Facts
Overview
A land of stability, peace and prosperity, Botswana is a role model for other African countries. Botswana’s economy has grown rapidly due to their independence in 1967 and the discovery of diamonds in 1967. It is estimated that Botswana is the largest diamond producer in the world. The government's tourism policies encourage community, ecological and low-volume, high-cost tourism. Through this approach the environment and its resources are protected. It also ensures Botswana remains an elite and unspoilt safari destination.
CAPITAL:
Gaborone
HEAD OF STATE:
President Seretse Kharma Ian Kharma
POPULATION:
1.640.00
CURRENCY:
1 Pula = 100 Thebe. Major hotels have foreign currency facilities and most shops, lodges and travel agencies will accept traveller's cheques. USD traveller's cheques are recommended. Purchases must be made in Pula, but at tourist facilities, hard currencies are accepted. An unlimited amount of foreign currency may be imported and exported as long as it's declared. On leaving, you can take P200 maximum.
CUSTOMS:
Duty Free Allowances
- - BWP500 worth of goods
- - 400 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g of tobacco
- - 2 litres of wine
- - 1 litre of spirits
- - 50ml of perfume
- - 250ml of eau de toilette
Prohibited Goods
Fresh meat from Zimbabwe
Special Notes
- Up to 25kg of fresh meat (beef, mutton, chicken and fish) per vehicle can be brought in from South Africa without a permit
- Heat-treated animal products, e.g. canned meat and pasteurised milk need a veterinary movement permit depending on the quantities. Small quantities for personal consumption can enter without a veterinary import permit.
- Border posts in Botswana will accept only original documents. No faxes or copies will be accepted.
(NB! For full information, please contact the nearest Embassy of Botswana.)
ELECTRICITY:
220 volts, 50Hz. Plugs are 2-pin & 3-pin round and flat.
HEALTH:
There are no vaccination requirements for international travellers. Pre-arrival precautions are advised against malaria (risk exists Nov-Jun in northern parts of Botswana incl. Maun, Boteti, Chobe, Ngamiland, Okavango, Tutume districts/areas) and Hepatitis A, polio and typhoid. Other health concerns include influenza (risk throughout the year) and AIDS.
Due to the dry, dusty atmosphere, those with extreme respiratory problems (e.g. severe asthma or acute allergies) should avoid travels to Botswana as medical facilities are inadequate. As a precaution boil or sterilize drinking water when outside towns.
HOURS:
Banking Hours
9am-2.30pm Mon-Fri; 8am-noon Wed; 8am-10.45am Sat.
Office Hours
8am-5pm Apr-Oct; 7.30am-4.30pm Oct-Apr.
Shopping Hours
8.30am-1pm and 2pm-5pm Mon-Fri; 8.30am-1pm on Sat.
LANGUAGE:
English is the official language and Setswana the local language.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS:
New Years Day (1 -2 Jan); Easter (9 - 12 Apr); Labout Day (1 May); Ascension Day (20 May); Sir Seretse Khama Day (1 Jul); President's Day (15 - 16 Jul); Botswana Day (30 Sep); Christmas (25 - 26 Dec)
SOCIAL CONVENTIONS:
Most people follow a traditional lifestyle and may be unused to visitors, be sensitive to this. Obtain permission from locals to photograph them. Some hotels don't permit jeans and T-shirts. On safari, wear dull colours, white is not practical. The majority of the population hold animistic beliefs.
TIME DIFFERENCE:
GMT +2
TIPPING:
No service charges are included and tipping is expected, 10 percent is recommended.
GEOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE:
The country is divided into 2 topographical regions divided by a plateau which is about 4000ft high. Botswana consists mainly of a flat, practically uninhabitable semi- desert called the Kalahari. Botswana is generally hot throughout the year. Winter in Apr-Oct is dry, making game viewing easier, because the grasses are low. Rainy season is Nov-Mar. The air is dry virtually all year and Aug is the month of dust storms.
GETTING THERE:
Fly to Gabarone International Airport, Maun or Kasane. Road, Rail and bus services are also available.