the summer months.
• The Savute is the vast central body of the reserve, incorporating the Mababe Depression. The immensity of the depression is stunning, whether seen in the dry season, when it can appear almost desert-like and barren beyond belief, or after the rain on a crystal clear days across the vivid green of new grass.

MOREMI GAME RESERVE & OKAVANGO REGION

• This pristine wilderness area of Botswana is reputed to be Africa's most beautiful reserve. There are a wide range of habitats in Moremi - from the riparian woodlands, floodplains, reed beds and the permanent wetland of the Okavango Delta, through towering stands of Mopane forests to the dry savannah woodlands. Such a wide variety of habitats implies a wide variety of wildlife and at any time of the year, game is prolific (although what is seen obviously varies with the seasons).
• The mosaic of land and water comprising the Okavango Delta is a birder's haven, especially from November to March when the area is brimming with migratory birds.
• Other activities possible in this area are fishing, photography and guided nature walks on the islands of the Delta, which lie outside the boundaries of the reserve.

E&OE

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