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.

General Information
FULL NAME: Republic of Botswana (formerly Bechuanaland)
CAPITAL: Gaborone

INDEPENDENCE: 30 September 1966

POPULATION: 1 464 167 (estimated July 1999)

AREA: 600 370 km² (585 370 km² land; 15 000 km² water)

CURRENCY: Pula (P)

CLIMATE:
SUMMER: November to April. WINTER: May to October.
In summer, days are hot and generally sunny in the morning with possible afternoon thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures can rise to 38ºC (100ºF) and night temperatures drop to around 20-25ºC (68-77ºF). 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, days are dry, sunny and cool to warm while evening temperatures drop sharply. Daytime temperatures generally reach 20ºC (68ºF) and can drop to as low as 5ºC (41ºF) 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!

WHEN TO GO
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. 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.

VISA REQUIREMENTS
All visitors are required to carry a passport that is valid for six months beyond the intended length of stay. There should be sufficient blank pages for entry stamps upon arrival. US A citizens do not require visa for a stay of less than 90 days:

CURRENCY
The unit of currency is the pula (P), which is divided into 100 thebe. Notes are in P5, P10, P20, P50 and P100. Coins are in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 (thebe) and P1 & P2. (Pula also means rain or greeting in Tswana.)

CREDIT CARDS
All major credit cards are accepted at hotels, shops and restaurants. Certain lodges and restaurants do not accept payment by Diners or American Express.

BANKS
Banks in Maun & Kasane:
Mon-Fri 08:30 - 14:30
Sat 08:15 - 10:45
First National Bank, Maun:
Mon-Fri 09:00 - 12:45; 14:15 - 15:30
Sat 08:30 - 11:00

Standard Chartered Bank, Maun:
Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 08:15 - 14:00
Wed 08:h15 - 13:00
Sat 08:15 - 10:45

Major hotels have foreign exchange facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveler’s cheques.

TIPPING
Service is not usually included in the bill. It is usual to tip porters, waiters, taxi drivers, room attendants, golf caddies, game rangers, guides and trackers. Generally speaking, gratuities to waiters and taxi drivers should amount to around 10% of the cost of the service. Porterage is usually P1.50 per bag, golf caddies usually around P20 a round, and your game ranger/guide P10 per person per day.

COMMUNICATION
The international dialing code for calling Botswana is +267. There are no regional codes within Botswana. The international dialing code when dialing out from Botswana is 00. A direct international dialing service is available from the major hotels and lodges in Kasane, Maun, Gaborone and Francistown. Both local and long distance calls are metered on a time basis and you pay for every second. Major hotels and businesses have a fax service. Hotels levy a substantial surcharge on all calls. Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana such as the Okavango Delta do not have telephonic communication facilities. The lodges are able to communicate with the "outside world" via two-way radio to Maun or Kasane.

ELECTRICITY
Electricity is supplied at 220/240 volts AC, 50hz.
Lodges in the more remote areas of Botswana do not have electricity. These lodges generally rely on generator power for lighting and refrigeration but this power only runs at critical times of the day.

Internet facilities are becoming more available in some of the main towns of Botswana.

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HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Before entering Botswana, you will have to get malaria prophylactics. When buying them, tell your doctor or pharmacist that you intend visiting Botswana, as certain anti-malarials are tailored to particular areas. If you suffer from side effects, try taking your malaria prophylactics at night, after dinner. Take precautionary measures to prevent contact with mosquitoes, like: sleeping under a bed net or in a room/tent with mosquito proofing (remember to keep the flaps zipped at all times); spraying your accommodation with insecticide; making use of a mosquito-repelling lotion or stick and wearing long-sleeved clothing, long trousers and socks when outside at night.
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.

It is advisable to obtain medical insurance prior to arrival. Health care standards in Botswana are high, with excellent hospitals in Gaborone and Francistown. All main towns have well-stocked pharmacies, but it is recommended that you bring any medicines you may require with you.

INSURANCE
We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance, which includes curtailment and cancellation cover, as well as medical cover, upon confirming your booking.

LANGUAGE
Although the official language of Botswana is English, most of the population also speaks Tswana. Guided safaris are always conducted in English.

CULTURE
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). About 80% of the population of Botswana are rural inhabitants.

SOUVENIRS
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 northwest, 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.

PHOTOGRAPHY
Film is a available at most game lodge, but stocks are usually small and of the common sizes only. For game and bird photography, a telephoto lens of between 200 and 300mm is strongly recommended. Larger lenses, which require a tripod, are generally impractical for game photography from vehicles, as are double lens reflex cameras. A lens hood and ultra violet filter are advisable and a dust cover (plastic bag) is essential. Remember to bring spare batteries for your camera, as these are seldom available on safari. Binoculars are invaluable for bird and game viewing.

SUGGESTED PACKING LIST
Generally, casual comfortable clothing is suitable throughout the year. The most practical items to pack for safari are:
» T-shirts
» Shorts or a light skirt
» Jeans or safari trousers for evenings and cooler days
» Fleece or sweater and a windbreaker for game drives (necessary,
even in summer)
» Comfortable walking shoes
» Sun block, sunglasses, hat, insect repellent - essentials!
» Binoculars and a camera are a must
» Tracksuit - good for sleeping in during winter months
» Light, compact raincoat is a good idea for the summer
» Swimsuit, as most hotels/lodges have swimming pools
» Towel, torch and sleeping bag for camping safaris (sleeping bags can be hired from most safari operators)
» Blouses with long sleeves (even in summer; they will protect you from the sun and from mosquitoes
» Layers are most practical for the fluctuating day/night temperatures of Botswana. Dull and/or neutral colors are more suitable for safari, white is not practical. It is best to pack hardy, durable clothing
»» VERY IMPORTANT: packing space is limited on all modes of safari transport so you will need to restrict your baggage to 12-15kg (preferably packed in a soft bag) plus a reasonable amount of camera equipment

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
New Year’s Day - 1 January
Day after New Year’s Day - 2 January
Good Friday (varies)
Easter Saturday (varies)
Easter Sunday (varies)
Ascension Day (varies)
President’s Day (varies)
Day after President’s Day (varies)
Botswana Day - 30 September
Day after Botswana Day - 1 October
Christmas Day - 25 December
Boxing Day - 26 December
Day after Boxing Day - 27 December