Botswana is one of few countries in Africa that was never colonised although it was a protectorate of England. It has one of the lowest population densities and some of the largest remaining herds of wildlife in the world. Due to the discovery of rich diamond mines in the middle of the 20th century, Botswana changed from being one of the poorest to one of the richest countries in Africa. It is a vast open arid country, well-known for the Okavango Delta, the biggest delta in the world, rich in the diversity of fauna and flora. Many national parks are found in Botswana and although expensive, it gives the visitor a unique opportunity to enjoy a safari without meeting the hordes of tourists that other countries are famous for. It is also in Botswana where one can still see traces of the Bushmen, the desert dwelling nomads that survived with bows and arrows throughout the centuries.
Geography
Botswana is landlocked between Namibia in the west, Angola and Zambia in the north, Zimbabwe in the east and South Africa in the south. Most of the countryside, excluding the hilly eastern and north-eastern areas, is broad, flat and arid landscape, known as the Kalahari. In the north-western part, the Okavango River disappears into the sand as it forms various river arteries into what is known as the Okavango Delta, the largest inland delta in the world. Throughout the country various pans, or huge shallow salty depressions, void of any life, can be found. These fill up with water during the rainy season and gives sanctuary to many birds and animals.
Climate
The hot summer is between October and April and this includes the rain season that normally runs from December to March. During the rainy season (accompanied with thunderstorms and high humidity) it can be very difficult to see game as the grass can grow taller than any vehicle and tracks in parks can get quite muddy. Many of the camps in the reserves are closed from December to March. The cooler and dry period is from May to September with dust storms during August and very cold nights. This is the most popular time to visit, especially in June. In the south of the country it rarely rains.
Area size: 600 370 km2 (about 235 000 square miles)
Population: 1.4 million (1998 estimate)
People per km2: 2.3
Population Growth Rate: 1.1% (1998 estimate)
Capital: Gaborone (Population - 130 000)
Currency: Pula
Unemployment Rate: NA
GDP: US$3300 per capita
Head of State: President Festus MOGAE
Official Language: English
Other Languages: Setswana
Time: GMT +2
Telephone Country Code: +267
Electricity: 220 - 240 V
Required clothing
Medium-weight clothes are necessary with warm sweaters for the cool evenings. For travelling in the south only lightweight clothes are required including warm sweaters for the cold nights. To prevent mosquito and tsetse-fly bites, it is important to wear long-sleeve shirts and long trousers.
Health and Safety
Compared to the rest of Africa, Botswana is not a risky place to visit from a health perspective. In spite of this, there are certain precautions visitors should take even though there are no legal requirements for taking these precautions. Botswana requires no inoculations except for visitors from yellow fever zones.
Civil unrest and disorder are rare in Botswana, although one should be careful of pickpockets and bag-snatchers in Gaborone. Travelling at night is not recommended due to the many stray and wild animals on the road, including elephant! Curios made of ivory, horn, bone, claw, skin, egg or any part of an animal must be accompanied with a government permit or a receipt from a licensed shop. This rule is strictly enforced. When travelling in the bush notify the authorities or a hotel, and if possible travel with other vehicles. If camping in the wild, remember that there are predators around that can be dangerous to humans. Keep food supplies well out of reach of animals.
Money Matters
Pula (P) = 100 thebe.
All major foreign currencies (travellers' cheques and cash) will be exchanged by banks, forex bureau's and certain luxury hotels in the bigger towns. It is however advisable to bring along currencies in US Dollars or British Pounds to minimise costs on exchange rates and commissions. Credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club acceptance is limited. Foreign monies need to be declared when arriving and export is limited to the total that was declared on arrival.
Botswana Transport
The best gateway to enter Botswana is via Johannesburg International Airport with regular connections throughout the whole world. Air Botswana flies regularly between Johannesburg, Harare and Victoria Falls with over 37 flights a week only to Johannesburg.
Botswana has a well-developed road network with easy access to its neighbouring countries. The vast majority of the roads are tarmac. Gaborone is only 360km from Johannesburg, with a good road link.
The main entry points into Botswana are as follows:
* From Zimbabwe - Ramokgwebane, Pandamatenga and Kazungula
* From Namibia - Mamuno, Mohembo and Ngoma Bridge
* From Zambia - Kazungula Ferry
* From South Africa - Martin's Drift (from Northern Transvaal); Tlokweng (from Johannesburg); Ramatlabama (from Mafikeng)
An easy way to reach Johannesburg is by mini-bus. There are mini-buses everyday from Gaborone to Mafikeng and Johannesburg departing from the main bus station in Gaborone. There are also buses to Johannesburg every day between 5:30 and 6:00 am.
Accommodation and Food
Accommodation in Botswana is relatively expensive. Luxury hotels can be found in the bigger towns including Maun, Gaborone, and Francistown and luxury lodges can be found throughout the bigger national parks. Camping is available in all the towns and game reserves, but nothing prevents one to drive into the bush to camp. This should be done with caution though. For more information on accommodation contact the Hotel and Tourism Association of Botswana in Gaborone. Tel: +267 357144. Fax: +267 303201 or E-mail: HATAB@info.bw.
Food is generally available in various supermarkets and meat (especially beef) is extremely cheap compared to neighbouring countries. Care should be taken with water and it should be either filtered or boiled.
Social Behaviour
There is some intricate greeting behaviour in Botswana. It is expected that the eldest person or those with higher status will greet others first. Therefore when entering a shop, greet everyone first. Be aware and respect local customs. Do not wear army or any camouflage clothes (single coloured khaki is fine though), but rather wear comfortable clothes. Be sensitive to the local population when photographing and ask permission first.
Although tipping taxi-drivers is not common, a 10% tip can be given to waiters and a pre-agreed sum to guides.
Useful Addresses
For more information on tourism in Botswana, contact:
Department of Tourism Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Private Bag 0047, Gaborone Tel: + 267 353024 Fax: +267 308675
There are some diplomatic representation in certain countries of the world including
England
Botswana High Commission
6 Stratford Place, London
W1N 9AE
Tel: +44 171 4990031
Fax: +44 171 4958595
USA
Embassy of the Republic of Botswana
1531 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20036
Tel: +1 202 2444990/1
Fax: +1 202 2444164.
Entry Requirements
A passport (valid for at least 12 months after intended period of stay) and a visa are required for some nationalities as well as tickets and documents for return or onward travel. An International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever is required if arriving from infected area within 5 days.
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