Botswana

Here is to be found an abundance of African wildlife in admirably maintained reserves such as Chobe and Moremi as well as its inestimable treasure, the Okavango Delta which is a natural habitat for hundreds of different species. A fabulous watery labyrinth which you will be privileged to traverse on board a traditional pirogue (Mokoro) along the winding rivulets, the ideal vantage point for viewing birds, hippopotamus and more.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Communications
The international country code for Botswana is +267. Cellular phone service providers in Botswana are Mascom and Orange.

Credit Card and Currency
The official currency is the Pula. Most hotels, lodges and main town shops and restaurants accept major credit cards. Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Diners Club card are widely accepted.

Driving
Always keep left hand side of the road. All foreigners and visitors are required to carry an international driver’s licence.

Electricity
220/240V. Outlets are the three-squre-pin type.

Languages
The official language is English and it is spoken most widely in the country’s main tourist areas. Setswana is the National language.

Malaria
Anti-malaria precautions are highly recommended and all foreigners should take anti-malaria medication before traveling to Botswana. Tourist can help reduce the risk of malaria by using personal protection measures (mosquito net at night, long sleeves and long trousers at night, apply mosquito repellents to skin and clothing…) and prophylactics.

Safety
Botswana is generally a peaceful country but always exercise precautions like any other countries. Don’t walk around with things you can’t do without, like your passport or airline tickets. Carry minimum amounts of cash

Time
Two (2) hours ahead of GMT.

Tipping
Tipping is common practice in Botswana for a range of services. In restaurants the accepted standard is around 10% of the bill.

Visa
All visitors must be in possession of a valid passport in order to enter the country. Some Foreign Nationals require entry visas, which are available at point of entry but other Foreign Nationals don’t need Visa.
Important Note: This is a guide only – please check with your nearest Botswana consulate, embassy or Botswana diplomatic mission for up to date information.

Weather
Botswana has two seasons, summer and winter. Summer runs from November to April, hot and sunny with daytime temperatures as high as 38 °C. Winter runs from May to October and is dry, sunny and cool with daytime temperatures averaging 20 °C. Night can be extremely cold with temperature as low as 5°C

Shopping
In general, shops are open from 08.00 until 17.00 and closed on Saturday afternoons and Sundays