BOTSWANA ESSENTIAL DETAILS
Need to know basis...
How do I get there? How long should I stay? Do I need a visa? When is the best time to see the wildlife? Can I drive myself?.... Your clients' essential questions are answered here
How do I get there? There are no direct fl ights from the UK to Botswana. Air Botswana, South African Airways and South African Express all fl y between Johannesburg and Botswana.
Do I need a visa to travel to Botswana? Citizens of most EU and Commonwealth countries do not require a visa for entry to Botswana.
Do I need any inoculations for Botswana? If you are travelling from areas infected with Yellow Fever then you must have a valid Yellow Fever vaccination certifi cate. Otherwise no other immunisations are required. However, it would be wise to have an updated TPD (tetanus, polio, diphtheria) vaccine and a Hepatitis A vaccine.
What is the currency in Botswana? It's the Pula (approximately nine pence), each one made up of 100 Thebe. ATM machines accept foreign visa cards, but are mostly found in larger towns and cities. Cultural sites and community art and craft outlets usually only accept cash.
How long should I go for? There are a number of diverse eco-systems to visit in Botswana, the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari and the Makgadikgadi for example. Suggest staying two or three nights in different camps.
What wildlife will I see? Will I see the Big 5? Yes, visitors on safari have a good chance of Seeing the Big Five. Botswana's incredible wildlife includes some of the rarer African animals such as wild dogs. The largest population of savannah elephants in the world is found in Chobe. For bird enthusiasts the Delta has over 450 species.
When is the best time to go on safari? Most people visit Botswana between April and October – the dry season – when the bush is at its lowest and wildlife gathers at the waterholes. When the rains come the vegetation bursts into life and some places can become diffi cult to access. But this time – November to February – also brings the baby mammals, better birdlife and fewer people.
WHAT LANGUAGE DO THEY SPEAK?
THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE IN BOTSWANA IS ENGLISH. THE LOCAL LANGUAGE IS SETSWANA
Can I self drive? Self driving is possible in Botswana. Vehicles can be driven into the country or hired from a number of companies in major towns. A valid international driver’s license is required to drive in Botswana.
Is it safe? Botswana is a relatively safe place to visit. Take the same precautions you would anywhere else. Drivers should take extra care at night when domestic and wild animals can be on the roads.
Is it possible to join a ‘No 1 Ladies Detective Agency Tour’? Several options are available for following in the footsteps of Mma Ramotswe. Companies in Gaborone offer half-day, full day and longer tours to see the main locations mentioned in the books.
BOTSWANA'S GREEN SEASON IS BEAUTIFUL WITH FLOWERS IN ABUNDANCE. NOTE THAT THE KALAHARI IS AMAZING IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RAINS
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What cultural activities are there? The inclusion of a cultural tour in a safari is an excellent way to see authentic village life and interact with Batswana. Many safari companies now include village tours as an option.
Can I spend time with the Bushmen? Many safari companies offer the opportunity to walk and spend time with the Bushmen, learning about their traditional way of life. Some companies arrange for clients to spend time in a Bushmen village.
What souvenirs can I buy? There is an increasing range of local arts and crafts on sale in Gaborone, Maun and Kasane and other tourist areas; they include Botswana’s renowned world-class bas- kets, woodcarvings, jewellery, pottery, tapestries, fabrics, clothing, glassware and San craft.
Can I buy diamonds in Botswana?
Visitors to Botswana can purchase diamond jewellery from authorised
dealers. •
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