General

Botswana, a land of diverse beauties, is ideally located in the heart of southern Africa. Botswana has enjoyed remarkable economic growth since independence. From being one of the poorest countries, Botswana has emerged as one the fastest growing economies in the world. Its natural beauty lies in its wilderness, wildlife and cultural diversity.

Hunting and gathering is practised by all tribesmen, but is guided by very strict traditional conservation strategies. This cultural heritage has enabled Botswana to preserve vast and diverse species of wildlife and natural resources. At least 17% of Botswana is reserved as parks, which facilitates the protection of the fragile natural environment.

Among the major tourist attractions are the Okavango Delta, said to be the largest inland delta in the world; Chobe National Park, home of the largest elephant population in the world; the golden sands of the vast Kalahari Desert; the Tuli Block with its rugged terrain and the Moremi Game Reserve.

Practical Information

Money:

Botswana’s unit of currency is the pula (P), which is divided into 100 thebe. ‘Pula’ means ‘rain’ – a valuable commodity in this desert land.

Full banking services are available only in major towns, although ATMs are sprouting  up all over the country. Most credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants and cash advances are available at major banks (but not through ATMs).

Visas:

All visitors to Botswana need a valid passport, but no visas are required by citizens of most Commonwealth countries, EU countries, Israel, Norway, South Africa, Switzerland and the USA. On arrival you’ll get a 30-day entrance stamp. Extensions are available for up to three months. You may be asked to show an onward air ticket or proof of sufficient funds for your intended stay.

When to go

Although it straddles the Tropic of Capricorn, Botswana experiences extremes in both temperature and weather. In the winter (late May through August), days are normally clear, warm and sunny, and nights are cool to cold. Wildlife never wanders far from water sources, so sightings are more predictable than in the wetter summer season. This is also the time of European, North American and – most importantly – South African school holidays, so some areas can be busy, especially between mid-July and mid-September. In summer (October to April), wildlife is harder to spot and rains can render sandy roads impassable. This is also the time of the highest humidity and the most stifling heat; daytime temperatures of over 40°C are common.